picks
✦University of the Sunshine Coast Research & Ideas Public Lecture
Free community talk from UniSC academics as part of the Research & Ideas public lecture series, covering current regional issues and inviting community Q&A; open to the public with registration required.
✦Trail Run Australia Sunshine Coast
A scenic and challenging trail running event in the Sunshine Coast hinterland, attracting a community of adventurous, outdoorsy enthusiasts of varying abilities.
✦Watercolour Play & Connect in the Botanical Gardens
A relaxed, creative outdoor watercolour workshop set in the beautiful botanical gardens, offering a great opportunity to meet other creatively-minded locals and connect with nature.
✦Wild Botanicals: A Mixed Media Workshop
A hands-on creative workshop inspired by local plants and nature, exploring mixed media techniques for curious and artistic individuals.
✦Afghanistan Photography Exhibition by Andrew Quilty
A powerful and thought-provoking national touring exhibition of documentary photographs by award-winning photojournalist and author Andrew Quilty, presented at the Noosa Regional Gallery.
✦Masterclass Series 2026
An opportunity to be mentored by celebrated contemporary Australian artists in unique, limited-place workshops at the Gallery. Bookings are open for specific May/June sessions; check website for details.
✦Tipping point: Saving Australia's iconic wildlife
A public lecture hosted at UniSC discussing critical issues and solutions for conserving Australia's unique wildlife, likely presented by an expert in the field.
✦Andrew Quilty: Afghanistan
A powerful photographic exhibition by Andrew Quilty, offering an intimate and journalistic perspective on Afghanistan and its people, inviting viewers to engage with complex cultural and historical narratives.
✦Life Drawing at The MET
Evening untutored life drawing session in a boutique arts space with professional model, easels and basic materials provided; a relaxed environment popular with local artists and TAFE/uni students.
all events
Open Studios Sunshine Coast – Final May Weekend
Region-wide open studios program where painters, ceramicists, printmakers and sculptors open their working spaces to the public for tours, sales and conversations on the final May weekend.
Funny Coast Comedy Night
Funny Coast Comedy hosts a recurring monthly stand-up show featuring world-class and local comedians, offering a relaxed and laugh-filled setting to connect with locals.
The Jazz Sessions May
A recurring monthly jazz night at The Presynct, offering an intimate listening experience and a chance for social mingling among music enthusiasts.
GourMay Mary Valley Food Festival 2026
An ongoing festival celebrating local produce and makers from the Mary Valley, featuring workshops, farm trails, cooking demonstrations, and opportunities to meet producers.
Kirsty Webeck: Lost for Words
Award-winning stand-up comedian Kirsty Webeck brings her witty, smart, and intimate solo show, 'Lost for Words', to the Sunshine Coast.
The Jazz Room – Live Jazz
A recurring live jazz session for lovers of classic and improvised jazz. Expect a feel-good, intimate, and authentic musical evening at a local Sunshine Coast venue.
The Presynct – Open Mic Night
Regular Open Mic nights hosted at The Presynct, Nambour's unique steampunk Art Deco venue. A welcoming space for local musicians and performers to showcase their talents and connect with the community.
"Page to Screen: Walkabout" Film Screening
Noosa Libraries and Majestic Theatre present a community event exploring the relationship between a book and its screen adaptation of the film "Walkabout", perfect for film lovers and readers.
Weekly Silent Film Screening with Live Organ
Experience a unique silent film screening accompanied by a live organist playing the theatre's rare 1937 Compton Organ, a tradition held every Saturday at this community-run cinema.
Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow
A curated line-up of stand-up comedy legends and fresh faces from Australia and beyond, presented as part of the touring Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow. Check The J website for the exact performance date.
Very Short Film Festival (VSFF)
A touring festival showcasing a curated selection of standout short films, each under five minutes, spanning various genres. A great event for film lovers to experience diverse creative storytelling.
The Golden Age of the Jazz Guitarists
An afternoon concert by the Noosa Heads Jazz Club celebrating classic jazz guitarists, held at the historic Majestic Theatre in Pomona, with discounted tickets for members.
How Soon is Now?
An exhibition at Caloundra Regional Gallery showcasing contemporary art, exploring themes relevant to our present and future, encouraging reflection on societal changes and possibilities.
Noosa Jazz Club presents The Golden Age of the Jazz Guitarists
An afternoon celebrating legendary jazz guitarists with live music by the Noosa Jazz Club, featuring performances that capture the golden era of the genre in a classic theatre setting.
NOOSA LIBRARIES PRESENT "PAGE TO SCREEN: WALKABOUT"
Noosa Libraries hosts a "Page to Screen" event, screening the classic film "Walkabout" at The Majestic Theatre, likely accompanied by discussion or context around the literary adaptation.
Flickerfest 2026 – Short Laughs Comedy
Flickerfest showcases a touring festival of short-form comedy films at The J, Noosa, providing an intimate and fun experience for film lovers.
Elke Louie 'Lavender' EP Launch
Emerging Australian singer-songwriter Elke Louie launches her 'Lavender' EP in her hometown of Gympie, joined by 'Those Folk', offering an intimate original music event for folk and indie fans.
Goomeri Pumpkin Festival
A unique and entertaining community festival celebrating the pumpkin with quirky competitions, market stalls, and country hospitality, located just north of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Eumundi Markets (Wednesday)
Experience the unique and vibrant atmosphere of this iconic artisan market, featuring hundreds of stalls with handmade goods, local food, and live buskers. A great community outing.
Eumundi Markets (Saturday)
The larger Saturday edition of the iconic Eumundi Markets, offering a chance to discover local culture, artisan goods, fresh produce, and live performances in a bustling community setting.
Steve Kilbey (The Church) – An Evening With…
An intimate solo performance from Steve Kilbey, the iconic frontman of The Church, featuring his 12-string guitar and extensive songwriting catalog. Doors typically open at 7:00 PM.
Noosa Arts Theatre May Season Production
Noosa Arts Theatre presents its May season production, running through the week. Known for diverse, quality, intimate theatre. Check the website for the specific production title and performance dates/times.
Theatre Matinée
A theatre performance for all ages at the Sunshine Coast's premier performing arts centre. Check the website for the specific production name and ticket prices.
Local Contemporary Art Prize Exhibition
Explore the creative talent of the region's leading local artists at this free exhibition, featuring 40 selected works from the 2026 Local Contemporary Art Prize.
"Caring for the Coast's Cutest Creatures" Program
The final sessions of a nature and wildlife-focused community event series, exploring caring for local creatures. Great for curious minds of all ages.
Dakota of the White Flats
A theatre performance staged at The Events Centre in Caloundra. Likely a children's or youth theatre production based on the book by Philip Ridley, offering an artistic experience.
Aunty Betty Memorial Reconciliation Walk
A community walk honouring Aunty Betty and promoting reconciliation, offering a chance for social interaction and reflection in an outdoor setting. Part of National Reconciliation Week.
WOLFRAM Reconciliation Week Film Screening
A special film screening of 'WOLFRAM' as part of National Reconciliation Week, offering an opportunity to engage with Indigenous storytelling and culture through cinema.
The Dreaming Collective Reconciliation Breakfast 2026
A breakfast event held as part of National Reconciliation Week, offering a chance for community members to gather, share, and reflect on reconciliation in a social setting.
The Ease of Being - Luxury Meditation Retreat Noosa
A multi-day meditation retreat focused on well-being and inner peace in a luxurious setting in Noosa. Aims to provide grounded practices for personal restoration.
Sri Krishna Kirtan Collective
A gathering with the Sri Krishna Kirtan Collective for participatory devotional chanting, offering a communal and musical spiritual experience.
Blues on The Rocks 2
The second "Blues on The Rocks" event at The Presynct in Nambour, featuring headliner Neil & The JB's and house band The Charles Camilleri Connection for a night of live blues music.
Ecstatic Dance Sunshine Coast ~ One Year Anniversary
Celebrate the one-year anniversary of Ecstatic Dance Sunshine Coast with a guided free-form movement session at Coolum Civic Centre, fostering connection and self-expression.
Our Amazing Planet
An exhibition titled "Our Amazing Planet" hosted at the Buderim Craft Cottage, showcasing creative works inspired by nature.
Navy Open Day 2026
The annual Navy Open Day offers the public a chance to explore naval operations and interact with personnel, likely featuring demonstrations and displays for an intellectually engaging experience.
Maleny Lane World Food & Music Night
Laneway-style evening with global street food vendors, bar and intimate live music from local acts in a small community courtyard setting; a regular Maleny social scene.
Sunshine Coast Hinterland Craft Beer Festival 2026
Local craft beer celebration in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland with small-batch breweries, tasting paddles, live music and food vendors across central Maleny venues; community-focused with a relaxed social atmosphere.
Sunday Sessions Live Music on the Deck
Weekly waterfront Sunday arvo session featuring rotating local acoustic and roots musicians on the outdoor deck, with casual bar bites and cocktails; attracts a regular local crowd.
The Grogans – Live at Norton Music Factory
Melbourne trio The Grogans bring their surf rock, garage energy, and indie anthems to the Sunshine Coast, known for their electric live shows and crowd-pulling choruses.
Beachfest 2026 Trivia Day & Classic Car Showcase
A high-energy afternoon trivia event with over $1000 in prizes, complemented by an impressive display of 80+ pre-1984 classic cars. Gather a team for a fun social session.
Thursday Brain & Burger Trivia Night
Weekly trivia challenge at the Banana Bender Pub, hosted by Adam, with twists on classic trivia. Compete with friends while enjoying an optional burger and chips special.
NightQuarter Friday Night Markets
An entertainment precinct offering regular night markets with food vendors, unique stalls, and a lively atmosphere. Features the Enchanted Garden and various performance spaces.
NightQuarter Saturday Night Markets
The Saturday edition of NightQuarter's popular weekly markets. Enjoy food, live music, and unique vendors across distinct zones like The Enchanted Garden and the Eumundi Backyard.
The Grogans – Live on the Sunshine Coast
Melbourne trio The Grogans return to the Sunshine Coast, delivering their signature blend of laid-back surf rock and gritty garage energy. Check the council's events page for confirmed date and venue.
Solbar – Weekly Live Music
Solbar offers a packed schedule of live music across its intimate lounge bar and high-energy Band Room, showcasing local and national artists, as well as visual art exhibitions. Check their website for specific lineup this week.
"Songs & Soiree" Concert
An unforgettable musical journey featuring three special voices – sopranos Kathryn King, Gabrielle Jack, and Roger Davy – performing opera classics and popular musical hits. Check website for exact dates within late May.
Maleny Show Holiday Community Events
A series of community events celebrating the Maleny Show Holiday, a beloved hinterland tradition. Check the Sunshine Coast Council website for the full program of activities.
Downunder Beachfest Street Party
A lively street party featuring classic cars and hot rods, music, and a festive atmosphere. An opportunity to socialise and enjoy a community event in Caloundra.
Sparks Fly Singles Only Games Night - Sunshine Coast
A social games night specifically for singles, designed to facilitate natural conversation and connections through interactive activities in a relaxed atmosphere.
Maleny Show
The annual Maleny Agricultural Show features agricultural exhibits, entertainment, local produce, and community activities for all ages.
The Bloody Long Walk - Sunshine Coast
A charity fundraising long walk event on the Sunshine Coast, starting from Tickle Park, Coolum Beach, supporting a good cause and offering an outdoor social experience.
GOLDEN MUSICAL HITS from BROADWAY TO BUDERIM
A performance by IN BYTES 2026 featuring "Golden Musical Hits from Broadway to Buderim," showcasing songs from popular musicals.
Alpha Fest – The Mateship Muster
Boutique one-day mateship-themed festival at the waterfront Sandstone Point Hotel featuring Australian live acts, food stalls and social activities focused on camaraderie and connection.
The Buzz Lovers (Nirvana Tribute)
A high-energy Nirvana tribute band performs at the Imperial Hotel Eumundi, providing a casual, communal, and lively pub-rock experience in a heritage town.
DON'T CHANGE – Ultimate INXS
Experience a high-energy tribute to INXS at Kings Beach Tavern, promising a loud, fun, and crowd-pleasing night of classic Australian rock music.
Southern Sons – Heart In Danger Tour 2026
One of Australia's best-loved bands, Southern Sons, performs their classic rock catalogue at Caloundra's premier performing arts venue.
XACTO (XTC Tribute) + Crack That Whip
A new wave extravaganza featuring XACTO, Australia's premier XTC tribute band, alongside the electrifying Crack That Whip. Enjoy live music in The Presynct's unique steampunk Art Deco venue.
Kings Beach Tavern – Weekly Live Music
One of the Coast's biggest live music destinations, offering a regular line-up of entertainment in the Beach Bar and a relaxed deck with ocean views. Check their website for this week's acts.
Sunshine Coast Libraries Storytime
A recurring, warm community event offering storytime sessions for kids and families across various library branches, also featuring other library programs like book clubs and exhibitions.
Open Door Network
A community network event at Maple Street Tea in Maleny, likely for informal socialising and connection among local residents and businesses.
Calamari Club - May 2026
A social gathering hosted by 'Men Helping Men' for the Calamari Club, likely involving food and informal conversation to foster community connection among men.
FLESHFEST 2 - with WE THE HOLLOW - BURN THE KINGDOM - OCEANS FOR SIRIUS - SLAVES OF DISSONANCE
FLESHFEST 2 features several heavy bands including WE THE HOLLOW and BURN THE KINGDOM, promising a night of intense live music and a vibrant atmosphere.
80s Maroochy River Cruise
Enjoy an 80s themed river cruise on the Maroochy River, offering a fun and social experience on the water with nostalgic music.
DV Purple Tie Gala
A community fundraising gala hosted by Rise & Thrive Co., raising awareness and funds for domestic violence prevention in a meaningful social setting.
SUNSHINE COAST SPEED DATING FOR AGED 26-44
A structured speed dating event for individuals aged 26-44, offering a fun and efficient way to meet new people and engage in short, focused conversations.
Chaplaincy Fundraising Dinner
A fundraising dinner held at QCCC Mapleton to support local chaplaincy services, offering a social evening for a good cause in the community.
Drag Bingo at Banana Bender Pub | Fundraiser for Sunny Kids!
A fun drag bingo event hosted by Neil Car at Banana Bender Pub, serving as a fundraiser for Sunny Kids and offering entertaining performances for a good cause.
Living In The 80s at Coolum Bowls Club
A live music event celebrating 80s hits, offering a nostalgic and social atmosphere for dancing and enjoying music at Coolum Bowls Club.
Ain't No Love In Caloundra (Luke Combs Appreciation Night)
A Luke Combs appreciation night at Kings Beach Tavern, featuring live music celebrating the country artist in a social pub setting.
Electrifying 80s - Live in Caloundra (Starring Paulini and Tim Campbell)
Paulini and Tim Campbell perform an "Electrifying 80s" show live in Caloundra, featuring popular hits from the decade in a staged concert experience.