Long Table Lunch, The Curated Plate.. Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Discover what’s on around the Sunshine Coast for 2024!
Mooloolaba Triathlon
When: 9-10th March, 2024
Mooloolaba Triathlon 2023. Credit: Korupt Vision
Bring the whole family along to this epic weekend of sport and sunshine. Australia’s second-largest triathlon is hosted on the spectacular coastal grounds of Mooloolaba (the views don’t get much better than this!). It doesn’t matter if you’re new to the competitive field, or a national-level athlete – there's something to suit everyone here. So, whether you feel like joining in on the challenge or cheering from the sidelines, be sure to come along to the Mooloolaba Tri to enjoy plenty of community spirit in action.
Noosa Festival of Surfing
When: 8-17th March, 2024
You won’t want to miss this scenic celebration of surfing. As Australia’s largest long-board surfing event, the Noosa Festival of Surfing attracts keen surfers and fans from around the country and overseas. The warm, early autumn sunshine provides the ideal conditions for hitting the waves at this family-friendly, sustainable event. Better yet, this year, the Noosa Festival of Surfing will also be held in partnership with Brewfest, which seeks to celebrate local and interstate breweries.
Australian Surf Life Saving Championships (The Aussies)
When: 13th -21st April, 2024
The Aussies 2021 at Alexandra Headland Beach
Watch the best in the business battle it out for the ultimate crown at the Australian Surf Life Saving Championships. Alexandra Headland SLSC, Maroochydore SLSC and Mooloolaba SLSC act as the hosts for this event, which sees surf club members from across Australia converge in an epic contest of beach and ocean skills.
Mary Valley GourMay
When: The month of May, 2024
If you’re a foodie, you’ll want to experience the magic of GourMay Mary Valley. This month-long celebration of local food shines a spotlight on the Mary Valley’s producers, with plenty of satellite events, farm tours, workshops and more... before wrapping up with a gala dinner. Be sure to head to the country town of Imbil for Festival Day to enjoy plenty of mouthwatering food stalls, cooking demos and plenty of further culinary delights.
Maleny Wood Expo
When: 4-6th May, 2024
Bring the family along to the Maleny Wood Expo – a highly anticipated event on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland calendar. With local live music setting the tone, browse through the skillful creations of local artisans, discover new knowledge about timber use from local Indigenous people, and participate in workshops. This event prioritises sustainability by ensuring it is single-use-plastic-free. It’s also worth noting that all artisans and exhibitors will be using either sustainably harvested native, weed, or recycled timbers.
Runaway Noosa Marathon
When: 25-26 May, 2024
Stretch your legs and make the most of the beautiful late autumn temperatures at the Runaway Noosa Marathon. This multi-lap course has several race distances to choose from and is an ideal mid-year challenge to keep your heart rate pumping and competitive juices flowing.
Noosa Eat and Drink Festival
When: 30 May-2 June, 2024
Noosa Eat & Drink
Come along hungry to the Noosa Eat and Drink Festival, where you’ll be in for over 75 events across four days. After all, where better to tuck into moreish fare than the famous beachside beauty of Noosa? Expect to see a new-look Festival Village this year, restaurant events and more, plus fabulous new long-lunches.
The Sunny 80
When: 7-9 June, 2024
Sugar Bag Mountain Bike Trails
Take to the trails this winter for The Sunny 80, an 80km mini stage race that covers some of the Sunshine Coast’s best spots to ride. If you’re a keen rider, you’ll love this event! Kick things off with the Prelude Stage at Caloundra’s Sugarbag Trail Complex, before moving to Hidden Valley in Nambour and finishing at Ewan Maddock Dam.
Rally Gympie Region
When: 28-30th June, 2024
If you’re passionate about cars, driving, and community spirit, then Rally Gympie Region is for you. This three-day festival celebrates all things motorsports – set against Gympie’s scenic country backdrop. Wheels on Mary, Rally Village, the Australian Rally Championship and the Rally Queensland Championship are all encompassed in the festival. There’s something for everyone – whether it’s a community vibe (Wheels on Mary), tradeshows (Rally Village) or rally car action.
Queensland Garden Expo
When: 4-7th July, 2024
Queensland Garden Expo
Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, the Queensland Garden Expo is one of the most highly anticipated events on the Sunshine Coast. This mega celebration of all things plants attracts some of Australia’s most prominent gardening experts and television presenters. Situated in the showgrounds of the bustling hinterland town of Nambour, the family-friendly expo features a diverse range of exhibitors, food-trucks, floral art competitions and stalls. You won’t want to miss it!
Noosa Alive! Festival
When: 19-28th July, 2024
This cultural delight brings a high calibre of performances and experiences to venues across Noosa. With live music, theatre, comedy, literature, dinners with live entertainment, and more on offer, Noosa Alive! certainly brings plenty of enjoyment to the table.
Maleny Winter Wedding Festival
When: 28th July, 2024
Flaxton Gardens Wedding Expo
Wedded bliss makes its name in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland, where rolling green pastures, crisp winter weather and spectacular views take centre stage. Explore all things venues, suppliers and local insights at the Maleny Winter Wedding Festival. This popular event is filled with inspiration for your big day – after all, who wouldn’t want to say ‘I do’ in such a magical part of the world?
Noosa Enduro
When: 28th July, 2024
Take in the picturesque beauty of the Noosa Hinterland as you tackle the Noosa Enduro – the Sunshine Coast’s premier gravel and mountain biking festival. There’s something for everyone at this event – whether you’re just getting started in the mountain biking game, wanting to participate with a team, riding at an elite level, or even wanting to hop onto an e-bike. Peddle fast and hard across a diverse range of terrain, showcasing some of our most scenic tracks.
The Curated Plate
When: 26th July – 4th August, 2024
Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival, Credit: Tourism & Events Queensland
Winter is the ideal time for epic feasts and moreish flavours – so make sure to pop this hotly anticipated event onto your calendar. Queensland’s Sunshine Pantry takes the spotlight at The Curated Plate – a mouthwatering culinary festival that celebrates all things local in the Sunshine Coast foodie scene. You’ll want to keep an eye on ticket sales for this one due to its huge popularity! Come along to our finest restaurants, breweries, pop-up events, breweries and more, for a taste of the premium food and drink on offer here.
Rangebow Festival
When: 1-4th August, 2024
A vibrant celebration of community and diversity is at the heart of The Rangebow Festival. This not-for-profit event is held across our stunning Hinterland villages of Maleny, Montville, Flaxton, and Mapleton, with plenty to see and do. This year, you’ll find over 30 different events across the duration of the Festival – including delicious First Nations food, music, cabaret, and more.
Australian Wearable Art Festival
When: 9-10th August, 2024
Channel your inner fashionista and come ready for style at the Australian Wearable Art Festival. Grab a sideline seat to the runway to marvel at the array of creative entries (both national and from overseas) and seek inspiration from the thought-provoking designs on display. With several shows taking place at Venue 114 in Bokarina, including a matinee, you’ll also have a chance to engage directly with the artists and learn more about their work.
Sunshine Coast Marathon
When: 9-11 August, 2024
Runners in the Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival, Alexandra Headland
We love our active lifestyle on the Sunshine Coast, and there’s no better way to show it than the Sunshine Coast Marathon! This community-minded event makes the most of our gorgeous blue skies, low humidity and cool winter temperatures to set the stage for a fabulous running event. With the main event (the Marathon itself), Half Marathon, 10km, 5km and 2km 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 coastline as your backdrop – making this is a fabulous way to make friends, get active, and enjoy our beautiful Sunshine Coast.
Gympie Music Muster
When: 22-25th August, 2024
Get ready to rock amongst the lush beauty of the Amamoor Creek State Forest at The Gympie Music Muster. Pitch your tent under the stars and get ready to enjoy several days of music, dancing, workshop, bush poetry and more. Good vibes abound at this event, which is beloved across Australia for its fabulous tunes and countryside atmosphere.
Noosa Heads Jazz Festival
When: 22 August – 1st September, 2024
Sing out the end of winter at the Noosa Heads Jazz Festival. This year, the Festival has been organised by the Noosa Heads Jazz Festival, and includes a fabulous Noosa Jazz Party hosted at The J Theatre. Book your place at the range of performances from some of the best in the national (and international) Jazz music business, with events held across a range of scenic spots in Noosa.
Ironman 70.3
When: 7-8 September, 2024
Mooloolaba Ironman event
Bring the family along to Mooloolaba Beach to kick off our warm springtime with the Ironman 70.3 event. This beautiful location is the ultimate spot to cheer on athletes in action (or even give the race a go yourself!). Jump in for the swim in the sparkling waters off Mooloolaba, before completing the ride and coastal run. Volunteering opportunities are also available at this fun community event.