Well, folks, the last month of winter is here. Whaaaaaat? How did a whole season pass by so quickly? Well, we may have been hibernating in the warm cocoon of our bed and binging Netflix for most of winter, so now we’re ready to get out and about in August and make the most of the last month of winter.
The temperature is (slowing) creeping back up, the days are getting longer and we’re already eyeing up the huge list of things happening in our little spot of paradise this month. Just in case you weren’t excited enough about bidding winter goodbye, we’ve put together the ultimate hit list of the events happening on the Sunshine Coast in August.
Shorts on Stage
Returning to the Noosa Arts stage after overwhelming national success, Shorts on Stage is a belly-achingly hilarious selection of ten-minute play performances from stellar casts. Prepare to fall out of your seat laughing with these highly entertaining plays that will keep you on your toes. And with each play running for a maximum of ten minutes, they’ll keep you on the edge of your seat! There are only three sessions of these popular performances, so grab your tickets before they sell out.
When: Saturday 14 August, at 2pm and 7pm; Sunday 15 August, at 2pm
Where: Noosa Arts Theatre, Weyba Road, Noosaville
Cost: $25
New Orleans Festival
The French Quarter is coming to NightQuarter! Celebrating all things New Orleans with merrymaking, parades, feasting and even...voodoo. At this epic New Orleans Festival, Perth’s Junkadelic Brass Band will take to the stage to keep sweet tunes grooving all night, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can have your fortune told. Start manifesting your future house now. Join in a voodoo ritual dance and then satisfy your stomach with New Orleans delights, like gumbo and beignets. Get your hands on tickets ASAP.
When: Saturday August 28, from 4pm to 10pm
Where: NightQuarter, Birtinya
Cost: Adults: $5.00, teens: $4.00, children $2.00
Out ’n’ Proud Festival
Bring out your most OTT clothes and kick up your highest stilettos—Out ’n’ Proud Festival is sprinkling glitter and glam over the Sunshine Coast this month. Celebrating diversity of all types, this vibrant festival is set to be a fabulous event, with a full day of local and national talent, food trucks, a full bar and market stalls before Jack Vidgen and Sheldon Riley party into the night. Out ’n’ Proud is all about celebrating people, pride and culture while supporting artists within the community to expand the thriving local music industry. Get ready to grab the glitter at this glitzy, community-focused event.
When: Saturday 21 August, from 10am until late
Where: Kings Beach Amphitheatre, Caloundra
Cost: $49
Island Night Festival
NightQuarter is shaking it up with an awesome island-themed festival hitting the event lineup this month. Taste, smell and experience your way through a maze of pop up bars and discover vibrant Polynesian entertainment and food. Island artists, including haka performers, dance troupes and cultural singers will take to the stage and celebrate the beauty of our diverse Pacific cultures. Soak up culture, food and music without leaving Queensland with this wanderlust-worthy Island Night Festival.
When: Saturday 21 August, from 4pm to 10pm
Where: NightQuarter, Birtinya
Cost: Adults: $5.00, teens: $4.00, children $2.00
Secret Garden Micro Music Event
The Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens will be transformed into a mini concert venue this month, playing host to performances from talented local and touring artists at the Secret Garden Music Event. From indie tunes to gritty blues and reggae vibes, the featured artists will take over the Sculpture Garden and transform it into an intimate live performance space. Grab a picnic blanket, relax with your friends in this unique setting and chill out to the tunes of local artists Lee Hardisty and Miss Elm. Weekend plans, sorted.
When: Sunday 15 August, from 3pm to 5pm
Where: Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens, Tanawha
Cost: Adults: $15, Children: $5.00
Pre-Loved Clothes Market
Nothing says sustainable living like some pre-loved clothes, right? Kick your month off sustainably by checking out the gorgeous Pre-Loved Clothes Market at Coolum this month. You’re sure to scoop up some fashionable bargains at the 28 stalls, boasting a huge variety of quality pre-loved women’s, men’s and children’s clothing. Be part of the circular economy, shop locally and get some funky looking fashion pieces while you’re at it. Sustainable fashion is IN this year.
When: Saturday 4 September, from 8am to 11:30am
Where: Coolum Civic Centre, 2-4 Park Street, Coolum Beach
Cost: Gold coin donation
Full Moon Ceremony Yoga & Meditation
We’re all about wellness and healing from within, so when we heard about this beautiful Full Moon Ceremony, you can bet it went straight into the diary. Every full moon is a chance to set new intentions, which is exactly what we all need during these tumultuous times. This two-hour ceremony will include a gentle yoga flow, meditation and a healing cacao ceremony. You don’t need to be a yogi to join this inclusive event—just bring yourself and a yoga mat and prepare to embrace your inner Zen.
When: Sunday 22 August, from 6pm to 8pm
Where: Chambers Island, Bradman Avenue, Maroochydore
Cost: $20
Colourful Mega Fair
Nestled in the picture-perfect setting of the Marshall Ski Lakes, the Colourful Mega Fair will be sprinkling colourful magic around the Sunny Coast this month. This family-friendly market will boast hundreds of market stalls, fresh produce stalls, a car boot sale, amusement rides, food trucks—basically everything you could wish for in a market! Set to be one of the biggest events on the Sunny Coast this month, you can expect loads of entertainment, live shows and a craft beer and cider expo to keep you groovin’ late into the night. Pop this one in your calendar ASAP ‘cause it’s set to be a doozy.
When: Friday August 27 to Sunday August 29; hours vary
Where: Marshall Ski Lakes, 1 Leafy Lane, Chevallum
Cost: Free
Trivia Night At Solbar
Who doesn’t love a good trivia night? If you raised your hand, please unfriend us. Music fans and trivia lovers, we’ve got just the thing for you. Solbar’s famous trivia nights are finally back and are sure to deliver a groovy night of questions, games, laughs and good times. Get your pals together, think of a great trivia team name (the most important part of trivia, obviously) and show us what you’re made of. Bonus: it’s free to enter so you have more moolah to splash on bevvies. That’s what we call a bargain.
When: Thursday August 19, from 6:30pm to 8:30pm
Where: Solbar, 20 Ocean Street, Maroochydore
Cost: Free
Confidence Man At Nightquarter
Confidence Man and Northeast Party House are combining forces to deliver the dance party concert of your dreams at Nightquarter this month. Two of the hottest acts in Australia right now, the thumping tunes will captivate you, make you dance and lose your cool. Exactly what good music should do. Text the group chat ‘cause this is set to be an epic show and tickets are selling like hotcakes. BYO your best dance moves—a banging playlist is provided.
When: Friday 27 August, from 5pm
Where: NightQuarter, Birtinya
Cost: $66
Summer is just around the corner and we all know what that means on the Sunshine Coast. Surfing all day, every day. Polish up your surfing skills ASAP with our roundup of the best places you can learn to surf on the Sunshine Coast.
Image credit: Brooke Darling Photography