The Sunshine Coast is poised to host a range of fabulous events in 2023, including some time-honoured favourites.
Sunshine Coast News has compiled a list of just some of the region’s best events to look forward to. Check out this list for more.
Noosa Festival of Surfing
The Noosa Festival of Surfing is renowned as Australia’s largest surfing event, celebrating the spirit, culture and the joys of surfing. The festival will celebrate its 32nd anniversary, on the shores of Noosa Heads, which is a World Surfing Reserve. The festival will boast a packed program of surf culture, competition, art, music, film and environmental awareness.
Where: Noosa Heads.
When: March 4 to March 12.
Mooloolaba Triathlon
Thousands of participants are set to swim, ride and run their way to individual goals at the Mooloolaba Triathlon. It is sure to be a packed weekend, with four races at one amazing location. The second largest triathlon in Australia can accommodate beginners and serious athletes, who will tackle the National Age Group Championships. When they’re not racing, they will be able to celebrate the sun, the sand and the surf along a stunning coastline.
Where: From Beach Parade, Mooloolaba.
When: March 10 to March 12.
Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show
One of the oldest events on the Sunshine Coast will showcase local produce and livestock and feature competitions like wood chopping and horse jumping. There will be an array of home-made iced cakes, handcrafts and school work, along with the wonders of Side Show Alley, which will boast thrilling rides, a ferris wheel, dodgem cars, showbags, dagwood dogs, fairy floss and donuts. The Show Saloon will include live music and there will be some amazing food to enjoy on the family-friendly ‘Green’, where you can also watch speed cars, fireworks and a laser light show.
Where: Nambour Showgrounds, 80 Coronation Avenue, Nambour.
When: June 16 to June 18.
Queensland Garden Expo
A three-day celebration of gardening, the Queensland Garden Expo is expected to attract more than 40,000 garden enthusiasts from around the country. All the latest trends and tips will be on display at the Nambour Showgrounds. There will be an extensive lecture and demonstration program, landscape display gardens, more than 360 exhibits including 55 nurseries, a giant kitchen garden feature and a cooking stage. Visitors will also be able to enjoy great food, entertainment and a range of free children’s activities.
Where: Nambour Showgrounds, 80 Coronation Avenue, Nambour.
When: July 7 to July 9.Â
NOOSA Alive!
Performing arts will be celebrated with more than 25 events, during 10 days, in the Noosa region. The festival events will feature many genres, tell stories and offer visual delights. They will be held within the natural setting of Noosa, from The J Theatre to local school facilities, to the famous Main Beach.
Where: Noosa Heads.
When: July 21 to July 30.
The Curated Plate
A unique culinary festival, The Curated Plate will be held during 10 days, after last year’s edition offered a smaller serving of events, which whet the appetite of industry and food enthusiasts. Sunshine Coast restaurants, farms, tourism and event operators will throw open their doors to offer the best of the region’s local food and beverage experiences. The festival will feature local producers, chefs, restaurants and cafes, tourism and event experiences and farm-gate activities. It’s set to attract locals and visitors, with an incredible program of culinary experiences at various locations, with menus and prices to suit everyone.
Where: Various locations.
When: July 28 to August 6.
Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival
The Sunshine Coast Marathon and Community Run Festival will be held at the perfect time of year. The marathon, which is a member of the Association of International Marathons and Road Races, has been scheduled to make the most of the weather, with blue skies, low humidity and mild temperatures. The flat, fast course follows the stunning coastline of Alexandra Headland, with spectacular vantage points alongside the ocean. Event distances include the marathon, half marathon, 10km, 5km and the 2km. The festival is community-focussed and since its inception has raised over $1.6 million for charity and community groups.
Where: Alex Surf Club, Alexandra Parade, Alexandra Headland.
When: August 11 to August 13.
Gympie Music Muster
Australia’s original community camping and music experience, The Gympie Muster, will be held just up the road, within the natural surrounds of the Amamoor Creek State Forest. The festival will feature country, roots, blues, folk and rock music. It will also include workshops, dancing, bush poets and kid’s country. Record-breaking numbers of campers are expected.
Where: Amamoor Creek.
When: August 24 to August 27.
Horizon Festival
The Sunshine Coast’s top contemporary multi-arts festival will be held during 10 action-packed days and nights. Expect visual art, music, theatre, dance, words and ideas, film and creative workshops, inspired by the region. The Horizon Festival program will include home-grown and international artists, who will inspire attendees. The festival is focused on the natural beauty of the Sunshine Coast, with a program that honours the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Peoples.
Where: Various locations.
When: August 25 to September 3.
Ironman 70.3 Sunshine Coast
It’s the 10th Anniversary of IRONMAN 70.3 Sunshine Coast at Mooloolaba Beach, which is the perfect location for an endurance event and for a family vacation. The hugely-popular destination event has attracted thousands of competitors in recent years, as they swim, ride and run their way around the region.
Where: Beach Terrace, Mooloolaba
When: September 10.
Caloundra Music Festival
The Sunshine Coast’s biggest music event will return for the 16th time, to the beachside Kings Beach Amphitheatre. Thousands of people are expected to relish the sounds of a diverse line-up of entertainment, featuring the best of the Australian music industry. Artists for the event will be announced in May. The not-for-profit family-friendly community event isn’t just about world-class music though, as locals and visitors will be able to enjoy food, arts and local culture, while enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Where: De Vene Avenue, Kings Beach.
When: September 29 to October 1.
Noosa Triathlon
The largest and most iconic triathlon in Australia is coming back. The Noosa Triathlon will include five action-packed days, with a mix of events, including the main triathlon itself. National and international competitors, from professional athletes to weekend warriors, are set to feature at the event, which will be held at one of the most popular holiday destinations.
Where: Noosa Heads.
When: November 1 to November 5.
Wait, there’s more
If those events aren’t enough to look forward to, there is an array of others.
Sports events include NRL games, the Pa and Ma Bendall Memorial Surfing Context, the Queensland Surfing Championships, the Sunshine Coast Multi Sport Festival, Sunshine Coast Lightning’s Super Netball games (including an ANZAC Day fixture), the AFL Masters National Carnival, the Etchells Australian Championships, Cycle Sunshine Coast and Ultraman Australia.
There are novel events, like the Sunshine Coast Chilli Festival, the Maleny Wood Expo, The Winter Masquerade Ball, the Sunshine Coast Comedy Festival, Downunder Beachfest (for car enthusiasts) and AKACON Sunshine Coast (for anime and pop culture enthusiasts).
There are also celebrations and awareness events for Australia Day, the Chinese New Year, ANZAC Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Eve.
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