Horizon Festival milestone brings community together
What you can enjoy: live music, film night, dance-a-thon and more
Free live music and “creative surprises’’ by the beach, a family film night and an all-day dance-a-thon ... welcome to the 10th anniversary of a unique Sunshine Coast festival.
The Horizon Festival is an annual arts and cultural showcase that is proudly supported by Sunshine Coast Council.
Running from May 1-10, it will unite, excite and explore the intersections of art, people and place on Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country.
This year's festival will bring together 35 events across 13 locations and mark a decade of community arts, culture and connection across the Sunshine Coast.
Residents and visitors are invited to experience a range of free and affordable experiences, including music, performance, film, dance and hands‑on creativity – set in parks, beaches, streets and community spaces.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said Horizon Festival’s 10th anniversary was a wonderful chance for the community to come together and experience creativity in some of our most iconic places.
“Horizon is a festival for our region, by our region, and this milestone year is about offering inspiring, welcoming events that make it easy for everyone to join in,” Mayor Natoli said.
From a beachside opening to a sunset gathering on Country, an outdoor family film night and an all‑day dance-a-thon, here are five standout events to put on your calendar.
Horizon Festival Opening Night (Free)
Kings Beach Park (North), Ormonde Terrace, Kings Beach
Friday 1 May, 4 to 9pm
Horizon Festival 2026 begins with a free, all‑ages celebration by the beach, created as a joyful “opening ceremony” to mark the festival’s 10th anniversary.
Expect live music, creative surprises, family activities and plenty of tasty options to eat and drink – designed for an afternoon that rolls into the evening.
Yauar Warai Wandi – Sing, Dance, Gather (Free)
Lions and Norrie Job Park, 1815 David Low Way, Coolum Beach
Saturday 2 May, 5 to 8pm
A vibrant, First Nations‑led gathering honouring the living relationships between flora, fauna and Country, bringing community together through contemporary and traditional creative expression.
This outdoor event blends performance, ceremony, music and storytelling, inviting audiences to listen, learn and gather in a shared cultural moment.
It runs for three hours across sunset, with audiences welcome to stay as long as they like – bring what you need to be comfortable (think picnic rug or chair, water, hat and layers).
Horizon Hangout (Free)
The MET, Maroochydore City Centre, Corner First Avenue and South Sea Islander Way, Maroochydore
Monday 4 to Thursday 7 May, 9am to 3pm
Horizon Hangout is the festival’s easy‑going basecamp – a place to slow down, snack, play and soak up the atmosphere together.
Across the week, drop in for live acoustic music, kids’ play and creative activities, roving moments of surprise, workshops and giant games on the grass.
There are extra Horizon experiences at The MET, Maroochydore City Centre, including an affordable hands‑on workshop and two affordable live music nights.
The Song Shed | Monday 4 May, 11am to 1pm
A collaborative songwriting session where participants form small teams, explore melody, lyrics and rhythm.
Danny Widdicombe & The Wand’rin’ Stars (Free) | Friday 8 May, 6.30 to 9.30pm
Multiple award-winning songwriter Danny Widdicombe returns to his folk-and-country roots, sharing songs from his new album Everything is New Again.
Jem Cassar‑Daley | Saturday 9 May, 6.30 to 9.30pm
A First Nations indie‑pop artist bringing heartfelt songwriting and magnetic stage presence to a festival night out.
Family Film Night – Babe Under the Stars (Free)
Baringa Forest Park, Eden Drive, Baringa
Saturday 9 May, 3.30 to 7.30pm
Pack the picnic rug and bring the kids for an outdoor screening celebrating 30 years of Babe, with a family‑friendly pre‑show atmosphere.
Arrive early for live music, a farm‑animal petting zoo and local food vendors (including popcorn) before the film begins at dusk.
Horizon Dance Hall (Free)
Hungerford Hall, Nambour State College, 1 Carroll St, Nambour
Sunday 10 May, 9am to 6pm
To close out the festival, Horizon Dance Hall turns the final day into a free, all‑ages party of music and movement, with performances, demos and workshops that invite everyone onto the dance floor.
Expect a joyful mix of styles – from boot scooting and Bollywood to hip‑hop, samba, swing, bush dancing and more, plus food and market stalls to keep you fuelled.
Bookings
Many events are free, but registration is encouraged and some sessions have limited capacity. Head to horizonfestival.com.au to view accessibility details and plan your festival.