October is officially here, and boy, we are not ready for it. How did we go from cocooning in the warmth of our bed to melting into a puddle of sweat as soon as we leave the house?! The days are getting longer and the temperature is creeping back up, but with these warmer temperatures comes glorious, sun-soaked days, so we really can’t complain.
Everyone knows spring is the season of getting out in nature, lazy days at the beach and drinking cold cocktails poolside. Bliss. We’re already eyeing up the huge list of things happening in our little spot of paradise this month, and you better get excited too ‘cause we’ve done you a solid and put together the ultimate hit list of events happening on the Sunshine Coast this October.
Sunshine Coast Open House
Sneak a peek into the Sunshine Coast's most beautiful houses this month, when 25 of the Sunshine Coast's most intriguing buildings will open their doors and reveal their secrets to the public at this year's Sunshine Coast Open House. The free Sunshine Coast Open House event offers the chance to tour a remarkable range of public and private buildings, stretching from Caloundra to Cooran and from the beachfront to the Hinterland. You'll have the rare opportunity to tour architecturally diverse, well-designed, sustainable and historic buildings across the region. Bonus: you can learn more about the buildings thanks to many local architects and informed volunteers holding special guided tours. Check out all the deets here.
When Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 October
Where: Various locations
Cost: Free
NightQuarter Halloween Festival
This Halloween, NightQuarter will be hosting a huge weekend of devilish desserts, ghoulish delights and trick or treating. The Halloween Festival will run over Friday 29 October to Saturday 30 October and will be jam-packed with a trick or treat hunt, haunted kids dance party, spooky magic show and a zombie fire show. On Friday eve, join a spooky cast of characters, dress up and sip ghoulish cocktails while dancing to ‘Thriller’. On Saturday families are invited to eat, drink and be scary at NightQuarter for a spooktacular Trick and Treat Hunt and family fun. Snag your tickets to join in the spooky festivities, ASAP.
When: Friday 29 and Saturday 30 October, from 4pm to 10pm
Where: NightQuarter, Birtinya
Cost: Adults: $5.00, teens: $4.00, children $2.00
Buskers By The Lake
Australia’s largest busking festival is back, baby, and we are so hyped for it. Buskers By The Lake will be taking over the Sunny Coast this month, and after missing the festival in 2020, they’re bringing all the love back in 2021. Prepare yourself for the glitz and glam, vivacious energy and extravagant party with over 300 performers set to entertain. From comedy to circus stunts, from award-winning musicians and talented teens, from swing to sword swallowing, Buskers by the Lake will see incredible entertainment, jaw-dropping tricks, daring world record attempts and a floating half pipe with BMX and skateboarding daredevils preparing to ignite! Tickets are expected to sell out (for obvious reasons), so get yours now to avoid FOMO.
When: Friday 29 October to Sunday 31 October
Where: Lake Kawana, Sportsman Drive, Bokarina
Cost: Ticket prices vary
Moonlight Foodie Market
The iconic Eumundi Markets will open this month for a special moonlit market and we are hyped (and our stomachs are grumbling already). Head down to the Moonlight Foodie Market on Friday 29 October, from 5pm to 8:30pm, where talented folk-infused blues artists Dan Horne will be taking to the stage and getting your feet tapping to the beat. Once you’ve had a good boogie, treat your tastebuds to some of the amazing food on display and spend a chilled-out Friday evening relaxing at these sweet markets. Sounds like our Friday night plans are sorted.
When: Friday 29 October, from 5pm to 8:30pm
Where: 80 Memorial Drive, Eumundi
Cost: Free
Full Moon Ceremony Yoga & Meditation
We’re all about wellness and healing from within, so when we heard about this beautiful Full Moon Ceremony, you can bet it went straight into the diary. Every full moon is a chance to set new intentions, which is exactly what we all need during these tumultuous times. This two-hour ceremony will include a gentle yoga flow, meditation and a healing cacao ceremony. You don’t need to be a yogi to join this inclusive event—just bring yourself and a yoga mat and prepare to embrace your inner Zen.
When: Friday 22 October, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Where: Chambers Island, Bradman Avenue, Maroochydore
Cost: $20
Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival
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 Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival is returning to the Sunny Coast 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 with distances ranging from whopping 42.2km to a much less intimidating 2km. Now that sounds like our kind of run.
When: Saturday 9 October to Sunday 10 October
Where: Alexandra Headland, Sunshine Coast
Cost: Race entry fees vary
Mallrat Concert
The dreamy queen of Australian pop, Mallrat is playing her first Sunshine Coast headline show this month and we are screaming. Having scored Platinum and Gold accreditations for every single she’s released, Mallrat’s performance will celebrate a massive 18 months for her, so you know it’s going to be a good one. Special guests FELIVAND and Sofia Isella will be joining her on stage with their melodic tunes. Tickets are almost sold out, so to avoid missing out on this doozy, purchase your tickets ASAP.
When: Friday 22 October, 5pm to 1pm
Where: NightQuarter, Birtinya
Cost: $49.90
Full Moon Party
We love that NightQuarter always hosts the hottest events of the season, and this month is no exception, with their epic Full Moon Party set to take place on Friday 22 October. Prepare to be transported to Haad Rin beach in Thailand for one epic night only. The party begins at dusk as the full moon rises over the beach and with fire eating, UV body paint dancers, fire shows and a sizzling lineup of DJ’s, it’s shaping up to be a big night. Of course, NightQuarter’s usual food trucks will be there to fuel you, as you burn all your energy dancing the night away. Snag your tickets, stat.
When: Friday 22 October, 4pm to 10pm
Where: NightQuarter, Birtinya
Cost: Adults: $5.00, teens: $4.00, children $2.00
Emo Nite
It’s not just a phase, mum! Okay, we’ve all been through an emo phase, and if you haven’t, you’re certainly luckier than we are. Put on your favourite black skinny jeans and whip out your hair straightener—Emo Nite is coming to Solbar this October. Your favourite emo tunes will be played head to head in an epic emo music competition that will leave your ears ringing for days. The best outfit will win a $50 bar tab, so bonus points for dressing up in your best Rawr XD costume. Round up your squad and grab your tickets, before they sell out.
When: Friday 22 October, from 7pm onwards
Where: Solbar, 20 Ocean Street, Maroochydore
Cost: $22.95
Handmade Expo Grand Opening
The Handmade Expo has finally found a permanent home in Kawana and is set to open its doors this Saturday. Browse to your heart’s content through the 80 local handmade businesses, all under one roof. The Handmade Expo Grand Opening will be held all day on Saturday 9 October, so if you’re looking for anything handmade, handcrafted or hand-sewn, this is the place to get it. Grab your shopping bags and settle in for a day of shopping ‘til you drop—great deals guaranteed.
When: Saturday 9 October, from 9am to 5pm
Where: Kawana Shopping World, Buddina
Cost: Free
Tigerlily at Kings Beach Tavern
Voted Australia’s number one female DJ three years in a row, there’s no doubt Tigerlily has got something special and is one of the most in-demand producers right now. Never one to stay in the same lane, she’s pushed herself forward with diverse sounds that often traverse boundary-breaking electro and feel-good pop. Tigerlily will be hitting the deck at Kings Beach Tavern on Friday 8 October for one massive, feel-good party and we couldn’t be more hyped to hear her groovy beats.
When: Friday 8 October, from 9pm onwards
Where: Kings Beach Tavern, Caloundra
Cost: $12.25
October is sure shaping up to be a jam-packed month on the Sunshine Coast, but if you’re looking for some R’n’R, get inspired with our favourite beach houses on the Sunshine Coast for the perfect summer staycay.
Image Credit: Unsplash