Airlie Beach, it’s time to party in the streets! 🎉🌊

The Street Parade returns for the Great Barrier Reef Festival’s 25th birthday celebration, bringing a wave of colour, creativity, music, and silver sparkle through the heart of town.

For one spectacular afternoon, Airlie Beach Main Street transforms into a moving celebration of the reef! Where every float, costume, and performance is inspired by life under the sea. This is a reef-themed parade, and in 2026 it comes with an extra twist… a shimmering SILVER ANNIVERSARY GLOW woven through the celebration.

Expect imaginative floats, dazzling costumes, and plenty of surprises, all embracing reef life from coral gardens and tropical fish to sea creatures, tides, and ocean magic, reimagined with a birthday twist.

This is where the whole town comes together to celebrate 25 years of the Great Barrier Reef Festival, with thousands of locals and visitors lining the streets to soak up the electric atmosphere. Whether you’re building a float, dressing up with your crew, or cheering from the sidelines, expect big energy, reef creativity, silver shine, and one unforgettable celebration by the sea.

Want to Be Involved?

We’d love to have you on board! Whether you’re a school, sporting club, creative crew, business, or community group, the parade is your chance to showcase your spirit, tell your story, and get creative with:

🪸 Reef-themed creativity (a must!)
🥂 Silver anniversary sparkle
🎂 25 years — one giant birthday party in the streets

Parade entries can take the form of walking groups, vehicle floats, or a combination of both. Whether you’re building a coral castle, dressing as sea creatures, or repping your business with style—the more creative, the better!

It’s also a great team-building opportunity—get your group together, brainstorm your float, and have some fun in the process. Many participants say preparing for the parade is just as rewarding as the event itself!

Fame, Glory & Prizes

We’re handing out cash prizes and plenty of bragging rights in the following categories:
🏆 Best Business Entry
🏆 Best Not-for-Profit Entry
🏆 Most Creative & Wacky

So start sketching those float ideas and gather your crew—the countdown is on!

How to Get Involved

• Entry deadline: Wednesday, July 29 – don’t miss out!
• Spectators can enjoy the fun from anywhere along the route, or grab a seat at one of the many cafés, bars, or restaurants lining the street for a front-row view.

📧 To register or find out more:

Enter the Parade Now

Email us at parade@greatbarrierreeffestival.com.au