March is the month we officially realise summer is over, but before we bring the jeans out of hibernation, let’s not get ahead of ourselves ‘cause summer never really ends on the Sunshine Coast. We sure are lucky to live in the Sunshine State and with seemingly never-ending sunshine, surf and sand, there’s no reason not to get out and embrace this month.
If you thought March was time to chill out, you’re kind of (definitely) wrong. If a cocktail festival, sunset cruise, Mardi Gras festival and musical sound like your vibe, then this is definitely your month.
Here are the coolest things to do on the Sunshine Coast this March.
Cocktail Festival
NighQuarter is shaking it up with an epic cocktail festival hitting the event lineup this month. Taste, smell and experience your way through a maze of pop up bars and discover vibrant seasonal sippers, botanical flavours and creative concoctions by the most buzz-worthy spirits brands. All the usual cocktails will be shaken, stirred and muddled with an exclusive new cocktail list, curated just for the Cocktail Festival. Once you’ve quenched your thirst, soak up the alcohol with NightQuarter’s iconic street food and chill out to the sweet tunes of the talented performances.
When: Saturday 20 March, 4pm
Where: NightQuarter, Birtinya
Cost: Adults: $5.00, Teens: $4.00, Children: $2.00
Noosa Eat and Drink Autumn Fare
Our fave food and drink festival is back and with more than fifteen events jam-packed into one epic long weekend, it’s set to be a foodie’s dream. Spread over four mouth-watering days, Noosa Eat & Drink Autumn Fare is a love affair of great food, drinks, live music and entertainment in one of Australia’s favourite foodie destinations. The series of bespoke events include long lunches, degustation dinners, sunset soirees, guest chefs, cooking classes and food and drink discovery tours. Chuck a sensational array of artists and entertainers into the mix and you’re settling in for a truly unforgettable experience.
When: Thursday 11 March to Sunday 14 March
Where: Various locations, Noosa
Sunshine Coast Mardi Gras
Bring out your most OTT clothes and kick up your highest stilettos—the inaugural Sunshine Coast Mardi Gras is sprinkling glitter and glam over the Coast this month. Celebrating diversity of all types, this vibrant festival is set to be a faaaaabulous event, with a host of performances and activities including drag queens, singers, boutique market stalls and kid-friendly fun. Hosted by the extravagant Miss Lady Saint Diva, Miss Synthetique and Paul Wheeler, get ready to put on your tiara and grab the glitter at this glitzy, community-focused event.
When: Saturday 13 March, 4pm onwards
Where: Aussie World Theme Park
Cost: $10
Airwaves Festival
If you’re anything like us, you’re dying to get your groove on at a festival. Well, we’re here to deliver good news—Airwaves Festival is blasting off at NightQuarter this March and boasts an interstellar lineup that is truly out of this world. With COVID halting the festival’s original January blast off, the outer space themed festival is relaunching and will showcase Sneaky Sound System, The Beautiful Girls, Peach Fur, Space Cowboy and many more talented artists who are sure to get your good vibes flowing. Tickets include entry to post-festival kick-ons and DJ sets at the Malt Shovel Taphouse, so what are you waiting for? Get those tickets, pronto.
When: Saturday 27 March, 2pm onwards
Where: NightQuarter, Birtinya
Cost: $85
Mamma Mia!
The ultimate feel-good musical is coming to the Sunny Coast this March and we’re so ready to sing our hearts out to the classic ABBA songs. Fall in love with the Mamma Mia! story and soundtrack which has captured hearts around the globe and is rightfully known as one of the best cult classics. Directed by the talented David Williams, the much-anticipated Mamma Mia! GALA Opening Night kicks off on Friday 26 March and is set to be an amazing performance *cue Mamma Mia! theme song*
When: Thursday 25 March, 7:30pm until 17 April
Where: Noosa Arts Theatre, Weyba Road, Noosaville
Cost: Adults: $38, Concession: $33, Children: $28
Living In The 70s Sunset Cruise
Take in the stunning sights of the Sunshine Coast waterways in true party boat style, while listening to the sounds of the greatest 70’s hits on this gorgeous sunset cruise. Embrace the golden hour rays and chillax to 70’s tunes while exploring the scenic Maroochy River. Sounds like a pretty damn good afternoon to us. Chuck in a licensed bar and a range of delectable food packages, and you’re settling in for a truly unforgettable experience.
When: Saturday 20 March, 3:30pm to 7pm
Where: Cruise Maroochy, 270 Bradman Avenue, Maroochydore
Cost: $55
Ocean Film Festival World Tour
Dive into the underwater world and prepare to be captivated by the mysteries of the deep blue. The Ocean Film Festival World Tour showcases more than two hours of carefully curated short films documenting the beauty and power of the ocean, which will have you marvelling at the sublime footage. Celebrate the photographers who live for the salt spray, who chase the crests of waves and present you with this stunning world tour.
When: Wednesday 10 March & Thursday 11 March, 7pm
Where: The J Theatre, 60 Noosa Drive
Cost: Adults: $33, Children: $27, Groups of 10+: $29
Riverside Vibes
Grab the picnic rug, stock up on nibbles and settle in for a balmy afternoon of riverside live music. Sounds like heaven, right? Located in the scenic Charles Clark Park, Riverside Vibes is set to be a chilled-out afternoon of live music, sunshine and summer vibes. Relax to the tunes of homegrown Sunny Coast artists Alivan Blue and JC & The Tree who will be gracing the stage with their originals and classic songs you love and know.
When: Sunday 21 March, 3pm to 5pm
Where: Charles Clark Park, Mooloolaba
Cost: $5.00
Bohemian Garden Party
An electronic music bohemian party at a top-secret venue? You’ve got our attention. All the deets we can give you are—it’s a secret bohemian dance party with live electronic music from an all-star lineup of DJ’s, held at a top-secret location, with a bohemian dress code. If that hasn’t intrigued you, nothing will. The secret venue will be revealed one day before the event to ticket holders and be sure to dress in your funky bohemian threads for maximum groovy vibes.
When: Saturday 13 March, 2pm to 7:30pm
Where: Secret location
Cost: $33
Secret Garden Micro Music Event
The Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens will be transformed into a mini concert venue this month, playing host to performances from talented local and touring artists at the Secret Garden Music Event. From indie tunes to gritty blues and reggae vibes, the featured artists will take over the Sculpture Garden and transform it into an intimate live performance space. Grab a picnic blanket, relax with your friends in this unique setting and chill out to the tunes of local artists Tyler Hammill and Karlou. Weekend plans, sorted.
When: Sunday 7 March, 3pm to 5pm
Where: Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens, Tanawha
Cost: Adults: $15, Children: $5.00
Mooloolaba Triathlon
Running a marathon might not be our thing, but standing trackside and watching people much fitter than us compete—while trying to remember the last time we went to the gym—sure is. The Mooloolaba Triathlon is returning to the home of the Aussie triathlon and is set to bring more action-packed fun than ever before. Watch all the action from the stunning beachside location, cheer the competitors on and if you’re feeling really confident, the event is a favourite for first-timers so you can grab your runners and dip your toe in the water (literally).
When: Friday 12 March to Sunday 14 March
Where: Mooloolaba Esplanade
Collectorama Fair
Who doesn’t love a cheeky bargain? For all our thrifty penny pinchers out there, you need to head to the Collectorama Fair to score a sweet deal on fashion, accessories, knick-knacks and treasures you didn’t even know you needed. Going 30 years strong and boasting over 150 stalls, there’s a reason this fair is so popular with locals looking to snag a bargain. Grab your shopping bags and settle in for a day of shopping ‘til you drop—great deals guaranteed.
When: Saturday 6 March, 7am to 2pm
Where: Showgrounds Road, Nambour
Cost: Adults: $6.00, Under 12’s: Free
Looking for more ways to fill up March, but you're on a budget? Check out this list of cheap things to do on the Sunshine Coast.
Image credit: Carles Rabada