This July, the Sunshine Coast will light up with an abundance of epic displays of creativity and breathtaking entertainment as the Noosa Alive! Festival takes over the streets, beaches, bars and restaurants in and around Noosa from July 15—21.
Whether you’re a local or just love any old excuse to make a visit to the lush greenery of the Sunny Coast, this performing arts festival with its jam-packed program is not to be missed. With an incredible lineup of shows that blend in with their stunning Noosa surroundings to create unique experiences, there’s truly something for everyone.
If you want a sneak peek of all the best bits, we’ve picked out five epic events at this year’s Noosa Alive! Festival that are absolutely not to be missed. And remember to book your tickets ASAP because some events are already selling out.
Noosa Starlight Opera
Ignite your senses and feel all the emotions at this opera show brought right onto the sands of Noosa. With a see-through marquee to allow for stargazing, it’s guaranteed to be an out-of-this-world experience for first-timers and opera-lovers alike. We’re told the programme consists of opera classics, duets and musical theatre pieces to get your heart pumping with everything from joy to heartache. If you always wanted to feel like your life is a movie, the Noosa Starlight Opera is the event to make your main-character dreams happen.
When: 15 July 2021, 6 PM - 8:30 PM
Where: Noosa Beach, Hastings Street
Cost: $59 + booking fee
Seaside Vibes Music Festival
Dance to the beat of your own drum and feel the sand between your toes as the Noosa Music Festival brings incredible tunes right to the beautiful banks of Noosa Beach. This two-day music extravaganza boasts a thrilling lineup of home-brewed audible bliss to boogie to, including The Tijuana Cartel, The Brains Trust, Chocolate Strings and more, while watching the sunset against the gorgeous backdrop of Noosa Main beach. Seaside vibes abound, enjoying some epic tunes doesn’t get much more relaxed than this.
Food trucks, as well as local brewers and distillers, will be selling some of the most delicious food and drink made with love on the Sunny Coast to make sure you won’t go hungry or thirsty as you dance the night away.
When: 16 and 17 July, from 3:30 PM
Where: Noosa Beach, Hastings Street
Cost: $59 + booking fee per day
Short Film Festival
The iconic Gympie Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival boasts a hand-picked selection of over 140 short films that are guaranteed to pull at your heartstrings and have you laughing in stitches from one minute to the next. From edgy to groundbreaking to downright hilarious, the one thing all the films in this curated-with-love selection have in common is their massive, beating hearts. Stick around afterward to listen to interviews with some of the filmmakers to get all the inside-industry goss.
When: 23 July, 8 PM
Where: The J Theatre
Cost: From $20
Cirque Bon Bon
Warning: this show might just make you want to run away with the circus, that’s how incredibly talented the crew at Cirque Bon Bon is. This year’s show is guaranteed to have your spine tingling with nerves (in the best way) as you watch the incredibly talented dancers, aerialists and balancing acts take the stage with a breath-taking (literally, you will be holding your breath) and exclusive boutique circus show.
When: 24 July, 4:15 PM and 8:15 PM
Where: The J Theatre
Cost: $79
De-Lovely Duck on Hastings
Music, food and wine all go hand-in-hand to create the perfect ambiance at this special festival dining experience created by Rococo Noosa. The executive chef Lance MacKenzie has created drool-inducing signature dishes that are served alongside hand-picked wines to take the chic dining experience to the next level. Featuring live music by international jazz legend George Washingmachine and pianist John Reeves, De-Lovely Duck on Hastings is an afternoon to nourish all the senses.
When: 15 July, Noon - 3 PM
Where: Rococo Noosa
Cost: $125 + booking fee
Keen for more? Check out the full Noosa Alive! Lineup here.
Image credit: Miikka Luotio