What’s On in Mooloolaba and the Sunshine Coast: 30 July–5 August 2026
The Sunshine Coast is serving up an exceptional week of food, sport, entertainment, markets and ocean adventures from Thursday 30 July to Wednesday 5 August 2026. The final days of The Curated Plate coincide with the EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival, giving visitors plenty of reasons to explore the coastline, hinterland and waterfront precincts.
Mooloolaba places you close to many of the week’s leading events while offering its own beautiful beach, harbour, cafés, restaurants, cruises and family attractions. With so much available within a short drive, Mooloolaba remains Australia’s prime holiday destination and the ideal base for a Sunshine Coast winter escape.
Key Events This Week
EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival
Dates: Thursday 30 July to Sunday 2 August 2026
Main race day: Sunday 2 August 2026
Start and finish: Alexandra Parade, Alexandra Headland
The Sunshine Coast’s major running festival returns to Alexandra Headland, just minutes from Mooloolaba. The program includes marathon, half-marathon, 10-kilometre, five-kilometre and two-kilometre events, attracting serious athletes, recreational runners and families.
The full marathon starts at 6:00am on Sunday, with the coastal course creating an energetic atmosphere around Alexandra Headland and neighbouring Mooloolaba. Visitors who are not competing can still enjoy the occasion by supporting runners along the route, although temporary road closures and parking restrictions should be expected.
The Curated Plate
Final dates: Thursday 30 July to Sunday 2 August 2026
Venues: Restaurants, farms, coastal precincts and hinterland locations across the Sunshine Coast
The final four days of The Curated Plate provide another opportunity to experience one of the region’s signature food and drink festivals. The ten-day program celebrates Sunshine Coast chefs, growers, producers and hospitality venues through special lunches, tastings, collaborations and immersive dining experiences.
Events are spread throughout the region rather than held at a single festival site. Availability varies, and many experiences require prepaid tickets, so visitors should review the official program before setting out.
Pier 33 Five-Course Long Lunch
Date: Friday 31 July 2026
Time: 12:30pm–3:00pm
Venue: Pier 33, Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba
This Curated Plate experience brings the festival directly to Mooloolaba. Guests can enjoy a five-course long lunch beside the marina, combining local food, waterfront scenery and the relaxed atmosphere of the Mooloolah River precinct.
The lunch is a ticketed event and may book out. Its convenient Mooloolaba location makes it especially appealing for visitors staying nearby, with The Wharf, marina and beachfront all available to explore before or after the meal.
Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival
Date: Saturday 1 August 2026
Time: 12:00pm–5:00pm
Venue: Spicers Tamarind Retreat, 88 Obi Lane South, Maleny
The Sunshine Coast Asian Food Festival returns to the rainforest surroundings of Spicers Tamarind Retreat. Guests can wander through the property while sampling Asian-inspired dishes, curated drinks and locally produced ingredients in a relaxed, picnic-style environment.
Live music and the scenic hinterland setting make this an enjoyable day trip for couples, groups and families. Maleny is approximately an hour’s drive from Mooloolaba under normal conditions, so allow additional travel time and confirm parking and ticket arrangements before departure.
The Original Eumundi Markets
Dates: Saturday 1 August and Wednesday 5 August 2026
Time: 7:30am–2:00pm
Venue: 80 Memorial Drive, Eumundi
The Original Eumundi Markets remain one of the Sunshine Coast’s most popular regular attractions. Visitors can browse handmade art, fashion, jewellery, homewares, local produce and food while enjoying live entertainment and the historic township atmosphere.
The markets operate rain, hail or shine. Saturday is generally the busier trading day, so an early arrival can make parking and browsing easier.
Everyday Mooloolaba Experiences
Even without a ticketed event, visitors will find plenty to enjoy in and around Mooloolaba throughout the week.
- Walk the beachfront path between Mooloolaba and Alexandra Headland.
- Swim, surf or relax on Mooloolaba Beach.
- Explore The Wharf, marina and Mooloolah River precinct.
- Enjoy waterfront cafés, restaurants and fresh local seafood.
- Visit SEA LIFE Sunshine Coast Aquarium.
- Take a sunset cruise, scenic cruise or whale-watching tour.
- Visit Point Cartwright for ocean views and coastal walking tracks.
Humpback whale season is well underway, with tours departing from The Wharf Mooloolaba. Sunreef’s whale-watching trips are dependent on weather and sea conditions, and guests normally receive confirmation before departure.
Visitor Q&A
What is the biggest event this week?
The EVA Air Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival is likely to create the largest crowds around Mooloolaba and Alexandra Headland, particularly on Sunday morning.
Will there be road closures?
Yes. Marathon-related traffic restrictions are expected around the coastal route. Visitors should check official traffic information and allow extra travelling time on Sunday.
Should food events be booked in advance?
Yes. Curated Plate experiences commonly have limited capacity and may require prepaid tickets.
Why stay in Mooloolaba?
Mooloolaba combines a beautiful beach with dining, attractions, tour departures and easy access to Alexandra Headland, Maroochydore and the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.
Plan Your Sunshine Coast Holiday
From major coastal races and long lunches to rainforest food festivals, artisan markets and whale-watching adventures, this is an excellent week to visit the region. Stay close to the action and discover why Mooloolaba is Australia’s prime holiday destination.