Go somewhere different with The Rangebow Festival 2025

With the support of Major Partners Sunshine Coast Council and Tourism and Events Queensland, the festival will deliver a program of unique events in the Hinterland and on the coast. Join the Rangebow Fan Club for special offers and discounts.  

Festival Director, Wayne Parcell said the Sunshine Coast is a glorious Hot Mess—and we wouldn’t have it any other way! Join us at Kings Beach for what will become one of Rangebow’s most loved events: the Hot Mess Parade.

“It’s a wild, joyful celebration of the kindness, colour, and fabulous diversity that make this region so special,” Mr Parcell said.

“Strut, roll, dance or march alongside Surf Lifesavers, First Nations Mob, Disability Groups, Drag Queens, Scouts, Musicians, the Rural Fire Service and more in this vibrant coastal parade. 

“Come dressed loud and proud—or just bring your best smile.

“This is Rangebow’s gift to the community: a big, bold thank you for being uniquely, beautifully you. Watch out for the entertainment line-up.”

Sunshine Coast Resilient Economy Councillor Terry Landsberg said the Rangebow Festival continued to shine as a beacon of creativity and inclusion on the Sunshine Coast.

“It’s a celebration of community, culture and connection in our beautiful Sunshine Coast Biosphere,” Cr Landsberg said.

“The Rangebow Festival’s main hub remains nestled in the hinterland, but this year we’re excited to see it expand with vibrant new coastal events, bringing its creative spirit to even more of our region.

“Council is proud to support this vibrant and colourful event through our Emerging Events funding program helping it grow and thrive as part of our diverse events calendar.”

The October festival will open with an exceptional event, Glasshouse Dawn: a rare and breath-taking experience of chamber orchestra as the first light of day spills over the Glasshouse Mountains.  Not just a concert, but a moment in time.

Take a Walk on the Wild Side – Platypus Whispers for experiences of land and nature that might have you face to bill with a platypus guided by global sensation, Neil Andison, The Platypus Whisperer. 

For something quirky, the Drag Pageant  - Free to be . . . returns after previous sell-out years with new contestants performing with some of Australia’s leading drag performers – a night of sensational costumed characters.  You can even join the cast after completing the Drag Workshop.

Swing into something a little slick, a little saucy, and seriously sensational with Trippple Trouble — the smoothest vocal cocktail shaking up Australia’s jazz scene.

Featuring the genre-bending brilliance of Dan Barnett, George Washingmachine, and Lauren Dawes, this triple threat ensemble serves up vintage jazz with a modern twist and a whole lotta charm.  Presented in conjunction with Maleny Arts Council this will be an exceptional experience.

Everyone can experience the fun of the Pineapple Parfait Cup with a tennis and croquet challenge even where Wimbledon meets Alice in Wonderland.  

Or, for something a bit more grown-up join us for a triple-scoop, tastebud-tingling, absolutely unhinged variety spectacle that could only come from the glorious fever dream that is A bit ‘a Sweet Cabaret featuring comedian Anisa Nandoula, drag performer Jacqui Randa and boylesque artist Rhys Lightning.

First Nations culture meets the spirit of community at the Mega Market Day in The hinterland with stories, art, knowledge, and creations with local produce, handmade crafts and pancakes.  With live music, hands-on workshops, and the Jarjum Kids Space, it’s a joyful day out for the whole family—where culture, creativity, and community come together.

The Rangebow Microfilm Fest & Competition offers screenings and cash prizes and is supported by the Sunshine Coast Screen Collective – something special for aspiring film-makers and film buffs.

Close out your festival experience with a wildly chaotic TV game show style event competition with prizes via Remote Control and a powerhouse tribute band performance of The Police, Sting and the one and only Blondie.

Festival Director, Wayne Parcell said come somewhere different with us, as Rangebow 2025 will surprise you with so many unique experiences of Music, Nature, Taste, Arts, Theatre, Film & Culture art, culture and nature in ways and places you might not expect.

Check the website for the full immersive program of events: No barriers.  No boundaries.  Everyone on stage.

To experience The Rangebow Festival go to www.therangebowfestival.org

The Rangebow Festival is supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism & Events Queensland and Sunshine Coast Council through the Major Events Sponsorship Program for Emerging Events.