The sun beat down on the stunning riverside venue, Sandstone Point Hotel, as festival goers poured in for an unforgettable day of music, sunshine, and pure energy.
The gates opened at 3pm, ushering in a vibrant crowd eager to make the most of the day. The venue, just north of Brisbane, nestled along the water's edge, was bathed in golden light, setting the stage for what would be a festival experience like no other.From the moment fans entered, the atmosphere was electric. People were dressed to impress in their best summer festival outfits, some wearing glittering ensembles, others donning playful pineapple costumes.
Bright, oversized sunglasses, flamboyant hats, and quirky accessories added to the festive vibe. It was clear everyone was ready for a day of dancing, singing, and good times.
By 4:30pm, the crowd was primed and buzzing as Daya took the stage. The American singer-songwriter instantly captured the audience's attention, belting out some of her biggest hits, including 'Hide Away' and 'Sit Still, Look Pretty'.
Daya - image © Jayden Guarnaccia
With two talented dancers accompanying her, the choreography was tight, and her powerful vocals filled the space, drawing in the growing crowd. Her performance was an early highlight, setting the bar high for the rest of the evening.
The tempo ramped up with Austin Millz next taking to the stage. The DJ, undeterred by the unforgiving Queensland heat, delivered a pulsating 55-minute set that had the crowd bouncing. His ability to blend hip hop and electronic beats kept the energy high, preparing the audience for the heavier hitters that would follow.
As the sun began to dip, Gryffin took over bringing a more theatrical element to the show. The San Francisco-born DJ, known for his melodic house and energetic live performances, wasted no time in ramping up the excitement.
The highlight of his set was the stunning pyrotechnic display that accompanied tracks like 'Tie Me Down' and 'Feel Good'. CO2 cannons blasted into the sky and fire machines roared to life with every drop, sending waves of heat and adrenaline through the crowd.
Gryffin - image © Jayden Guarnaccia
Gryffin's performance was not just about the beats – it was an immersive experience, especially as he picked up his electric guitar and shredded through some of his biggest tracks, adding a rock edge to his electronic sound. It was the perfect way to transition into the night.
The next surprise came with Peking Duk hitting the stage. Originally scheduled to be Alesso, who unfortunately pulled out due to illness, Peking Duk were more than capable of stepping in and delivering.
The Aussie duo had the crowd in the palm of their hands as they played an hour-long set that featured some of their biggest hits like 'Stranger', 'High', 'Take Me Over', and 'Fire'.
A particularly memorable moment came when they dropped their quirky, crowd-pleasing remix of 'Don't Stop Believin'', sending the crowd into a frenzy. Their infectious energy and seamless mixing ensured the night kept building toward something special.
Peking Duk - image © Jayden Guarnaccia
Just after 8pm, the energy in the venue had reached a fever pitch. Fans, many who had been lounging on the grass earlier in the day, now crowded the mosh pit, eager for the main event.
The Chainsmokers – the New York duo of Drew Taggart and Alex Pall – were about to take the stage for the first time in Brisbane since their 2017 Memories Do Not Open tour. When they finally emerged, the crowd erupted.
The performance kicked off with an electrifying intro edit, accompanied by fireworks and pyro explosions that set the tone for what was to come. Throughout their set, The Chainsmokers delivered a mix of original tracks, remixes, and high-energy mashups that kept the crowd moving from start to finish.
Hits like 'Don't Let Me Down', 'Roses', and 'Inside Out' were met with enthusiastic sing-alongs from the crowd, while their latest releases, 'Don't Lie' and 'Addicted' offered a fresh take on their familiar sound.
The Chainsmokers - image © Jayden Guarnaccia
One of the most unforgettable moments came when Daya joined the duo onstage to perform 'Don't Let Me Down' live. The track was enhanced by a spectacular visual display, and when the drop hit, fireworks erupted from the stage, sending the crowd into a frenzy. The partnership between The Chainsmokers and Daya was electric, proving that some collaborations are meant to be experienced live.
As the show neared its conclusion, the crowd was treated to a cover of Luke Combs' cover of 'Fast Car' by Tracy Chapman – a surprise choice that drew everyone in before the final explosion of energy.
The iconic piano chords of 'Closer' began, and the entire crowd sang-along to every word. The atmosphere was electric, with fans swaying to the beat and waving their arms in unison. The final drop was accompanied by a shower of streamers, while a 90-second firework display lit up the sky, signalling the end of the night.
The Chainsmokers thanked the crowd for an unforgettable evening: "Thank you, we are The Chainsmokers, and you were amazing!" They exited the stage to roaring applause, leaving behind a sea of happy fans who had just witnessed something truly special.
As festival goers filed out of the venue, the smiles on their faces were unmistakable. Though the night was over, the excitement lingered in the air. The combination of stunning performances, unforgettable visuals, and a crowd full of energy made this one of those rare festival experiences that will be remembered for years to come.
The Chainsmokers - image © Jayden Guarnaccia
The music, the atmosphere, and the unforgettable moments with artists like Daya, Gryffin, Peking Duk, and, of course, The Chainsmokers made for an experience that was worth every minute.
Brisbane had been treated to something special, and as the night came to a close, it was clear this was a festival that would be hard to top. Until next time, fans left with hearts full of memories, waiting for the next unforgettable summer festival.
More photos from the concert.
