Nothing ordinary here: Rangebow Festival program goes live
The Rangebow Festival is officially on sale and this year it will be easier to have more unique experiences with an extended program from Friday 9 to Sunday 18 October, 2026 in the Hinterland on the Sunshine Coast.
Early supporters will be will rewarded with low ticket prices and ticketing will increase bi-monthly, so we encourage every-one to get in quick to get the best deal. Join the Rangebow Fan Club for special offers and discounts.
With the support of Major Partners Sunshine Coast Council and Tourism and Events Queensland the festival will deliver a program of unique events.
Sunshine Coast Resilient Economy Councillor Joe Natoli said The Rangebow Festival demonstrated how emerging events can evolve into important cultural contributions for our region.
“Through Council’s Major Events Sponsorship Program — particularly the Emerging Events category — we’re proud to support initiatives that nurture local creativity and strengthen our Hinterland communities,” Cr Natoli said.
“This year’s ten‑day program is a strong example of how investment in new ideas can generate long‑term benefits for our resilient and diverse regional economy.”
Discover something new every day
The festival will open with an exceptional event, Sunrise Celtic Chorus on Jinibara: a rare and breath-taking experience of Celtic musicians, First Nation artists and a string quartet perform a magical sunrise collaboration as the first light of day spills over The Hinterland.
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. Swing into something a little special, with Gospel voices, an organ, swirling incense in the historic St Marys Church with Singin’ n Smokin’ — a joyful and soulful celebration.
The Rangebow Drag Pageant returns in 2026 with a fabulous new twist called Icons Only . . . the women who defined glamour, attitude and stage power. Think Tina Turner, Cher, Marilyn Monroe and Madonna brought to life by queens who know how to command a stage. Also for the first time three returning professional drag performers will battle it out in a spectacular showdown to win a fabulous $1000 prize – a night of sequins, fans, powerhouse performances and electric energy.
Step into the elegant world of an 18th-century musical salon with Mozarts Sister: A Musical Salon celebrating the remarkable story of Maria Anna Mozart. The immersive experience blends film and live chamber orchestra in an intimate elegant space with marble-topped tables and candelabras.
Pineapple Parfait Cup returns for an afternoon of tennis, croquet and gloriously playful chaos. Or, for something a bit more grown-up join us for After Dinner Mintz a evening of unhinged variety of cabaret perfromers.
Chapel of Love: Baroque Botanica invites you to step into Montville’s beautiful glass chapel for a jewel-like chamber concert of baroque favourites with a chamber group pf 10 strings. An intimate evening of music, atmosphere with a botanical refreshment.
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.
One of Rangebow’s most glorious chaotic creations returns, Remote Control is a riotous live game show where celebrity contestants are thrown into a whirlwind of trivia, ridiculous challenges and unpredictable audience antics.
Festival Director, Wayne Parcell said come somewhere different with us, as Rangebow 2026 will surprise you with so many unique experiences of Music, Nature, Taste, Arts, Theatre, Film & Culture art, culture and nostagia in ways and places you might not expect.”
No barriers. No boundaries. Everyone on stage.
Escape to the hinterland for something different
Sunshine Coast Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston said the festival was evolving as a much‑loved celebration of creativity, inclusion and community spirit across our Hinterland towns.
“It reflects the very best of who we are, especially as part of our Sunshine Coast Biosphere, which celebrates people and nature working in harmony,” Cr Winston said.
“Each year it brings people together in meaningful ways, honouring local stories, cultural expression and the unique town characters of Nambour, Maleny, Montville, Flaxton and Mapleton.
“I’m delighted to see the 2026 program continue to grow and to see our communities continue to embrace a festival that reflects who we are and what makes the Sunshine Coast Hinterland so special.”
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.