Canada and Poland Go Head-to-Head at SeaFire International Fireworks Competition at Australia’s iconic Gold Coast

The Gold Coast's iconic beachfront will once again become a stage for one of Australia's most spectacular fireworks events, with SeaFire 2026 returning to Surfers Paradise this Saturday, June 20.

Now celebrating its 13th year, the internationally acclaimed fireworks competition is expected to attract around 40,000 spectators to the foreshore for a night filled with dazzling pyrotechnics, live entertainment and family-friendly festivities.

The free community event will see international teams from Canada and Poland compete for SeaFire's coveted title, delivering breathtaking displays choreographed to music and designed to captivate audiences along the famous Surfers Paradise beachfront.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said SeaFire has become one of the city's premier annual events and continues to draw visitors from across the region and beyond.

"SeaFire is set to ignite the Surfers Paradise foreshore once again," Mayor Tate said.

"We're expecting around 40,000 people to gather along the beachfront and experience some of the world's best fireworks displays.

"We are delighted to welcome teams from Canada and Poland this year as they compete for the championship title before an unforgettable Australian-themed finale closes the evening."

The competition will feature three spectacular 10-minute fireworks displays throughout the night. Team Canada will open proceedings at 6pm, followed by Team Poland at 7pm. The event will conclude with a specially produced Australian fireworks finale at 8pm.

Each international team will present a carefully choreographed performance combining music, timing, colour, special effects and artistic design. Displays will be judged across a range of categories including soundtrack production, synchronisation, creativity, visual impact, use of effects and audience appreciation.

The winning team will be announced on the night following the completion of all performances.

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to secure a prime viewing position on the sand and take advantage of the vibrant atmosphere throughout Surfers Paradise. The precinct's wide range of restaurants, bars, accommodation options and beachfront attractions make it an ideal destination for a weekend staycation.

To help manage crowds, organisers are encouraging attendees to leave their cars at home and travel via the G:link light rail service. Additional tram services will operate before and after the event, with Cavill Avenue station providing convenient access to the beachfront.

Spectators can also enhance their experience by tuning into 102.9 Hot Tomato, which will broadcast the synchronised soundtrack accompanying each fireworks display.

As one of the highlights of the Gold Coast events calendar, SeaFire continues to deliver a unique combination of international competition, community celebration and world-class entertainment.

Families, visitors and locals alike are invited to enjoy an unforgettable evening of light, colour and sound as SeaFire 2026 once again lights up the Gold Coast skyline.

Event Details

Event: SeaFire 2026 International Fireworks Competition
Date: Saturday, June 20, 2026
Location: Surfers Paradise Foreshore, Gold Coast

Fireworks Schedule:

• 6:00pm - Team Canada
• 7:00pm - Team Poland
• 8:00pm - Australian Grand Finale

Admission: Free

Judging Criteria

Competitors will be assessed on:

• Music selection and soundtrack production quality
• Choreography, timing and synchronisation
• Variety and creativity of effects and colours
• Overall artistic design and visual presentation
• Audience engagement and crowd response

SeaFire 2026 promises another memorable evening of entertainment, showcasing some of the world's finest pyrotechnic talent against the stunning backdrop of Surfers Paradise Beach.