The Best Sunshine Coast Events In January 2026 And Beyond
Danielle Read
Contributor | Urban List
As the summer temps set in, the Sunshine Coast is heaving with a lineup of heaving-hitting events that are calendar-worthy and weekend sorting stuff. From outdoorsy activations 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 some local adventures, read on for the must-attend events happening across the Sunshine Coast/Kabi Kabi Country in the coming months.
Sunshine Coast Events At A Glance
Events In The First Half Of 2026
Get A Barrel At The Noosa Festival Of Surfing
Noosa Main Beach
THE DETAILS
Push Your Limits At The Mooloolaba Triathlon
Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
When it comes to iconic coastal races, the Mooloolaba Triathlon sits firmly in the hall of fame. Set against the backdrop of the sparkling Sunshine Coast, this endurance spectacle returns on 14-15 March 2026, drawing athletes and weekend warriors alike for two days of pure adrenaline and ocean air.
The course is a stunner—a 1.5km ocean swim in Mooloolaba Bay, a 40km ride along the Sunshine Motorway, and a 10km run that hugs the coastline and finishes with the kind of crowd energy that’ll have you sprinting over the line. Whether you’re a seasoned triathlete or looking to tick off your first major race, the Mooloolaba Tri is a rite of passage in the Aussie racing calendar.
And if you’re not racing? The atmosphere alone is worth the trip. The entire foreshore transforms into a festival of fitness and fun, with food stalls, ocean dips, and all-round good vibes under the Queensland sun.
THE DETAILS
When: Saturday 14–Sunday 15 March 2026
Where: Mooloolaba Esplanade, Mooloolaba QLD 4557
To enter head here, or for more information head here
Celebrate Local Produce At Gourmay Mary Valley Food Festival
Various Locations
Venture in the Sunshine Coast's hinterland and you'll discover a bounty of producers just waiting for you to taste their crop. A mere 45 minutes inland from Noosa, Mary Valley was once known exclusively for its pineapples and green beans. But given the fertile soil and unique climate, there's a plethora of foodie finds here including local yuzu, creamy avocados, sweet pumpkins and even an edible native plant nursery.
While the event's program isn't released until February 2026, what I can say is that this year, May is feasting season. Where you can meet your makers, get amongst interactive workshops, explore farm trails and check out cooking competitions. It's the perfect place to graze and taste and picnic your heart out. It also doesn't hurt that the scenery is next level.
THE DETAILS
When: Sunday May 3 - Saturday May 30
Where: Various locations across Mary Valley
Check out info here
Hit The Pavement With The Noosa Marathon
Lions Park, Noosa Pde Noosa Heads QLD 4567
Chasing the runner's high? Then The Noosa Marathon is where it's at for you in May. No matter your fitness levels or abilities, everyone's invited to this picturesque event. Opt for the 5ker to walk, run or wheel through. Or, the 10km distance welcomes runners, walkers and wheelchair racers. Then, there's the half and full marathon for those game to take on the 21.1 or 42.2km adventure.
Entry prices vary from $63 through to $218 and include your race number, iconic racers bib (if you enter before April 12, 2026) and a swag of other goods including your timing chip and finishers medal. Soak up the sun and slurp down the hydration, here's to one seriously epic Sunshine Coast event worth giving a crack.
THE DETAILS
When: Saturday 23 May 2026
Where: Lions Park, Noosa Pde, Noosa Heads QLD 4567
Check out entry info here
Head Out To Horizon Festival
Ocean St, Maroochydore QLD 4558
THE DETAILS
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Noosa Eat & Drink Festival
Various locations
This four-day culinary extravaganza completely reinvents what we know and love about Noosa Eat & Drink Festival. In 2026, these talented event pros are introducing new long lunches, sundowner beach activations, pop-up dining experiences and live entertainment in the Festival Village.
Across seven sensorial events, you'll have the opportunity to sip aboard a river cruise to Makepeace Island while snacking on woodfired creations by Chef Ben Williamson, induldge in a multi-course Italian long lunch featuring the likes of Adriano Zumbo, or even glide down the river accompanied by DJ beats and Florcita Tequila alongside culinary excellence by the mastermind behind Noosa's own Bandita, Chef Jasoon Jones.
The umbrella-lined Festival Village with live cooking demonstrations and cocktail platters got crowds cheering and bellies grumbling in 2025. 2026 is no exception. Not to mention signature events like the Official Opening Party, with feet in the sand, oysters literally strewn across salt-topped bar tables and DJs igniting the night. You'll want to stay across this one.
THE DETAILS
When: Thursday 11 June to Sunday 14 June 2026
Where: Various Noosa locations
Explore the 2026 program.
Events In The Second Half Of 2026
Ogle Inspiring Garments At The Australian Wearable Art Festival
Novotel Twin Waters Resort, 270 Ocean Dr, Twin Waters QLD 4564
In a local celebration of fashion-meets-art, the Australian Wearable Art Festival returns in 2026 for its sixth and most immersive event yet. Expect bold new themes, sublime garments and dazzling creations on a 27-metre runway. With hands-on workshops, and a captivating gallery exhibition, this is your invitation to experience wearable art like never before.
After five years at Venue 114, the festival is set to move location into the Novotel Twin Waters Resort. This means more space, bigger audiences and even grander stages to shine a beaming light on the region's talent, where theatrics and innovation collide.
THE DETAILS
When: Saturday 11 July 2026
Where: 270 Ocean Dr, Twin Waters QLD 4564
Buy tickets here
Awaken Your Senses At The Noosa Alive! Festival
Various locations
Noosa Alive! is back in 2026 for its 24th 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 if their two decade-long history of igniting the streets is anything to go by. 2026 is sure to delight.
THE DETAILS
When: Friday 17 July to Sunday 26 July 2026
Where: Various locations yet to be announced
Be the first to hear about the 2026 program
The Curated Plate
Various locations
The Curated Plate brings 10 days of drool-worthy food and drink celebrations to the Sunshine Coast again in July. This home-grown festival showcases the best local produce, chefs and natural backdrops–from coastal bites to hinterland feasts. While the program's not live until April 2026, I'm anticipating big things.
Since 2019, these guys made their debut and after two years of hiatus' back in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID, it's been all elements go ever since. If 2025's Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival, where Sunshine Coast legends like Rice Boi, Spirit House, and The Tamarind came together at the stunning Spicers Tamarind Retreat for a flavour-packed afternoon of Asian cuisine, rainforest vibes, and live tunes is anything to go by, 2026 is going to be top tier.
Got little ones in tow? 2025's Picnic on Kings at Kings Beach Amphitheatre was a fun-filled family day starring none other than Bluey and Bingo, with interactive zones that kept everyone happy. Stay tuned for the family-friendly offerings about for 2026. Whether you're a seasoned food expert or just here for the vibes, there’s something tasty waiting for you at every turn.
THE DETAILS
Where: Across multiple locations
For the latest info, click here
Go The Distance At The Sunshine Coast Marathon
Alexandra Parade, Alexandra Headland QLD 4572
If you’ve been looking for a sign to lace up and hit the pavement, this is it. The Sunshine Coast Marathon returns on 2 August 2026, bringing with it one of Australia’s most scenic runs — a flat, fast, and breathtakingly beautiful coastal course that’s perfect for both first-timers and seasoned runners chasing a PB.
Starting and finishing in Alexandra Headland, the route winds past some of the Sunshine Coast’s most iconic beachfronts, with ocean views and community cheer squads to keep the motivation high. There’s a race for everyone too — from the full 42.2km marathon to the half-marathon, 10km, 5km, and even a 2km fun run for the kids.
More than just a race, this event raises serious funds for local charities, so every stride goes a little further. Whether you’re pounding the pavement or cheering from the sidelines, it’s an unmissable day of heart, hustle, and hometown pride.
THE DETAILS
When: Sunday 2 August 2026
Where: Alexandra Parade, Alexandra Headland QLD 4572
For more information and to enter, head here
Get Amongst The Mitchell Creek Rock N Blues Festival
Mitchell Creek Rd, Kandanga QLD 4570
Yet to check out this raucous festival set on 100 acres of private property? 2026 could be your year to get amongst The Mitchell Creek Rock N Blues Festival. It's three days of gritty rock n blues playing non-stop across two alternating stages. Kindly, camping is completely free. Leaving more space to pack snacks and support local food trucks and stalls that are never too far from your campsite.
The Noosa Hinterland flavours come to life at the festival's multicultural foodie precinct. And with a more intimate feel to the event in its entirety, you might even make friends with the legends behind your burrito bowl and dumplings then meet them on the dancefloor later on. With the buddy pack, you're looking at $100 a day, ticket-wise. Making this one of the most affordable festivals around.
THE DETAILS
When: Friday 18 September to Sunday 20 September 2026
Where: Mitchell Creek Rd, Kandanga QLD 4570
Book tickets here and stay tuned for the lineup here
See Something Fabulous At Rangebow Fest
Currie St, Nambour, QLD 4560
THE DETAILS
Where: Currie St, Nambour, QLD 4560
Test Your Endurance At The Noosa Triathlon
Lions Park, Noosa Pde Noosa Heads QLD 4567
With modest parking close to the kick-off locale, there'll be a handy shuttle running between a few key areas, so plan ahead. While individual entry is now closed, you can still race for charity or enter a relay team. If you're up for one heck of a challenge and an impressive tale to match, this is the Sunny Coast's event for you.
THE DETAILS
When: Wednesday 28 October to Sunday 1 November 2026
Where: Lions Park, Noosa Pde, Noosa Heads QLD 4567
For more information and to enter, head here
Get Your Groove On At The Big Pineapple Festival
76 Nambour Connection Rd, Woombye QLD 4559
The Big Pineapple Festival turned 10 last year, which was a pretty massive deal. Their psychedelic summer fruit-loving Pineys (attendees) induldged in their biggest musical showcase yet. The vibes are juicy and the lineup's was elite (think The Jungle Giants, PNAU, Hilltop Hoods and The Cat Empire, plus Thelma Plum and even Beckah Amani).
While organisers are remaining tight-lipped about this year's acts, my suspicion's it'll reach new heights. I mean, Doja Cat's touring around then, just saying. My vote's that they bring back the shuttle bus for a mere $14 that'll pick you up from one of nine locations across the Sunshine Coast with return services starting at 6pm. Or, you could snag a limited selection of VIP parking spots at the festival, which was $100 per car, with up to 5 people riding with you.
THE DETAILS
When: TBA (though in the past, it's been around November 1)
Where: 76 Nambour Connection Rd, Woombye QLD 4559
Stay tuned for more info
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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