There’s loads to explore and plenty to do on the Coast. Pop these fun events into your diary so you don’t miss out.
Meet Leigh Sales: Australian award-winning journalist and author Leigh Sales will be on the Sunshine Coast to talk about her new book Storytellers: questions, answers and the craft of journalism. Hosted by Sunshine Coast Libraries, the In Conversation event will give audiences an inside view of how journalists survive in war zones, and how reporters get their leads and adapt to crises, disasters and the unexpected. Join Leigh and local ABC Sunshine Coast journalist and host Owen Jacques in a deep dive into news reporting, investigations and interviewing. When: Friday, December 1, 6pm. Where: Venue114, 114 Sportsman Parade, Bokarina. Tickets: $25, click here.
Heart of the Matter: Barbara Nye is a mixed-media artist and children’s book writer and illustrator, based in Maleny. Her creative practice involves original drawings and the incorporation of hand-painted papers, cut and stitched to create vivid compositions. For her current series, clay has also been incorporated in rune-like tile borders. The Heart of the Matter exhibition examines the connections in life that are most vital: with other beings, family and friends, with home, the land, the spiritual, and with oneself. Without these crucial connections, people can fail to thrive. When: Friday, December 1 – Friday, December 22, 9am-5pm. Where: Maleny Library, 5 Coral Street, Maleny. Tickets: Free event.
Eumundi Christmas Extravaganza: Now in its 50th year, the Eumundi Christmas Extravaganza is a combined community event. Hinterland Carols will again collaborate with local schools and drama and theatre groups as well as vocalists, musicians and performers in a six-hour entertainment program. With free rides, amusements and roving performers, the event will feature food vendors, market stalls, live reindeer, Santa and his sleigh. The event will conclude with fireworks. When: Sunday, December 3, 1-7.30pm. Where: Eumundi, Albert Street, Eumundi. Tickets: Free event.
Santa photos: It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas everywhere you go, but the prettiest sight to see is Santa sitting by the tree with candy canes and silver lanes aglow. Santa has travelled all the way from the North Pole and is staying in Santaland next to the Toy Emporium at the Ginger Factory in Yandina. Pop by to tell him all your wishes this Christmas and snap a family picture. When: Friday, December 1 – Sunday, December 24, 9.30am-1.30pm. Where: The Ginger Factory, 50 Pioneer Road, Yandina. Tickets: Click here.
Lights on the Lake Festival: Currimundi’s biggest outdoor community event is on again. People will be decorating their canoes, kayaks and paddle boards to light up the night sky for the festival water parade. Santa will be arriving by boat from across the lake about 6pm and later will help award prizes to the winning decorated boats. After the procession, the night will conclude with the Billy J Laser Light Spectacular. When: Sunday, December 3, 4-8pm. Where: Crummunda Park, Coongarra Esplanade, Wurtulla. Tickets: Free event.
Mega Youth Christmas Market: A safe space for 10 to 17-year-olds to connect and sell quality pre-loved items and handmade creations, the market will give younger members of our community a way to get thrifty. When: Saturday, December 2, 10am-2pm. Where: Venue 114, Sportsman Parade, Bokarina. Tickets: Free admission. More info here.
Caloundra Christmas Street Party: Celebrate the beginning of the festive season as Bulcock Street comes alive for an afternoon full of activities. From Santa meet-and-greets to roving entertainment, the annual lighting of the Christmas tree and stacks of stalls, the Christmas Street Party and Twilight Market will span the length of Bulcock Street, showcasing food and artisan stalls, plus some special surprises. When: Friday, December 1, 4-8pm. Where: Bulcock Street, Caloundra. Tickets: Free event.
The Sculpted Dinner: Join Arts Connect Inc at The Sculpted Dinner, its special gala fundraiser for Sculpture on the Edge. The brief: to provide guests with a night unlike any other. The Flaxton Gardens team will present a menu to tantalise the senses, highlighting the incredible local produce of the Sunshine Coast. The entertainment will include performances, live music and an auction. When: Saturday, December 2, 5.45-10pm. Where: 313 Flaxton Drive, Flaxton. Tickets: $160, click here.
Illy – Long Way Round Tour: Platinum-selling artist Illy is diving headfirst into one of the most extensive tours of his career. The Long Way Round Tour is a welcome return to the tour circuit in preparation for new Illy music on the horizon, acting as both a reminder of the quality of performance to those who know his live shows and an introduction for those still to come. When: Saturday, December 2, 6pm. Where: Solbar, Ocean Street, Maroochydore. Tickets: $49.90, click here.
Weekend gig guide
Friday, December 1
- Reece Mastin, Kings Beach Tavern, 7pm
- Poko Loco, Caloundra RSL, 9pm
- Stevenson St Duo, Maroochy RSL, 5.30pm
- Whiskey Beats, Alex Surf Club, 4pm
- Chris Ramsay, Maroochy Surf Club, 7.30pm
- Joe Daniels, Cooroy RSL, 6pm
- DJ Mr Sparkle, Beerwah Hotel, 8.30pm
- Anthologys, Palmwoods Hotel, 8.30pm
Saturday, December 2
- SingSpire Christmas, Nambour Christian College, 2pm
- Osaka Punch, Norton Music Factory, 6pm
- Lachie Gill, Eumundi Brewery, 7.30pm
- Ricky the Rockstar, Caloundra RSL, 5.30pm
- Fifth Avenue Duo, Maroochy RSL, 5.30pm
- Raw Ordio Trio, Alex Surf Club, 4pm
- Tony Boyd, Maroochy Surf Club, 7.30pm
- Escape Plan, Palmwoods Hotel, 8.30pm
- Talking Heads Experience, Kings Beach Tavern, 8pm
Sunday, December 3
- Chi Chi, Maroochy RSL, 6pm
- Chris Ramsay, Alex Surf Club, 4pm
- Sam Hooker, Maroochy Surf Club, 2.30pm
- You Am I, Kings Beach Tavern, 7pm
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