The countdown is almost complete, and excitement is building as the Burdekin Water Festival Grand Parade & Mardi Gras returns on this Saturday, the 6th of September! This iconic event, beloved by locals for 67 years, promises a dazzling day of fun, food, and festivities for the entire community.
Grand Parade – 4:30pm
Kicking off at 4:30pm, the Grand Parade will take over Queen Street, showcasing a spectacular fleet of floats decorated to perfection in this year’s theme: “Bon Voyage – Roam The Globe”. Community groups, local businesses, schools, and organisations will bring creativity, colour, and charm to the streets, leaving spectators in awe. Don’t forget your cameras – these floats are parade perfection!
Twilight Markets & Burdekin Eats – 5pm
As the parade winds down, the fun keeps rolling with the Twilight Markets and Burdekin Eats, beginning at 5pm at the Mardi Gras. Queen Street will transform into a cultural feast with international cuisine, live entertainment, amusement rides, a classic sideshow alley, face painting, and Melville’s Petting Zoo – ensuring every member of the family is entertained.
Windy Wizard Show – 5:30pm
Prepare to be amazed at 5:30pm when the Windy Wizard Show takes the Main Stage outside Harvey Norman. Expect jaw-dropping tricks, laughter, and magical moments that will delight kids and adults alike.
Crowning the Junior Ambassadors – 7pm
At 7pm, the spotlight turns to the next generation as the Burdekin Water Festival Judges announce and crown the Junior Winner and Runner-Up on the Main Stage – a highlight of the evening and a proud moment for young ambassadors.
Float, Window & Garden Competition Winners – 7:30pm
Later, at 7:30pm, the competition winners will be revealed! Celebrate the creativity and hard work of our community with the announcement of Float Winners, Window Competition Winners, and Garden Competition Winners.
Burdekin Art Society Art Show – 10am to 9pm
Art enthusiasts can enjoy the Burdekin Art Society Art Show in the Burdekin Theatre, running from 10am to 9pm, showcasing stunning local talent in a must-see display of creativity.
More Fun and Festivities Await!
From the thrilling Tug-O-War Competition to the draw of the Major Raffle, the 2025 Burdekin Water Festival promises a day packed with excitement, laughter, and memories to last a lifetime.
The Burdekin Water Festival Committee is pulling out all the stops to make this year bigger, better, and more brilliant than ever. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the magic. For the full schedule and updates, visit www.burdekinwaterfestival.com.au, and stay up to date with all festival news through the Burdekin Water Festival's social media pages.
Prepare for a day of dazzling floats, delicious food, live entertainment, and unforgettable family fun – the Burdekin Water Festival is back, and it’s going global!
What: Burdekin Water Festival
When: Saturday, 6th of September from 4:30pm
Where: Queen Street, Ayr