YOU really want to be here in Brisbane September 3rd.

For some, this is like saying really you want to be in Dry Gulch, Hicksville or Shropshire this Saturday - indeed, some would argue Brisbane is an overgrown Hicksville. These people have probably never been to Brisbane in the last 10 years and should be avoided at all costs.

And it's not just the regular attractions like Lone Pine, the XXXX Brewery and Australia Zoo that will make you really want to be here in Brisbane on Saturday.

You really want to be here in Brisbane September 3 because the sky is going to go BOOM!!!

Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you our very own Riverfire - Brisbane's legendary fireworks spectacular that makes the strong gasp in awe, the weak begin to feel a bit wobbly and the clever to grab the most attractive person in the room for "support". The show itself is along the Brisbane River from the Victoria Bridge to the Story Bridge as it snakes past the City, South Bank and Kangaroo Point Cliffs.

You know the best part though? Both Base Central and Base Embassy are smack bang in the city centre - you can turn left, right or just head down Edward Street from either hostel to find a great vantage point to watch the show.

That's not all though. Riverfire marks the start of the Brisbane Festival (www.brisbanefestival.com.au). Highlights of this three-week arts festival include dance spectacular "Out of Context - for Pina"; renowned pianist Evgeny Kissin for one night only; Australian trumpeter James Morrison; and China's most successful play ever, "Rhinoceros In Love".

Arts not really your thing though? Ok, what if we throw in a laser show along the Brisbane River on twice nightly Sundays - Thursdays; three times on a Friday and Saturday? Plus an interactive light scope and a light sphere down at South Bank. Not to mention my personal favourite: the Spiegeltent in King George Square, which will feature blues, reggae, roots, indie, Indigenous, and even comedy acts.

You know what? You don't really want to be here in Brisbane September 3. You want to be here in Brisbane all month long!!!