This year, our winter line-up of events is packed with epic festivals championing local talent. We're talking foodie festivals packed with homegrown produce, world-class chefs and mouthwatering flavours, music that pays homage to our countryside roots, gardening extravaganzas, and more. It's time to get out your calendar and start planning!
GourMay Mary Valley
1 May — 31 May 2026
We know GourMay Mary Valley is in May, but it's too hard to resist leaving this one off the list! This glorious month-long festival is dedicated to spotlighting local farmers, their products, and those who create spectacular dishes that hero these ingredients. Tucked away in the Gympie hinterland, the Mary Valley is a charming region famous for its country roads and fresh produce. At GourMay Mary Valley, you can expect plenty of food stalls, vendors, cooking demonstrations, workshops, and more. You won't go hungry at this month-long feast.
Noosa Food & Wine Festival
11-14 June, 2026
Noosa Eat & Drink Festival, Noosa Heads Main Beach
With four days of deliciousness on the menu, the Noosa Food & Wine Festival promises a buffet of good times ahead. Taste your way from interactive masterclasses to long lunches that stretch the length of Hastings Street, before getting your groove on as DJs and other live performers take to the Festival Village stage.
The Show Trail
It's time to embrace the scent of hot chips in the air, the sight of billowing pink clouds of candy floss, and the flashing lights of exhilarating rides as they illuminate the night sky. We're in our official 'show season' once winter comes around, with the Maleny Show (29-30 May 2026) and the Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show (12-14 June 2026), offering up plenty of fun for the whole family. We're talking equestrian, show-bags, baking competitions, and much more.
Queensland Garden Show
11 July — 13 July, 2026
Queensland Garden Show, Nambour
Whether you’re a bona fide horticulturist or a novice green thumb still learning the ins and outs of propagation, the Queensland Garden Show is THE place to meet with gardening gurus. Spanning three days at the expansive Nambour Showgrounds, you’ll be able to dive headfirst into workshops, browse through the diverse array of stalls on offer, marvel at the floral art displays by some of the region's best artists, and more. Make sure to stay for lunch, where you'll get to soak up the winter sunshine with a hot meal from one of the many delicious food trucks on offer. There's also plenty of fun for the kids, including a giant slide.
Australian Wearable Art Festival
11 July, 2026
Australian Wearable Art Festival, Bokarina, Sunshine Coast
Where Gautier meets Picasso, the Australian Wearable Art Festival is a weekend of creativity like no other where you’ll witness national and international designers represented on the runway. If you're a fashionista, or intrigued by the fascinating designs on display, make sure to book your spot.
Noosa Alive! Festival
17 July — 26 July, 2026
You might have explored Noosa National Park, gone for a dip in the pristine waters of Main Beach, and dined out at one of the many award-winning restaurants that line Hastings Street, but have you seen Noosa Alive? This 10-day festival attracts performers, writers, film-makers, musicians, artists, chefs, environmentalists, and commentators from across Australia and around the world to Noosa’s sandy shores. Expect a thought-provoking program of music and theatre that will have you seeing Noosa from a whole new perspective.
The Curated Plate
24 July — 2 August, 2026
Long Table Lunch, The Curated Plate.. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Our highly popular foodie event, The Curated Plate is back better than ever in 2026, with an invitation to embark on a culinary journey across the Sunshine Coast. The Curated Plate is all about connecting people to places through local produce, and across the festival’s 10 delicious days, you’ll learn the stories of the local farmers, producers and chefs.
EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon
2 August, 2026
Winter magic on the Sunshine Coast looks like lacing up the running shoes and making the most of the stunning coastal views at the EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon. With a suite of races on offer, there’s something to suit everyone who wants to give racing a go. Better yet, you’ll have the glorious Alexandra Headland right on your doorstep (or should we say, footstep!).
Gympie Music Muster
27 August — 30 August, 2026
The Gympie Music Muster
Music lovers listen up, one of Australia’s best country, blues, folk and rock festivals is coming to Gympie this late winter in a showdown that has your name written all over it. Over four days the Gympie Music Muster will feature dozens of artists, all set against the backdrop of the picturesque Amamoor State Forest. With camping onsite, it’s a true country experience.
