Key Events Across the Sunshine Coast

Open Studios Sunshine Coast 2026

Dates: Friday 17 July to Sunday 26 July 2026
Featured coastal weekend: Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July 2026, 10:00am–4:00pm
Venues: Participating studios and galleries from Caloundra to Coolum and surrounding coastal communities

Open Studios Sunshine Coast gives visitors the opportunity to step inside local creative spaces, meet artists and discover how paintings, ceramics, sculpture, jewellery, photography and other works are produced. The coastal studios are the focus during the first weekend of the program, with self-guided art trails extending through communities between Caloundra and Coolum.

Visitors can follow the official trail guide and choose several studios to explore in a single day. As opening dates can vary between participating artists, checking the individual studio listings before travelling is recommended.

Noosa ALIVE! Festival

Dates: Friday 17 July to Sunday 26 July 2026
Venues: Theatres, restaurants, outdoor spaces and cultural venues throughout Noosa

Noosa ALIVE! begins on Friday 17 July, bringing ten days of music, theatre, dance, comedy, literature, food and cultural performances to locations throughout Noosa. While the complete festival continues beyond this week, visitors staying on the Sunshine Coast can enjoy the opening events between Friday and Wednesday.

The festival uses a range of venues rather than a single central location, so visitors should consult the official program for performance times, addresses and ticket requirements. Noosa is an enjoyable day trip from Mooloolaba, allowing guests to combine a festival performance with a walk, lunch or afternoon beside the water.

Santa Paws in the Park

Date: Saturday 18 July 2026
Venue: Lake Kawana foreshore, Kawana Sports Precinct, Bokarina

Santa Paws in the Park returns to the Lake Kawana foreshore for a relaxed community event celebrating pets and their families. The event is held within the Kawana Sports Precinct, a short drive south of Mooloolaba.

Visitors planning to attend with a dog should check the event information before leaving, including any entry requirements, leash rules and updated operating times. The Lake Kawana precinct also offers pleasant paths and open spaces, making it easy to extend the outing with a walk beside the water.

The Original Eumundi Markets

Dates: Saturday 18 July and Wednesday 22 July 2026
Time: 7:30am–2:00pm
Venue: 80 Memorial Drive, Eumundi

The Original Eumundi Markets are open every Wednesday and Saturday and are one of the Sunshine Coast’s best-known regular attractions. Visitors can browse handmade art, clothing, jewellery, homewares, produce, gifts and food while enjoying the atmosphere of the historic hinterland township.

Eumundi is around a 30-minute drive from Mooloolaba under normal conditions. Arriving early is recommended, particularly on Saturday, when the surrounding streets and parking areas can become busy.

Everyday Experiences in Mooloolaba

A visit does not need to revolve entirely around scheduled events. Mooloolaba offers enjoyable holiday experiences throughout the week, making it easy to create a flexible itinerary around the weather and your preferred pace.

• Walk along the Mooloolaba Esplanade and beachfront promenade.
• Swim, surf or relax on Mooloolaba Beach.
• Follow the coastal pathway towards Alexandra Headland.
• Explore the harbour, marina and riverfront precinct.
• Take a scenic cruise or seasonal whale-watching trip from Mooloolaba.
• Visit the aquarium and other family attractions around the waterfront.
• Enjoy cafés, fresh seafood and relaxed waterfront dining.
• Drive to Point Cartwright for coastal views and walking tracks.

Winter is also whale migration season, so visitors may see humpback whales from a boat or, occasionally, from elevated coastal lookouts. Tour availability, departure schedules and sea conditions can change, so visitors should check current information before making plans.

Visitor Questions

What is the main event this weekend?

Open Studios Sunshine Coast is a major highlight, with participating coastal studios opening on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 July. Noosa ALIVE! also begins on Friday 17 July and offers a broad program of cultural events.

Are there family-friendly activities?

Yes. Santa Paws in the Park, the Eumundi Markets, Mooloolaba Beach, coastal walks and the waterfront attractions are all suitable options for families.

Do events need to be booked?

Markets and some community activities can generally be visited without advance booking, but ticketed festival performances and seasonal tours may sell out. Check official listings before travelling.

Where is the best place to stay?

Mooloolaba provides convenient access to the beach, dining, attractions and regional roads, making it a practical base for exploring events from Caloundra to Noosa and the hinterland.

Plan Your Sunshine Coast Escape

Whether you are planning a relaxing beachfront break, an active family holiday or a weekend exploring local arts and culture, Mooloolaba places you close to the best of the region. With beautiful beaches, coastal walks, markets, events and memorable seasonal experiences nearby, it is easy to see why Mooloolaba continues to be recognised as Australia’s prime holiday destination.