Save the date: the best events in Queensland this May

Event

By Danielle Reckless

Things might soon start to cool down, but Queensland's events calendar is heating up, with so much to do this autumn all over the state. Planning an autumn getaway, or just looking for what’s on in your area? Here are some of the best Queensland events this May.

Brisbane

NRL Magic Round Brisbane

NRL Magic Round:  1 - 4 May 2025

Footy fans, brace yourself for three days of NRL magic as an entire round plays out at Suncorp Stadium. Magic Round is your chance to see all your favourite players, and soak up the atmosphere of the River City at its most sports-mad. Here's your Magic Round guide. Arrive a day early to catch the action of the Women's State of Origin

Planes, Trains and Autos:  3 - 5 May 2025

Celebrate all things aviation, rail and automobile in an action-packed day of family fun at Ipswich’s Workshops Rail Museum. There’ll be fun and things to see from ground level to the skies, with huge locomotives, trucks, muscle cars and more on show, along with aerobatic displays. Visitors can delve into rail history at the museum, and join hands-on activities that’ll be fun for the whole family, and The Nippers Railway adventure playground will thrill the kids. Full program of events coming soon.

Moreton Bay Multisport Festival:  11 May 2025

Join in the electric atmosphere at Pelican Park on the beautiful Moreton Bay waterfront for a triathlon not to be missed. This event features a safe swim in the protected Moreton Bay, followed by a fast ride over the Ted Smout Bridge and a flat foreshore run. There's a range of other races too, ranging from 1.5km - 10km runs, half marathon, kids marathon and aquabike.

Paniyiri Greek Festival:  17 - 18 May 2025

Honeypuffs anyone? Brisbane’s world-renowned Paniyiri cultural festival, where everyone is encouraged to dine, dance, and party like a Greek, will once again take over Musgrave Park in South Brisbane. All ages and abilities are encouraged to dance the Zorba, stomp some grapes, shop the market stalls & sample the huge variety of savoury or sweet delicacies from Greek food stalls.

Straddie Salute Triathlon Festival:  17 - 18 May 2025

Jump on a ferry to Minjerribah to compete in a triathlon where your course winds its way around the second largest sand island on earth. With a range of races to suit every athlete, Straddie Salute includes a road triathlon, off-road triathlon, a non-competitive kids tri for those aged 7 - 12 years, an ocean swim and an adventure run.

Torian Pro:  30 May - 1 June 2025

Alongside the elite athletes battling it out to earn a spot at the CrossFit Games Final, this annual event at Brisbane's Pat Rafter Arena brings together CrossFit athletes and fans from across the region to celebrate fitness, friendship and fun.

Gold Coast

Blues on Broadbeach, Gold Coast

Blues on Broadbeach:  15 - 18 May 2025

One of Australia’s largest free music festivals, Blues on Broadbeach makes its way back by the sands of the Gold Coast. Catch a huge line-up of the best in blues across four days of music performances, including two-time Grammy award-winner Melissa Etheridge, blues-rock genre bending artists Samantha Fish & Jesse Dayton, Ana Popovic, fiery bluesman Eric Bibb and returning favourite Lloyd Spiegel, along with many more.

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show:  22 - 25 May 2025

The glamorous Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show returns with over 330 exhibitors across everything from the latest marine gadgets and must-have technology to a massive display of trailer boats and superyachts plus a raft of exciting new launches. There’s plenty of entertainment on dry land too, with street performers, music and more. 

Sunshine Coast

Runaway Noosa Marathon, Sunshine Coast

Maleny Wood Expo:  3 - 5 May 2025

Established in 1996, the Maleny Wood Expo was the brainchild of Queensland ranger and passionate Landcare Supporter Ashley Sewell, promoting sustainable use of Australian native timbers and supporting local economic development. Today, it’s one of Australia’s most sustainable wood expos - head to Maleny Showgrounds to meet local craftsmen, join a woodworking workshop or hear an educational talk. There are activities for the kids, over 150 exhibitors, live music and more.

Runaway Noosa Marathon:  24 May 2025

Escape to the golden beaches of Noosa for the Runaway Noosa Marathon and you'll have a weekend filled with sunshine, sweat and good times. With a flat, fast and friendly multi-lap course set in the heart of Noosa township and multiple distances to choose from, it’s easy to find your happy running place right amongst the action – and plenty of time on the sand once you cross the finish line.

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Crankworx Cairns

Port Douglas Carnivale:  16 - 25 May 2025

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, Port Douglas Carnivale is the vibrant annual celebration of food, culture and tropical life that marks the start of peak tourist season up north. Food and culture lovers can fill their calendar with everything from circus and cabaret in the spiegeltent to long lunches and a Symphony Under the Stars by Queensland Symphony Orchestra. There's plenty of colour and fun for the whole family, with the vibrant Macrossan Street Parade, family beach day and kids disco. Stay tuned for the full program announcement coming soon. 

Crankworx Cairns:  20 - 25 May 2025

The Crankworx World Tour returns to Cairns, bringing the best mountain biking competitors to the rainforest tracks of renowned Smithfield MTB Park. From the intense competition to the festival atmosphere that surrounds it, Crankworx is as fun for spectators as it is for the athletes – here’s everything you need to know.

Capricorn

Rocky River Run:  18 May 2025

Lace up your sneakers for Central Queensland’s largest charity running event, that’ll get your heart pumping for important local causes. Choose a distance event from 2km, 5km, 10km and a half-marathon, and take in the views of Rockhampton’s parklands and Fitzroy River as you sweat.

Gladstone

Boyne Tannum Hookup, Gladstone. Photo by @boynetannumhookup

Boyne Tannum Hookup:  2 - 4 May 2025

Throw a line in for Australia’s biggest family fishing competition in the waters around Gladstone’s Boyne Island. Held over three days, categories for biggest catch range from barra to red emperor and coral trout, with entries for individuals and teams. The festival continues off the water with food stalls, kids activities and live entertainment. 

1770 Festival:  23 - 25 May 2025

There's no better time to get a taste of Gladstone's community spirit than during 1770 Festival. It celebrates the area’s history with re-enactments, Indigenous cultural performances, a street parade, live music, fireworks and more.

Queensland Country

Queensland Music Trails, Opera at Jimbour House

Queensland Music Trails’ Southern Trail: TBC May 2025

Make your way to historic Jimbour House in Queensland Country for a weekend where country charm and opera meet. The Southern Trail welcomes Opera Queensland, Ensemble Q, and an orchestra from Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University to the heritage-listed grounds, with concerts taking place in the gardens, plane hangars and drawing rooms along with markets and tours of the property.

Camping onsite is available for those with self-contained motorhomes, or make this your excuse for a country cabin escape

Outback Queensland

Festival of Outback Opera:  13 - 19 May 2025

Opera is returning to Queensland’s iconic outback towns Winton and Longreach for the highly-anticipated Festival of Outback Opera. The festival celebrates the wonder of opera, from opening night at Winton’s historic The Royal Theatre, to serenades under the stars at Australian Age of Dinosaurs and an opera ball that teams gowns with the great outdoors beside Thomson River. Let the dazzling night skies, fresh country air and glorious music ignite your senses.

Searching for more Queensland events in May to fill your calendar? Head here. 

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