Key Events This Week

The Curated Plate

Dates: Friday 24 July to Sunday 2 August 2026
Venues: Restaurants, farms, breweries and special locations across the Sunshine Coast

The Curated Plate begins on Friday 24 July, launching ten days of food and drink experiences celebrating the Sunshine Coast’s chefs, producers, growers and local ingredients. Rather than being held at one central festival site, the program is spread across coastal communities and the hinterland.

Visitors can choose from a changing program that may include long lunches, farm-based experiences, tastings, chef collaborations, demonstrations and special dining events. Some activities require bookings, while other experiences are designed to be enjoyed more casually. Check the official program carefully for individual venues, starting times and availability.

Queensland Oztag All Schools Tournament

Dates: Friday 24 July to Sunday 26 July 2026
Venue: Kawana Sports Precinct, Bokarina

One of Queensland’s major school sporting events comes to Bokarina this weekend, with teams competing across three days of Oztag. The tournament is expected to create plenty of activity around the Kawana Sports Precinct and surrounding areas.

Families attending the competition can combine the event with time beside Lake Kawana, a visit to nearby beaches or a short drive to Mooloolaba. Spectators should check the official event listing for match schedules, field locations, parking advice and any late program changes.

The Importance of Being Earnest

Dates: Friday 24 July and Saturday 25 July 2026, with further performances continuing beyond this week
Friday performance: 7:00pm–9:30pm
Saturday performance: From 2:00pm
Venue: Maleny, Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy The Importance of Being Earnest opens in Maleny on Friday evening. The production offers visitors an opportunity to add theatre to a day exploring the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

Maleny is known for its mountain scenery, galleries, cafés and nearby walking areas, so the performance can form part of a broader hinterland day trip from Mooloolaba. Tickets and precise venue information should be confirmed through the official event page before travelling.

Open Studios Sunshine Coast

Dates this week: Thursday 23 July to Sunday 26 July 2026
Venues: Participating studios and creative spaces around Montville and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland

The final days of Open Studios Sunshine Coast give visitors the chance to enter working studios, meet local artists and discover original paintings, ceramics, jewellery, sculpture, photography and handmade pieces.

The program is designed as a self-guided journey between participating venues. Opening days can differ between studios, so visitors should select their preferred stops before leaving and confirm each artist’s address and trading hours.

Noosa ALIVE! Festival

Final dates: Thursday 23 July to Sunday 26 July 2026
Venues: Cultural venues, theatres, restaurants and outdoor locations throughout Noosa

Noosa ALIVE! enters its final days this week, with arts, entertainment, music, theatre and cultural experiences continuing through Sunday. Events are spread across several locations, so visitors can choose a performance that suits their schedule and combine it with time exploring Noosa.

Noosa is an accessible day trip from Mooloolaba, although advance planning is recommended for ticketed performances and evening events.

The Original Eumundi Markets

Dates: Saturday 25 July and Wednesday 29 July 2026
Time: 7:30am–2:00pm
Venue: 80 Memorial Drive, Eumundi

The Original Eumundi Markets are open every Wednesday and Saturday, offering handmade products, fashion, art, homewares, local produce, food and live entertainment. The markets are suitable for couples, families and groups seeking a relaxed morning in the hinterland.

Saturday is generally the busier market day, so arriving early may make parking and browsing easier.

Everyday Experiences in Mooloolaba

Scheduled events are only part of the attraction. Mooloolaba offers a wide range of experiences throughout the week, allowing visitors to adjust their plans around weather, energy levels and travel time.

• Walk along the Mooloolaba Esplanade and beachfront promenade.
• Swim, surf, paddleboard or relax on Mooloolaba Beach.
• Follow the coastal pathway towards Alexandra Headland.
• Explore the marina, harbour and riverfront precinct.
• Join a scenic cruise or seasonal whale-watching experience.
• Visit the aquarium and family attractions near the waterfront.
• Enjoy waterfront dining, fresh seafood and relaxed cafés.
• Visit Point Cartwright for coastal scenery and walking tracks.

Winter is also part of the annual humpback whale migration season. Tours generally operate from Mooloolaba, although departures remain subject to availability, weather and sea conditions. Booking ahead is sensible for weekends and busy holiday periods.

Visitor Q&A

What is the biggest event this week?

The Curated Plate begins on Friday 24 July and is one of the region’s major winter festivals, with food experiences taking place across the Sunshine Coast.

Are there free activities?

Yes. Beach walks, coastal paths, lookouts and general market entry provide affordable ways to enjoy the region. Some events and activities may charge admission or require bookings.

Are the events suitable for families?

The Oztag tournament, Eumundi Markets, beaches and waterfront attractions are all popular family options. Individual theatre and festival events should be checked for age suitability.

Where is the best place to stay?

Mooloolaba is a convenient base because visitors can walk to the beach, restaurants, attractions and tour departure areas while remaining within easy driving distance of Caloundra, Bokarina, Eumundi, Maleny and Noosa.

Plan Your Sunshine Coast Escape

From major food events and school sport to theatre, art trails, markets and whale migration experiences, there is plenty to enjoy across the Sunshine Coast this week. Base yourself beside the beach and discover why Mooloolaba continues to be recognised as Australia’s prime holiday destination.