What’s on this May on the Sunshine Coast

Business, innovation and industry

Queensland Small Business Month opens in May with a strong focus on economic growth and collaboration.

• Sunshine Coast Small Business Breakfast and launch of Sunshine Coast Business Awards: 1 May, Maroochy RSL
• SPARK: Health x Industry: 13 May, Altitude Nine - creating a platform for collaboration and knowledge‑sharing for our growing health industry.
• FWD Fest 26: 19–21 May - bringing entrepreneurs and innovators together to shape the future of technology and small business.

Arts, culture and creativity

Creative energy flows across the region with festivals and exhibitions celebrating innovation, heritage and imagination.

• Horizon 2026: 1–10 May, featuring more than 30 arts and cultural experiences
• Antiques + Collectables: 1–3 May, Caloundra Indoor Stadium
• Collectorama: 30 May, Nambour Showgrounds
• Haus of Restoration: 30 May, Venue 114,

Community and awareness events

In recognition of Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, community members are invited to participate in events that promote safety, respect and support.

• Domestic Violence March and Candlelight Vigil: 6 May, from 5pm, Cotton Tree

Sport and active lifestyles

Elite sport, community participation and major training camps feature strongly in May.

Elite sport

• Sunshine Coast Lightning vs West Coast Fever: 3 May
• Sunshine Coast Lightning vs Melbourne Vixens: 16 May
• Sunshine Coast Lightning vs GIANTS Netball: 30 May
• Sunshine Coast Falcons vs Brisbane Tigers: 9 May
• Sunshine Coast Falcons vs Wynnum Manly Seagulls: 23 May

Participation sport

• Wishlist K’s 4 Cancer: 17 May, Lake Kawana
• Sunshine Coast Trail Running Festival: 30–31 May, Landsborough

The Sunshine Coast also hosts Men’s and Women’s State of Origin training camps in May, with public access to training sessions yet to be confirmed.

Surf and coastal culture

Surf culture takes centre stage with major championships attracting competitors from across the state.

• Queensland Surf Championships: 23–28 May
• Queensland Grommet Surfing Titles: 30–31 May

Festivals, shows and family fun

Community festivals continue throughout the month, offering local creativity, heritage and family-friendly experiences.

• The Woombye Festival: 3 May
• Family Film Night: 9 May, Baringa
• Ray White Nambour Rodeo: 9 May, Nambour Showgrounds
• Secret Garden: 10 May, Maroochy Bushland Botanic Garden
• Landsborough Museum Street Festival: 16 May
• Kenilworth ArtsFest: 22–24 May
• Kenilworth Family Fun Day: 24 May

Region highlights

The month wraps up with a series of iconic Sunshine Coast events taking advantage of the Maleny Show Holiday (29 May).

• Downunder Beachfest: 27–31 May, Caloundra CBD
• Ladies Oaks Day: 29 May, Sunshine Coast Turf Club
• Maleny Agricultural Show: 29–30 May, Maleny Showgrounds

There are plenty more events happening at venues around the region featuring Thirsty Merc, The Umbilical Brothers, Lisa Hunt, Paulini & Tim Campbell and more - check out events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au.