5 Top Rated Sunshine Coast Events You Should Check Out

The Sunshine Coast is home to some of the most beautiful beaches, scenic landscapes, and exciting events. With its warm weather, friendly people, and stunning natural surroundings, the region has become a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. From music at the Sunshine Coast Stadium to a swathe of popular food markets, the region offers a variety of events that cater to all tastes and interests. 

In this blog post, we will look at six top-rated Sunshine Coast events that you should check out. Whether you’re a foodie, a music lover, or an outdoor enthusiast, there is something for everyone. 

So, let’s get started!

A Jam-Packed Weekend with Mooloolaba Triathlons

If you live a life of ultimate fitness, the Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival is among the most highly anticipated community Sunshine Coast events, drawing in athletes and spectators from across the world. With its stunning beaches, scenic bike routes, and challenging running tracks, the festival offers an unforgettable experience for all participants under the beautiful Queensland sun. 

The main event takes place on Sunday, with thousands of athletes participating in the Olympic distance triathlon. The course includes a 1.5km swim in the crystal-clear waters of Mooloolaba Bay, followed by a 40km bike ride through the stunning hinterland, finishing with a 10km run along the beachfront. The atmosphere is electric, with countless cheering spectators lining the course and live music and entertainment adding to the excitement.

Source: https://events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/event/15391878-a/mooloolaba-triathlon

The Mooloolaba Triathlon Festival offers a jam-packed weekend of excitement, the chance to reach personal goals, and incredible fun for both athletes and visitors. With a range of events for all ages and abilities, this festival is not to be missed. 

So, mark your calendars for March each year and get ready for a weekend of fun and fitness on the beautiful Sunshine Coast.

An Enduring Event: Sunshine Coast Kokoda Challenge

Named after the Kokoda Trail, a historic trail in Papua New Guinea that was the site of a fierce battle between Australian and Japanese troops during World War II, this event is a 96 km trek through the Sunshine Coast hinterland, which participants can complete in teams of four. The event has a rich history and holds great significance for many people, seeing thousands flock to this location every year as a form of pilgrimage.

First held in 2004, this event transpired to raise funds for the Kokoda Youth Foundation, which came into being to help young people overcome their personal challenges, inspired by the courage and resilience of the soldiers who fought on the Kokoda Trail. The event has since grown in popularity and has become a much-anticipated annual event on the Sunshine Coast.

The event is a true test of endurance, with participants trekking through the hinterland for up to 39 hours straight. The trail includes steep inclines, rocky terrain, and dense bushland, making it a challenging but rewarding experience. Participants must carry all their gear and food, adding to the challenge.

The Sunshine Coast Kokoda Challenge is not only a physical feat but a mental one. The event has become a symbol of courage, resilience, and determination, inspiring many people to take on their own personal challenges. By participating in the event, participants extend themselves and contribute to a worthy cause.

Source: https://events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/event/17704849-a/sunshine-coast-kokoda-challenge

Celebrate Indigenous Music & Movement at Ginar Australia

Ginar Australia is a unique event celebrating Australia’s indigenous music and movement. The event will be in Caloundra in March 2023, bringing indigenous performers and artists together to showcase their talents and share their culture with the broader community. 

Ginar Australia is more than just a festival – it is an opportunity to learn about Australia’s first peoples’ rich cultural heritage and celebrate their music, dance, and art. The word ‘ginar’ means ‘to sing’ in the Yugambeh language, spoken by the traditional owners of the land.

But Ginar Australia is not just about watching performances and admiring art. The event is also an opportunity to participate in various workshops and activities that allow you to experience the indigenous culture first-hand. 

Experience the Local Region at the Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show

The Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show is a must-visit event for anyone who wants to experience Queensland at its best. Held annually in June, the show is a celebration of the region’s rural heritage, showcasing the best of farming, agriculture, and local produce.

The show is at the Nambour Showgrounds, which is easily accessible from nearby towns and cities, and you can walk around with ease. One of the main attractions of the Sunshine Coast Agricultural Show is the livestock exhibit. Here, you can get up close and personal with cows, horses, pigs, goats, and other animals native to the region. You can pet them, feed them, and even watch live demonstrations of sheep shearing and cow-milking.

Source: https://events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/event/16831795-a/sunshine-coast-agricultural-show

Another highlight of the show is the food and produce exhibit, showcasing the region’s abundance of fresh fruits, vegetables, honey, meats and more. You can end your search for a delicious pit-stop as you explore the state, sampling some delicious local delicacies, such as the famous Queensland strawberries, or even buying a stack of fresh produce to take home with you.

If you’re visiting the Sunshine Coast in June, be sure to add the Agricultural Show to your itinerary!

Queensland Garden Expo

The Queensland Garden Expo is an annual event held in July each year in Nambour, on the Sunshine Coast. This three-day event brings together gardening enthusiasts, horticulturalists, landscapers, and essentially anyone interested in gardening and plants.

The Expo features many exhibitors, including nurseries, garden suppliers, equipment manufacturers, and gardening experts. Visitors can browse various exhibits showcasing the latest products, plants, and trends in the gardening industry. There are also seminars and workshops conducted by experts in the field, providing valuable tips and advice on gardening techniques and plant care.

One of the highlights of the Queensland Garden Expo is the range of stunning display gardens that leading landscapers and designers create. These gardens showcase the latest trends in gardening and landscaping, inspiring visitors looking to create their gardens at home.

If you’re a gardening enthusiast, the Queensland Garden Expo is an event that you simply cannot afford to miss.

Source: https://qldgardenexpo.com.au/whats-on/landscape-garden-displays/

Bonus Experience: Festivals & Other Musical Festivities

Throughout the year, there are various celebrations and musical activities that take place on the Sunshine Coast, attracting both the local community and eager tourists.

One of the most popular upcoming Sunshine Coast events is the Caloundra Music Festival, which takes place annually in October. This four-day event features a diverse lineup of local and international musicians, including jazz, blues, rock, and indie artists. The festival takes place at Kings Beach and attracts thousands of visitors each year.

Other popular upcoming music events include:

  • The Eumundi Markets, feature live music every Wednesday and Saturday
  • Music on Maleny Lane
  • Buskers by the Lake
  • Horizon Festival
  • And much more!

Explore Upcoming Events on the Sunshine Coast Queensland

Whether you’re travelling through Mooloolaba, Caloundra or Maroochydore on the Sunshine Coast, you’re bound to find a fantastic destination for seeking exciting events and activities. With a diverse range of upcoming events, from music to sports, there is always something to suit every taste and preference. 

Whether you’re part of the emerging community or a visitor to the region, there is something to offer for everyone, so be sure to keep an eye on the upcoming events and get involved. With its stunning scenery, friendly locals, and vibrant culture, the Sunshine Coast is the perfect place to explore and create unforgettable memories.

Do you need accommodation while you enjoy these community events? Sunshine Towers and Sunshine Coast Getaways can meet all your accommodation needs, so you can enjoy and join a selection of creative events across our state. 

Browse our Sunshine Coast Family Holiday Accommodation