As the temperatures cool down, the Sunshine Coast is heating up with a lineup of exciting autumn and winter festivals, markets, and events you’ll want to add to your calendar. From cosy twilight markets to cultural celebrations and food festivals, there’s something for everyone this season.
Whether you’re chasing family-friendly fun over the school holidays or just looking to embrace the cooler months with some local adventures, read on for the must-attend events happening across the Sunshine Coast this autumn and winter.
GourMay Mary Valley Festival
With food just as good as their play-on wording, the GourMay Mary Vale Food Festival is returning better-than-ever this year. Tucked in the lush hills just inland from Noosa, the Mary Valley is any food lover’s dream during Feasting Season. This month-long celebration is packed with farm tours, camp oven cook-ups, bush tucker, live music, and more ways to connect with the people and produce that make this region one of Australia’s best.
Think mystery picnics through rolling farmland, gourmet roving feasts with chef Matt Golinski, and behind-the-scenes tours of regenerative farms. From pineapples and pumpkins to goat cheese, yuzu and even edible bamboo–take your tastebuds for a journey. Whether you’re here for the flavours, the stories, or just the fresh country air, the Mary Valley is serving it up in style.
When: Thursday 1 May to Saturday 31 May
Where: Mary Valley, Sunshine Coast
Check out all the events here
Horizon Festival
Horizon 2025 is taking over the Sunshine Coast for its ninth year, with more than 50 events across 10 locations–from country pubs in Mapleton to the coastal beauty of Alexandra Headland. This year’s theme ‘radical hope’ encourages us to come together through art, connection, and creativity–and the program is packed with experiences that do just that.
You can step into the surreal, neon-lit world of Tokyo Rain, a bold reimagining of a narrative screenplay brought to life by performance artist Mary Eggleston and multimedia artist Möbius. Or head to an intimate, standing-room-only set from indie darling Gabriella Cohen, known for her dreamy retro vibes. With immersive installations, unexpected gigs, epic food moments, and art that will inspire, Horizon is serving up something special for every kind of culture lover.
When: Friday 2 May to Sunday 11 May
Where: Across ten locations
Explore the program here
Sunshine Coast Hinterland Writers’ Festival
Book lovers, this one’s for you. From Saturday 3 May to Monday 5 May, the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Writers Festival returns for three days of storytelling, creativity, and community–all set against the stunning backdrop of the hinterland. With a program packed full of author talks, panel chats, book launches and hands-on workshops across genres like crime, fantasy, memoir, and poetry–there’s something to inspire every kind of reader and writer.
The 2025 theme, ‘Connecting Hearts, Minds, and Nature through the Power of Words’, sets the tone for a thoughtful, engaging weekend. Families are welcome too, with kid-friendly storytelling sessions and writing activities, while parents can dive into the literary action and soak up the charming village vibes.
When: Saturday 3 May to Monday 5 May
Where: Maleny, Sunshine Coast
Buy tickets here
Runaway Noosa Marathon
Where better to chase the sun than Noosa’s gorgeous beachside? Lace up and head to the ASICS Runaway Noosa Marathon–a friendly route with distance options for the most casual joggers or PB chasers. Wind through the heart of Noosa Heads on a totally hill-free course, meaning ocean breezes, cheering crowds, and prime cafe spots as your post-run reward.
Plus, it’s May, so the weather’s just right: sunny, warm, and ideal for clocking up the kilometres. Bonus? Everyone gets a shiny finisher’s medal (yes, even if you’re just in it for the vibes).
When: Saturday 24 May
Where: Noosa Parade, Noosa Heads
Register here (Marathon exhausted, but 5km and 10km remain available)
Noosa Eat & Drink Festival
Clear your calendars and loosen your belts—the much-loved Noosa Eat & Drink Festival is back this May, and it’s serving up a four-day feast of incredible food, top-tier drinks, and beachside bliss. Think long lunches with ocean views, chef’s tables in dreamy locations, and pop-up dining galore in the buzzing Festival Village. There’s a brand new Culinary Stage where you can catch masterclasses, live demos, and even enjoy the dishes for yourself afterwards.
With everything from beachfront Italian feasts to floating lunches on the Noosa River and tequila-fuelled beach parties under the stars, this year might be the best yet. It’s the ultimate excuse to eat, sip, and dance your way through Noosa’s cultural scene.
When: Thursday 29 May to Sunday 1 June
Where: Multiple Noosa locations
Get your tickets here
Queensland Garden Show
Plant lovers, mark your calendars–the Queensland Garden Show is blooming back into Nambour and it’s the ultimate weekend for green thumbs and garden newbies alike. With hundreds of plants on show, expert-led workshops, and live demos across six buzzing stages, you'll leave ready to turn your backyard into a lush paradise.
Don’t miss highlights like the Cook’s Garden stage, the on-site Plant Clinic, and the gorgeous Giant Kitchen Garden. Plus, swing by the Living Backyard zone for tips on creating your own mini wildlife haven.
When: Friday 11 July to Sunday 13 July
Where: Nambour Showgrounds, Nambour
Purchase tickets here
The Curated Plate Festival
The Curated Plate is back this July, bringing 10 days of drool-worthy food and drink celebrations to the Sunshine Coast. This home-grown festival showcases the best local produce, chefs and natural backdrops–from coastal bites to hinterland feasts. Don’t miss the Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival, where Sunshine Coast legends like Rice Boi, Spirit House, and The Tamarind come together at Spicers Tamarind Retreat for a flavour-packed afternoon of Asian cuisine, rainforest vibes, and live tunes. Got little ones in tow?
Head to Picnic on Kings at Kings Beach Amphitheatre for a fun-filled family day starring none other than Bluey and Bingo, with interactive zones to keep everyone happy. Whether you're a seasoned food expert or just here for the vibes, there’s something tasty waiting for you at every turn.
When: Friday 25 July to Sunday 3 August
Where: Across multiple locations
Explore the program here
Noosa Alive! Festival
Noosa Alive! is back in 2025 for its 23rd year, bringing ten magical days of music, theatre, art, food, and family-friendly fun to the stunning shores of Noosa. The diverse program celebrates everything from comedy and ballet to literary talks and culinary delights. The full lineup is yet to be announced, but trust us, it's worth the wait.
When: Friday 18 July to Sunday 27 July
Where: Various Noosa locations yet to be announced
Be the first to hear about the 2025 program.
Australian Wearable Art Festival
In a local celebration of fashion-meets-art, the Australian Wearable Art Festival returns in 2025 for its fifth and most immersive event yet. Expect bold new themes, dazzling creations on a 27-metre runway, and the debut of a Friday matinee show. With the addition of a Friday matinee, hands-on workshops, and a captivating gallery exhibition, this is your invitation to experience wearable art like never before.
When: Friday 8 August to Saturday 9 August
Where: 114 Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina
Buy tickets here
Looking for more Sunshine Coast content?
- Start wanderlusting after Noosa's prettiest accommodation.
- Book the ultimate staycay at the Sunshine Coast’s best Airbnbs.
- Check out the Sunshine Coast's best restaurants right now.
Main image credit: Noosa Beach | Supplied
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