Spring is in the air and we’re feeling pumped for the longer days and warmer nights to come. If you’re anything like us, the spring vibes have you all jazzed up, out of hibernation and ready to live it up during the beautiful month that is September. Luckily, there’s a whole lot happening around the Sunshine Coast this month. Here are our top picks for living your best Sunny Coast life.
Secret Garden - Micro Music Events
Tanawha
The lush surroundings of the Sculpture Garden at the Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens will be transformed into a picnic ground and concert space at this miniature music festival that may be small in size but big on vibes. With a carefully curated selection of local talent taking the stage, this is the ultimate place to discover new music, from folk to reggae, pop and more. Make sure to pack a picnic rug and snacks for a relaxing afternoon in this stunning setting that’s bound to leave your soul feeling nourished.
When: September 5 from 2:30pm
Where: Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens, Tanawha
2021 Sunshine Coast Expo
Bokarina
Keen to plan some epic domestic trips to explore the beauty of Australia this summer? The Sunshine Coast Expo is just the place to put your explorer hat on and get pumped for the next big adventure. There’s enough of the great outdoors to roam for a lifetime here down under, so come check out the multitude of camper trailers, 4WDs, boats and more to facilitate your adventures. With over 160 companies bringing their goods to one place, as well as live entertainment and demonstrations to hype you up, it’s an event not to be missed for the explorer-at-heart.
When: 24-26 September
Where: Sunshine Coast Stadium, Bokarina
Sunshine Coast Wildflower Festival
Our stunning native plants are having a big moment (as they deserve to), so if you’ve been wanting to learn more about the diverse beauty of our flowering plants, the Sunshine Coast Wildflower Festival is a must-do. End of winter to the start of spring is peak wildflower season up here in the gentle subtropics, and this festival allows you to immerse yourself in nature while learning all about it. There are 18 different guided walks and activities on offer from Bribie Island to Noosa National Park, so lace up your walking shoes, grab your tickets and get out there!
When: 21 August - 5 September
Where: Across the Sunshine Coast
Beer, Wine & Jazz Festival
This cosy little one-day festival focusing on jazzy tunes and snazzy drinks is a Sunday vibe if there ever was one. The tickets include eight different drink tastings, and there’ll be a range of festival-style food to treat your tastebuds to. It’s the perfect opportunity to sip premium beverages, jam to groovy tunes from local jazz ensembles and recharge for the week ahead.
When: September 12
Where: 2 Lamerough Parade, Golden Beach
Mitchell Creek Rock ‘N’ Blues Fest
Kandanga Creek
Back for their 10th year, the Mitchell Creek Rock ‘N’ Blues Fest is turning the greenery of Noosa Hinterland’s stunning Mary Valley into an epic music-lovers paradise for three days and three nights. With a multicultural food festival to fuel you up for the long days of bopping your head to non-stop live music, this festival deserves its spot amongst the most iconic Aussie music experiences. If you haven’t been there yet, put it on your list!
When: September 17-19
Where: Lot 3, Mitchell Creek Road, Kandanga Creek
NO SCRUBS: 90's + Early 00's Party
Mooloolaba
It’s time to let the genie out of the bottle and unleash your inner X-Tina at this epic ’90s to early 00’s party! We’ve all missed a good ol’ night of dancing our socks off, so why no throw it all the way back and boogie all night to the most epic hits from the naughties. The DJs at the No Scrubs dance party make sure the vibe is through the roof, so grab your chunkiest sneakers and freshest millennium-era ‘fit and shake it like a polaroid picture!
When: September 11
Where: O’Malley’s Irish Bar, Mooloolaba
Strawbfest 2021
Chevallum
Nothing says summer quite like the first juicy strawberries of the season. The legendary Strawbfest is back again to mark the occasion, bringing together local strawberry growers alongside food stalls, live music, fireworks, rides and more. Take your pick of the numerous delicious strawberry treats available, including a drink to kick the night off from the cheeky frozen strawberry daiquiri bar.
When: September 10
Where: 460 Chevallum Rd, Chevallum
Street Art Nambour’s Fuse Fest
Nambour
The Sunny Coast is home to lots of creative souls, and this fusion art festival is just another manifestation of that imaginative spirit. The Street Art Nambour’s Fuse Fest brings together a blend of artistic talents in one place, featuring over 100 stalls of arts, artisans, food, craft beers, distillers, and wineries. Live music from the best local talent starts from 12pm and various buskers and performers will be scattered throughout the festival area to set the tone, so come and soak in all the creative vibes to fill your cup.
When: September 12
Where: Coronation Avenue, Nambour
Women’s Lifestyle Expo 2021
Caloundra
Women, this one is for you! Come and celebrate all things womanhood at the annual Women’s Lifestyle Expo, bringing together local businesses and women of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy a day of discussions, exhibitions, fashion parades, entertainment and more. Only this year, it’s not just for the women - there’ll be a selection of exhibitions for men’s clothing, products and health too!
When: September 10
Where: Sunshine Coast Turf Club, Corbould Park, Caloundra
Biscoff Festival at NightQuarter
Birtinya
Calling all Biscoff devotees! If you dig a bit of cheeky Biscoff in your coffee, ice cream or even lasagna (yes, it’s a thing!), this special night market festival in honour of the humble-looking yet delicious biscuit is for you. The good people at Night Quarter are bringing Sunny Coasters an event devoted to the delectable little caramel treat. The Biscoff Festival is guaranteed to be a yummy soiree with all the regular NightQuarter carnival rides for you to enjoy as well.
When: September 18, 4pm-10pm
Where: 8 The Avenue, Birtinya
Looking for more things to do this month? Hit up our list of epic Sunshine Markets you need to check out.
Image credit: Emma Houghton