From 2 May to 5 May 2025, Petrie Terrace will host major festivities as Caxton Street transforms into a pedestrian-only fan zone for the NRL Magic Round, with live entertainment and street activations.
Background: A Tradition of Sport and Celebration
Caxton Street in Petrie Terrace has long been a hub for sport and entertainment, particularly on weekends when crowds descend on Suncorp Stadium for NRL, rugby union, or soccer matches. The area’s vibrant atmosphere, supported by venues such as the Caxton Hotel, Lord Alfred Hotel, and Gambaro’s seafood restaurant, makes it a natural fit for large-scale fan activations.
After the success of previous years, Brisbane retained hosting rights for Magic Round, strengthened by proposals such as establishing a dedicated fan zone in Petrie Terrace.
Event Overview: Fan Zone Activation and Traffic Changes
During the 2025 NRL Magic Round, Caxton Street will be fully closed to vehicles between Petrie Terrace and Hale Street. The full road closure will be in place from 10:00 a.m. Friday, 2 May to 3:00 a.m. Monday, 5 May. Police, traffic controllers, and clear signage will manage detours and assist pedestrians and motorists.
The Caxton Street fan zone, delivered by the NRL with support from BCC, Brisbane Economic Development Agency, and Tourism and Events Queensland, will feature DJs, beer pong, dance parties, live entertainment, interactive games, mascots, food trucks, and giveaways.
Fans will also encounter appearances from former NRL players Todd Carney, Chris Walker, and Joel Thompson, along with Mad Monday promotional models and full bar facilities.
Nightclub passes for Brisbane venues will be available each night, adding to the entertainment offerings across the Magic Round weekend.
Economic Impact and Community Engagement
Magic Round 2024 injected almost $40 million into Brisbane’s economy, with more than 48,000 interstate visitors attending. Hotel bookings for the 2025 event are already above 75 per cent occupancy, an increase of nearly 30 per cent compared to non-event weekends. The local business community, including popular venues on Caxton Street and Given Terrace in Paddington, is preparing for another record-breaking weekend.
The activation is expected to drive significant foot traffic to nearby restaurants such as Gambaro, Black Hide Steakhouse, Fritzenberger, and Libertine at The Barracks, along with cafés and pubs across Paddington and South Bank.
Community Sentiment and Organisational Support
City official Adrian Schrinner and NRL CEO Andrew Abdo highlighted the event’s importance to Brisbane’s major events calendar. Local business representatives, such as the President of the Caxton Street Development Association, Sarosh Mehta, also expressed support for the street closures, viewing them as an opportunity to boost trade and showcase Brisbane’s hospitality sector.
Organisers have expanded the entertainment program following earlier criticisms that past fan zones offered limited activities. Additions for 2025 include more live music, promotional competitions, and interactive fan experiences.
A Growing Festival for Petrie Terrace
With fresh additions and strong support from organisers, the Caxton Street fan zone in Petrie Terrace is set to offer an even bigger Magic Round experience. The activation is expected to strengthen Brisbane’s profile as a premier destination for major sporting events, with flow-on benefits for local businesses and the broader tourism sector.
Published 26-Apr-2025
