New Year’s Eve River Party features 2 of Sesame Street’s favourites

Published on 23 December 2025

Say farewell to 2025 and welcome in the New Year with council's ever-popular New Year's Eve River Party, featuring two of the world's most famous characters.

This year, Elmo and Cookie Monster will appear at this free family-friendly event which runs from 6pm to 9pm at the Bluewater Quay.

Sing and dance along with your favourite Sesame Street duo while enjoying live music, kids’ amusements and a variety of food vendors and market stalls.

Mayor Greg Williamson said Elmo and Cookie Monster were two of the world’s most recognised characters and it was tremendous to have them headlining the New Year’s Eve River Party.

“Elmo and Cookie Monster – and the whole Sesame Street cast – are generationally beloved,” Mayor Williamson said.

“There’s going to be two fantastic Live Interactive Performances for families and there will also be a meet and greet session during the evening where families can get photos and meet the characters,” he said

Mayor Williamson also announced there would be two exciting fireworks displays.

“We’d like to give a big shout out to Kay and the amazing team at Muscle Garden who have jumped on board to support the two fireworks displays as the naming rights sponsor for the third year,” Mayor Williamson said.

“The two Muscle Garden fireworks displays will be at 9pm for families and another at midnight for revellers.”

Festivals Coordinator Sarah Porter said there were also two fantastic local musicians to entertain the crowd on the main stage – Michael Scriha and Leah Zador.

“Michael Scriha has been captivating audiences around Brisbane and Mackay and, with his unique sound and engaging style, will have residents easing into the night and relaxing with some local street food,” Ms Porter said.

“Leah Zador had recently returned from 12 years of playing music around the world,” she said.

“Her own music is inspired by noir, blues and rock and her lyrics are heavily influenced by her time abroad, but she has a large repertoire of well-known songs that will be enjoyed by everyone.”

For more information on the New Year’s Eve River Party, follow Mackay Festivals on Facebook or head to www.themecc.com.au/mackay-festivals/events/new-years-eve-river-party

Schedule of entertainment

Main stage

6.05pm – Yuwi – Welcome to Country

6.10pm – Mayor's welcome

6.20pm – Sesame Street – Elmo and Cookie Monster Live Interactive Performance

6.45pm – Michael Scriha

7.15pm – Sesame Street Duo – Elmo and the Cookie Monster Meet and Greet

7.45pm – Leah Zador

8.30pm – Sesame Street – Elmo and Cookie Monster Live Interactive Performance

Muscle Garden fireworks displays

Display 1 – 9pm

Display 2 – Midnight

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES
6pm-9pm – Hibbles Amusements

6pm-9pm – Let's Just Face It - face painting
6pm-9pm – Freed Class – kids’ activities
6pm-9pm – MECC activation