There is plenty happening across Mooloolaba and the Sunshine Coast this week, with film festivals, live music, comedy, sporting competitions, architecture tours, markets and the start of one of Australia’s biggest triathlon festivals.
From Thursday 22 to Wednesday 28 October 2026, visitors can enjoy everything from creative events in Maroochydore and Mooloolaba to family-friendly attractions, coastal markets and a major sporting festival in Noosa.
With beautiful beaches, waterfront restaurants, The Wharf precinct and easy access to the wider region, Mooloolaba remains Australia’s prime holiday destination and an excellent place to base yourself for the week ahead.
Week at a Glance: 22–28 October 2026
- Thursday 22 October: ShowFest games and screen events at Altitude Nine, Maroochydore; Katchafire at Kings Beach Tavern.
- Friday 23 October: ShowFest Screen Summit at Maroochy RSL; Empowering Women Expo at Venue 114; Funny Coast Comedy in Nambour.
- Saturday 24 October: Sunshine Coast Open House, Veteran Games National Finals, Eumundi Markets, ShowFest Screen Awards at The Wharf Mooloolaba and Conrad Sewell in Caloundra.
- Sunday 25 October: Sunshine Coast Open House, Showdown Shorts at Event Cinemas Kawana, Veteran Games, Caloundra Street Fair and local Sunday markets.
- Monday 26 October: Free water-safety program in Nambour and opportunities to explore the Coast’s galleries and attractions.
- Tuesday 27 October: Mooloolaba beach experiences, coastal walks, marine activities and local dining.
- Wednesday 28 October: Noosa Triathlon festival begins, The Original Eumundi Markets and Pevan & Sarah in Concert at Venue 114.
Thursday 22 October: Music, Games & Screen Innovation
ShowFest 2026 – Innovation in Games & Screen
Date: Thursday 22 October 2026
Venue: Altitude Nine, Maroochydore City Centre
Program: GAMES Summit and AI in Film Production
ShowFest brings six days of film, television, gaming and digital creativity to the Sunshine Coast, with events running from 20 to 25 October.
Thursday’s program focuses on the future of games and screen production, including local game developers, emerging technologies and artificial intelligence in filmmaking.
This is particularly worthwhile for visitors interested in technology, digital creativity, filmmaking and the local creative industry.
Katchafire Live at Kings Beach Tavern
Date: Thursday 22 October 2026
Venue: Kings Beach Tavern, Caloundra
New Zealand reggae favourites Katchafire perform on the Sunshine Coast with special guest Mike Love from Hawaii.
Expect a lively evening of reggae, roots music and island-inspired rhythms. This is a good option for visitors wanting a night of live music after exploring Caloundra’s beaches and restaurants.
Friday 23 October: Film, Comedy & Community Events
ShowFest Screen Summit
Date: Friday 23 October 2026
Time: 9:00am–5:00pm
Venue: Maroochy RSL, Maroochydore
The ShowFest Screen Summit brings filmmakers, producers, industry professionals and creative businesses together for presentations, workshops and networking.
Although primarily an industry event, it is a noteworthy part of the Sunshine Coast’s growing creative calendar.
Empowering Women Expo
Date: Friday 23 October 2026
Venue: Venue 114, Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina
The Empowering Women Expo brings together businesses, exhibitors and visitors for a day of networking, shopping, inspiration and social connection.
The event provides an alternative to the usual beach activities and may appeal to visitors interested in local businesses, lifestyle products and community experiences.
Funny Coast Comedy
Date: Friday 23 October 2026
Venue: Black Box Theatre, Nambour
For a Friday night of laughs, Funny Coast Comedy brings stand-up entertainment to Nambour.
Visitors can combine the performance with dinner in the town centre or make an evening of exploring the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
Saturday 24 October: Open House, Markets, Sport & Live Music
Sunshine Coast Open House 2026
Dates: Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 October 2026
Locations: Participating buildings and architectural sites across the Sunshine Coast
Cost: Many activities are free; selected tours require bookings
Sunshine Coast Open House gives visitors the opportunity to explore architecturally interesting, sustainable, historic and contemporary buildings that are not always accessible to the public.
The program includes locations from the coast to the hinterland, making it an excellent opportunity to discover places beyond the usual tourist attractions.
Some buildings allow walk-in visits during advertised hours, while others require advance reservations. Check the individual building listings before travelling.
Veteran Games National Finals
Dates: Saturday 24 & Sunday 25 October 2026
Venue: Sunshine Coast Stadium, Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina
The Veteran Games National Finals bring teams of veterans together for a military-inspired sporting competition.
The event highlights teamwork, physical fitness and the veteran community, making it a notable sporting event on the Coast this weekend.
ShowFest Sunshine Coast Screen Awards
Date: Saturday 24 October 2026
Time: 6:00pm–10:00pm
Venue: The Wharf Mooloolaba, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba
One of the week’s major Mooloolaba events is the Sunshine Coast Screen Awards, celebrating achievements in film, television, games and digital media.
The awards bring local and visiting creatives to The Wharf precinct for an evening recognising the Sunshine Coast’s screen industry.
Visitors staying in Mooloolaba will be close to the event location, as well as the precinct’s restaurants and waterfront attractions.
Conrad Sewell – Acoustic Tour
Date: Saturday 24 October 2026
Venue: Kings Beach Tavern, Caloundra
Australian singer-songwriter Conrad Sewell performs an acoustic show at Kings Beach Tavern.
The performance offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy live Australian music in a more intimate setting, with Kings Beach and central Caloundra nearby.
The Original Eumundi Markets
Date: Saturday 24 October 2026
Venue: 80 Memorial Drive, Eumundi
The Original Eumundi Markets remain one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular visitor attractions.
Browse artisan products, handmade gifts, local art, fashion, fresh produce and food while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere of Eumundi.
The markets operate every Wednesday and Saturday, making them a convenient option for visitors planning a hinterland day trip.
Sunday 25 October: Markets, Architecture & Short Films
Showdown Shorts – ShowFest 2026
Date: Sunday 25 October 2026
Time: 12:00pm–3:00pm
Venue: Event Cinemas Kawana, Buddina
ShowFest concludes with Showdown Shorts, a showcase of short films from emerging filmmakers, students and independent storytellers.
The program includes finalist screenings followed by the 2026 Showdown Shorts Awards presentation.
It is a worthwhile option for visitors who enjoy cinema and want to experience something different from the usual beach holiday.
Caloundra Street Fair
Date: Sunday 25 October 2026
Time: 8:00am–1:00pm
Venue: Bulcock Street, Caloundra
Caloundra Street Fair is a favourite Sunday outing featuring local makers, fresh food, fashion, handmade products and entertainment.
The market’s central location makes it easy to combine shopping with breakfast or a walk along the Caloundra waterfront.
Fishermans Road Sunday Markets
Date: Sunday 25 October 2026
Venue: Fishermans Road, Maroochydore
For visitors staying in Mooloolaba, the Fishermans Road Markets are a convenient Sunday morning outing.
The market is known for its mix of fresh produce, food, plants, second-hand goods and general market stalls.
Monday 26 – Tuesday 27 October: Relax & Explore
Royal Life Saving Queensland Migrant Water Safety Program
Date: Monday 26 October 2026
Venue: Nambour Aquatic Centre
Cost: Free; bookings essential
This community program focuses on building water confidence and safety skills for migrants.
Places are limited, and the activity is intended for eligible participants rather than general drop-in visitors.
Explore Mooloolaba & the Coast
Monday and Tuesday are good opportunities to enjoy the Sunshine Coast at a more relaxed pace.
Spend time at Mooloolaba Beach, explore the shops and restaurants along the Esplanade, visit SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast or walk around the Mooloolaba Spit.
For a scenic outing, head to Point Cartwright, Alexandra Headland or the hinterland around Buderim and Maleny.
These experiences do not depend on a particular event schedule, making them useful options when you want to plan around the weather.
Wednesday 28 October: Noosa Triathlon Festival Begins
Noosa Triathlon 2026
Dates: Wednesday 28 October – Sunday 1 November 2026
Location: Noosa Heads and surrounding areas
One of Australia’s best-known triathlon festivals begins on Wednesday.
The Noosa Triathlon Festival combines elite and community sporting events with a lively holiday atmosphere, attracting competitors, supporters and visitors from around Australia.
Although the main triathlon takes place later in the festival, Wednesday marks the beginning of the five-day program.
If you are planning a Noosa day trip, check the official event schedule and traffic information, as larger crowds and road closures may affect access during the festival.
Pevan & Sarah in Concert
Date: Wednesday 28 October 2026
Venue: Venue 114, Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina
Families with young children can enjoy Pevan & Sarah in Concert, an interactive musical stage show featuring songs, learning activities and plenty of audience participation.
Tickets are listed from $24 plus booking fees. Check the venue’s booking page for session times and remaining availability.
The Original Eumundi Markets
Date: Wednesday 28 October 2026
Venue: 80 Memorial Drive, Eumundi
If you missed Saturday’s market, Wednesday provides another opportunity to visit the Original Eumundi Markets and enjoy the region’s artisan shopping, food and live entertainment.
Practical Visitor Information
Book Ahead for Popular Events
Ticketed concerts, theatre performances, film events and guided architecture tours may have limited capacity. Check official booking pages before travelling, particularly for weekend events.
Allow Extra Time Around Major Venues
Sunshine Coast Stadium, Venue 114, The Wharf Mooloolaba and Maroochydore’s city centre are hosting events this week. Allow extra time for parking and local traffic around larger gatherings.
Planning a Noosa Visit?
The Noosa Triathlon Festival begins Wednesday and continues into the following weekend. Check event information and road access before travelling, especially if you are planning to visit Noosa later in the week.