With landscapes as pretty as a picture, you’ll find talented creatives are right at home on the Sunshine Coast. Across autumn, winter, and spring, fill your artistic cup with a healthy dose of spectacular performances, workshops and ceremonies as our arts and culture takes centre stage. Our jam-packed events and festivals calendar will have you going from sitting in the front row at the Australian Wearable Art Festival to getting your groove on at our eclectic mix of music festivals. Let the show begin!
Horizon Festival (2-11 May)
Get a taste of the Sunshine Coast’s rich art scene at Horizon Festival, which honours our Traditional Custodians of Country—the Kabi Kabi peoples and Jinibara peoples. With 10 days of events set across a range of stunning backdrops across the region, you’ll be in for a treat of thought-provoking performances, workshops, and ceremonies.
Queensland Garden Show (11-13 July)
Queensland Garden Show, Nambour
With three days of plant-filled goodness on the agenda, the Queensland Garden Show promises ‘barrow’-loads of fun for every member of the family. Whether you’re chasing a specialist orchid, keen to hone your green thumb in a workshop, or simply in the mood for an outdoor adventure, make tracks for the Nambour Showgrounds this year for your next hit of garden inspiration.
Noosa Alive! (18-27 July)
Discover why our spectacular winter days are the ideal time to soak up some culture at Noosa Alive!. With a bursting program of ballet, entertainers, comedy, theatre, and more, you’ll be set for ten full days of entertainment at one of our spectacular coastal destinations.
Australian Wearable Art Festival (8-9 August)
Australian Wearable Art Festival, Bokarina, Sunshine Coast
Lights, camera, action... fashionistas, get ready to unite at the renowned Australian Wearable Art Festival. Settle back with a view of the 27-metre-long runway as models showcase jaw-dropping, avant-garde garments crafted by talented designers. The only challenge will be choosing your favourite piece!
Gympie Music Muster (28-31 August)
Gympie Music Muster, Amamoor Creek State Forest
Grab the guitar and pop on the Akubra before hitting the grounds at the hotly-anticipated Gympie Music Muster. With the program filling up with names like 19-Twenty, 8 Ball Aitken, and Adam Harvey, you’ll want to get in fast once tickets drop for this year’s event. Pitch your tent under the stars to make the most of the full agenda of music, dancing, workshops, and bush poetry, or snag yourself a day pass.
Noosa Jazz Festival (29 August – 7 September)
Indulge in the ultimate combo of jazz music and coastal beauty at this year’s Noosa Jazz Festival. Gorgeous waterfront venues and talented national (and international) musicians take centre stage at the Jazz Festival, promising an earful of swoony, foot-tapping tunes. Don’t miss out on securing a spot at the iconic Noosa Jazz Party, held at the J Theatre.
Mitchell Creek Rock ‘n’ Blues Festival (19-22 September)
Music fans, mark your calendars! Located in Kandanga (just over a 2-hour drive from Brisbane on a spectacular countryside property), the Mitchell Creek Rock ‘n’ Blues Festival brings plenty of epic beats, food and vibes to the party. Plus, you don’t need to rush home—just pitch your tent and stay the night.
Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival (26-28 September)
Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival, Gympie
Break out the popcorn and pull up a seat at The Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival in Gympie. This beauty (which also happens to be the biggest regional short film festival in Australia!) boasts a swag of fun on the agenda, including parties, workshops, and performances.
The Rangebow Festival (9-12 October)
The Rangebow Festival, Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Glitz and glamour takes centre stage at The Rangebow Festival, which shines a spotlight on the vivid beauty and active community spirit of our Hinterland. With a program spanning more than 30 events, including cabaret and musical performances, there’s something for everyone. Take your pick.
Maleny Music Festival (7-9 November)
Boutique festival vibes collide with a laidback countryside setting at the Maleny Music Festival. Stroll alongside the food stalls with the family, and soak up the mix of comedy, dance bands, and street entertainment on offer. With onsite camping available and the Maleny township in easy reach, this gem promises plenty of laidback community spirit to go around.
Sculpture on the Edge (28 November - 7 December)
Sculpture on the Edge. Credit: Barry Alsop Eyes Wide Open Images
If you fancy a nine-day festival celebrating all things artistic designs, workshops, and more, Sculpture on the Edge has got you covered. Take a drive up the stunning Blackall Range towards Flaxton Gardens, where you’ll be set to meander your way through an impressive mix of indoor and outdoor sculptures. Spotted a sculpture that’s captured your heart? Good news—all pieces are for sale, so you can take a piece of the Sunshine Coast home with you.
Want some more Sunshine Coast events inspiration? Check out our guide here.