What’s On in Mooloolaba & the Sunshine Coast: 15–21 October 2026

The Week at a Glance

• Thursday 15 October: Rangebow Festival continues across the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
• Friday 16 October: Sunshine Coast Open House begins, Rangebow’s Trax on Tracks Silent Disco and Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks in Caloundra.
• Saturday 17 October: Mooloolaba Sunsets Market, Blackall100, Diwali Festival of Lights, Sunshine Coast Open House activities, Rangebow events, Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra and major theatre in Caloundra.
• Sunday 18 October: Strummingbird Festival, ORIGIN on the Mooloolaba Foreshore, Cotton Tree Markets and the final day of Rangebow Festival.
• Monday 19 October: A quieter Mooloolaba day — ideal for SEA LIFE, The Wharf, beach time between showers or a relaxed lunch on the Esplanade.
• Tuesday 20 October: ShowFest begins with the Showdown Showcase Under the Stars at The MET in Maroochydore.
• Wednesday 21 October: Eumundi Markets and ShowFest’s Island Vibes evening featuring the Pacific Island Film Festival.
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Weather Outlook: Keep a Wet-Weather Plan Handy

The current Bureau of Meteorology forecast has an increased chance of showers across much of the coming week.

Friday is forecast to reach around 22°C with a medium chance of showers. Saturday and Sunday are both currently forecast around 22°C with a high chance of showers, while Monday has a particularly high chance of rain.

Tuesday should warm slightly to around 23°C with possible showers, while Wednesday is currently forecast around 24°C with showers and the possibility of a thunderstorm.

Despite the cloud, the UV index remains very high, so sun protection is still important when you are outdoors.

For major outdoor events, check conditions again on the morning before leaving your accommodation.

Friday 16 October: Architecture, Music and Rangebow

Sunshine Coast Open House 2026 Begins

When: Friday 16 October to Sunday 25 October
Where: Various Sunshine Coast locations
Theme: Sustainable Inclusive Design

Sunshine Coast Open House begins its tenth-year program this week, celebrating architecture, design, heritage, gardens and public spaces across the region.

The major building-open weekend takes place later on 24 and 25 October, but a series of talks, walks, sketching sessions and community events starts this Friday.

The festival is an excellent addition to a Sunshine Coast holiday if you are interested in architecture, renovation, sustainability, gardens, heritage buildings or simply discovering places that are not normally open to the public.

Sustainable Inclusive Design Community Forum

When: Friday 16 October, 6:00pm–9:00pm
Where: Noosa Arts Theatre, 163 Weyba Road, Noosaville
Booking: Required

The opening forum explores how homes, buildings and communities can be designed to remain accessible, adaptable and welcoming as people’s needs change throughout life.

The panel brings together architects, designers, advocates and people with lived experience for a broader discussion about sustainable and inclusive communities.

Trax on Tracks: Silent Disco

When: Friday 16 October, from 6:00pm
Where: Tram Co, Nambour

The final weekend of Rangebow Festival begins with one of its more unusual events — a silent disco inside Nambour’s historic cane train depot.

Guests choose between music channels through wireless headphones while dancing inside a venue that connects strongly with the Sunshine Coast’s agricultural and railway history.

Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks – 50 Years of Hits

When: Friday 16 October, 8:00pm
Where: Kings Theatre, The Events Centre, Caloundra
Age: 15+
Tickets: From approximately $79

Australian rock legend Ross Wilson continues his 50 Years of Hits tour with The Peaceniks, supported by Jen Mize.

The concert runs for approximately two hours including interval and brings together music spanning Wilson’s decades-long career.

Saturday 17 October: Markets, Running, Diwali, Music and Theatre

Saturday has a particularly diverse program, whether you want to stay in Mooloolaba or explore further afield.

Mooloolaba Sunsets Market

When: Saturday 17 October, approximately 5:00pm–8:30pm
Where: Beach Terrace, Mooloolaba
Cost: Free entry

The Mooloolaba Sunsets Market returns for its regular third-Saturday session on Beach Terrace.

This is one of the easiest events of the week for G1 Holidays guests staying locally. Expect food trucks, artisan stalls and a relaxed beachfront atmosphere as the afternoon moves into evening.

Grab something for dinner, browse the stalls and enjoy being able to walk back to your accommodation rather than worrying about a long drive afterwards.

Blackall100

When: Saturday 17 October
Where: Mapleton and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk
100km start: 6:00am
50km start: 6:30am
21km start: 7:15am

The Blackall100 is one of Queensland’s major trail-running events, sending competitors through forests, gullies and ridgelines around Mapleton and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland Great Walk.

Distances include 100km, 50km and 21km, with Sunday morning presentations.

If you are simply visiting the hinterland this weekend rather than competing, be aware that sections of Mapleton, Mapleton Falls and Kondalilla national parks will have increased runner traffic. Parking will also be limited in some areas.

Sunshine Coast Open House – Urban Sketching

Morning session: Saturday 17 October, 9:30am–12:00pm
Where: Caloundra Library Precinct
Afternoon session: 1:30pm–4:00pm
Where: Bulcock Beach
Booking: Required

Architect and urban designer Peter Richards leads two outdoor sketching sessions designed to help participants slow down and observe architecture, streets and public spaces in a different way.

You do not need to be a professional artist — bring a chair, water, a hat and your preferred drawing materials.

Moffat Beach Heritage Walking Tour

When: Saturday 17 October, 2:00pm–3:30pm
Where: Moffat Beach
Cost: Free
Booking: Required

Local architect and heritage specialist Rodger Todd explores how Moffat Beach changed dramatically during the decades after World War II as cars, improved roads and the growth of family holidays transformed the area.

The 90-minute walk combines Sunshine Coast history, architecture and one of the region’s most attractive beachside neighbourhoods.

Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra Leaver’s Concert

When: Saturday 17 October, 1:00pm–2:30pm
Where: Immanuel Lutheran College, 126–142 Wises Road, Buderim

The Sunshine Coast Youth Orchestra celebrates its departing Year 12 musicians with an afternoon concert featuring senior ensembles and performances recognising the students’ contribution to the orchestra.

Buderim is only a short drive inland from Mooloolaba.

Diwali – Festival of Lights

When: Saturday 17 October, from 5:30pm
Where: Aussie World, Palmview
Entry: From $11 excluding rides
Suitable for: All ages

Aussie World joins with the Sunshine Coast Indian Association for a colourful celebration of Diwali.

The evening includes traditional dance, live music, cultural performances, Indian food, festival decorations and the theme park’s usual rides and attractions, with rides operating until 9:00pm.

This is one of the strongest family options of the weekend.

Rangebow Festival Closing Weekend

Rangebow Festival continues across Montville, Maleny and the hinterland throughout Saturday.

Events include Doggy Style: Sit. Stay. Slay. at 10:00am, a Q&A event around The Red Winter at 2:00pm and two Baroque Botanica concerts at The Glass House at Montvale at 6:00pm and 8:00pm.

Important: the Pineapple Parfait Cup that had been scheduled for Saturday has been cancelled because of the rain forecast.

Beauty and the Beast JR.

When: Saturday 17 October, 2:00pm and 6:00pm
Where: Playhouse Theatre, The Events Centre, Caloundra
Age: All ages

HQ Musical Theatre presents the junior version of Beauty and the Beast, featuring familiar songs including Be Our Guest and Belle.

The production runs for approximately one hour and fifty minutes including interval.

The Roy Orbison Story

When: Saturday 17 October, 7:30pm
Where: Kings Theatre, The Events Centre, Caloundra
Tickets: Approximately $79.50 full price

Fans of classic rock and pop can spend Saturday evening with a touring tribute to Roy Orbison, featuring the songs and distinctive sound associated with one of the most recognisable voices of his era.

Sunday 18 October: Strummingbird, Markets and a Mooloolaba Sunrise Gathering

ORIGIN – Mooloolaba Foreshore

When: Sunday 18 October, approximately 5:00am–7:00am
Where: Northern end of Mooloolaba Foreshore Park
Registration: Required for the gathering

Early risers can begin Sunday with a global community event timed around sunrise.

The gathering includes a collective prayer and song for the planet from around 5:00am, followed by an optional silent celebration dance session.

Sunrise from the Mooloolaba foreshore provides the backdrop, making this one of the more unusual local events of the week.

Cotton Tree Markets

When: Sunday 18 October, 7:00am–12:00pm
Where: King Street, Cotton Tree, Maroochydore

One of the easiest Sunday markets to reach from Mooloolaba, Cotton Tree features local designers, handmade goods, food, produce and live entertainment beside the Maroochy River.

Combine the market with breakfast, a riverside walk or a morning at nearby Maroochydore Beach.

Strummingbird Sunshine Coast

When: Sunday 18 October, 12:00pm–11:00pm
Where: Kawana Sports Precinct, 31 Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina
Suitable for: All ages

Strummingbird is the biggest music event on the Sunshine Coast this weekend.

The touring country festival brings together 18 artists across two stages, with a line-up including Bailey Zimmerman, Tyler Childers, Cooper Alan, James Johnston, Brad Cox, Sons of the East, Sara Berki, Max Jackson and more.

There is also line dancing, food and drink, festival merchandise and other entertainment throughout the site.

Camping is available separately for festival ticket holders, and anyone driving through the Bokarina sports precinct area should expect considerably more traffic than on a normal Sunday.

Final Day of Rangebow Festival

Sunday is also the last day of the 2026 Rangebow Festival.

The program includes Platypus Whispers at Obi Obi Creek from 7:30am, the MicroFilm Festival at Maleny Community Centre from 10:00am and The Maria Anna Mozart Concert Tour in Maleny during the afternoon.

The MicroFilm Festival combines short films, animation, documentaries, experimental work and micro-games with discussions about creative careers and storytelling.

Art and Nature at Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens

When: Sunday 18 October, 2:00pm–3:00pm
Where: Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens, 51 Palm Creek Road, Tanawha
Booking: Required

Part of Sunshine Coast Open House, this presentation explores how art and sculpture within natural environments can support connection, contemplation and wellbeing.

Monday 19 October: A Good Day to Stay Close to Mooloolaba

The current weather forecast makes Monday a particularly good day to keep your plans flexible.

If showers settle in, The Wharf Mooloolaba provides an easy base for lunch, coffee, shopping and indoor attractions without travelling far from your accommodation.

SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast

SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast at The Wharf is one of the best wet-weather options in Mooloolaba.

The aquarium is particularly useful for families, but also works well for adults wanting something to do when the beach is less inviting.

Whale Watching: The Final Weeks of the 2026 Season

October is the closing part of the Sunshine Coast’s annual humpback whale migration.

Sunreef Mooloolaba operates Whale One from The Wharf, with its whale-watching season normally running from June through October and sometimes into very early November.

At this time of year most humpbacks are travelling south towards Antarctica, often accompanied by calves born during the northern part of their migration.

Possible behaviours include breaching, tail slapping and spy hopping, but sightings and behaviour are always determined by the whales themselves.

If whale watching is on your Sunshine Coast holiday list, there are not many weeks left this year.

Because offshore conditions can vary considerably from the weather on land, check directly with the operator before setting out.

Tuesday 20 October: ShowFest Comes to Maroochydore

Showdown Showcase Under the Stars

When: Tuesday 20 October, doors 6:00pm; screening approximately 6:30pm–8:00pm
Where: The MET, Maroochydore City Centre

ShowFest 2026 begins on Tuesday, bringing six days of film, digital games, screen culture and creative-industry events to the Sunshine Coast.

The opening Showdown Showcase screens audience favourites from previous Sunny Coast Showdown programs and celebrates local filmmakers whose work has gone on to festivals, awards and professional opportunities.

For guests staying in Mooloolaba, The MET is only a short drive away in the Maroochydore City Centre.

Wednesday 21 October: Eumundi Markets and Pacific Island Film

The Original Eumundi Markets

When: Wednesday 21 October
Where: 80 Memorial Drive, Eumundi

Wednesday is one of the two regular weekly trading days at The Original Eumundi Markets.

Browse local art, fashion, jewellery, homewares, food and produce before stopping for lunch in Eumundi or continuing into the northern Sunshine Coast.

ShowFest – Island Vibes Featuring Pacific Island Film Festival

When: Wednesday 21 October, 6:30pm–9:00pm
Where: Blackflag Brewing, Coolum

ShowFest continues on Wednesday night with an evening combining film and music and celebrating the cultures, stories and voices of Pacific Island communities.

The program provides another good indoor evening option if the forecast showers continue into Wednesday.

Planning Your Weekend from Mooloolaba

Saturday evening is easy if you want to stay local. The Mooloolaba Sunsets Market gives you food, stalls and beachfront atmosphere without having to leave Mooloolaba.

Sunday’s Strummingbird Festival will create extra traffic around Bokarina. If you are attending, allow additional travel time rather than treating it as a normal short drive from Mooloolaba.

Check the weather before heading into the hinterland. The Blackall100 and Rangebow events take place around Mapleton, Maleny, Montville and surrounding areas, and conditions can differ noticeably from the coast.

One Rangebow event has already changed. Saturday’s Pineapple Parfait Cup has been cancelled because of the rain forecast, so always check the event organiser before leaving.

Have an indoor backup. SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast, The Events Centre performances, ShowFest and some Sunshine Coast Open House activities give you plenty of options if showers become persistent.

Whale season is nearly finished. If seeing humpbacks is on your holiday wish list, late October is the time to do it rather than putting it off until your next visit.

Why Mooloolaba Is the Perfect Base This Week

This week is another good example of why Mooloolaba makes such a convenient Sunshine Coast holiday base.

You can walk to Mooloolaba Beach, the Esplanade, The Wharf, SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast and the Mooloolaba Sunsets Market, while major events in Maroochydore, Buderim, Bokarina and Caloundra are only a short drive away.

If you want to explore further, the hinterland towns of Mapleton, Montville and Maleny have an unusually strong program this weekend through Rangebow Festival, Blackall100 and Sunshine Coast Open House.

G1 Holidays offers holiday accommodation throughout Mooloolaba and Maroochydore, giving visitors a convenient base for beaches, restaurants, events and day trips across the Sunshine Coast.

Enjoy the week — and keep the umbrella handy.