As thousands of rugby league fans descend on the city, Caxton Street - just steps from Suncorp Stadium - will be closed to traffic and opened up to fans, with live entertainment, food trucks, merch outlets, games, giveaways, mascots, and appearances from NRL legends.

The Caxton Street precinct will be a hive of activity as local businesses extend their trading hours to welcome the influx of visitors, setting the stage for an encore of 2024, which was the precinct’s biggest trading weekend ever.

Hotels are already booked at over 75% capacity for May 2-3 Magic Round showdowns – an increase of almost 30% compared to the same non-event driven dates last year.

Delivered by the National Rugby League and supported by Brisbane City Council, Brisbane Economic Development Agency and Tourism and Events Queensland, the activation is part of Brisbane’s continued push to cement its status as Australia’s premier destination for major events, drawing both domestic and international crowds to its vibrant inner-city precincts.

Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane’s biggest celebration of footy would return for a long weekend to remember.

“Magic Round is one of the biggest drawcards on Brisbane’s events calendar and Caxton Street will be the ultimate place to soak up the festival of football.

“Brisbane is Australia’s lifestyle capital and hotel bookings are soaring as visitors lock in their stays for this unmissable event.

“Opening up Caxton Street will create an unforgettable atmosphere for footy fans while supporting the local businesses who help create even more to see and do in Brisbane.”

NRL CEO, Andrew Abdo said, “Nothing compares to the colour, buzz and exciting atmosphere of Magic Round and 2025 will see the best sporting festival in the country go to another level.

“Magic Round is on track to break even more records with more fans than ever before set to converge on Brisbane.

“Magic Round took over Caxton Street last year and we’ve made some exciting additions for 2025 to connect fans all the way along that famous journey from Caxton Street to Suncorp Stadium with fun and entertainment everywhere you turn.”

Minister for Tourism, Andrew Powell said, “Magic Round is certainly a famous footy event but it’s also a celebration of sport, community and Queensland’s unbeatable spirit.

“We’ve seen the incredible atmosphere of Magic Round spill out onto Caxton Street and through to the city beyond and we’re excited to see that tradition continue this year.

“This is Queensland at its best - hosting world-class events, attracting crowds to fill our local businesses and backing our visitor economy all the way.”

President of Caxton Street Development Association Sarosh Mehta said, “It’s an honour to have Magic Round on Caxton Street’s doorstep and we’re excited to welcome the street closure once again in 2025.”

Celebrations will be felt across Brisbane including The City’s Sideline Social food and drink pop-up, alongside other great activations happening throughout Queen Street Mall, bringing the game-day energy to the heart of Brisbane City.

The Caxton Street Magic Round Fan Activation Zone will be in place from 10.00am on Friday 2 May to 3.00am Monday 5 May 2025 Petrie Terrace and Hale Street.