Mark your calendar with these October events in Queensland

Queensland’s events calendar is flourishing, with some of the biggest and best events coming up this October.

From the roar of Supercars to the roar of crowds at epic music festivals, the Sunshine State has something for everyone in the month ahead - and all spring long.  Dig out your diaries, these are the best events to check out this October in Queensland.  

Brisbane events

Night Feast: October 2024

Staged at the iconic Brisbane Powerhouse, Night Feast is a month-long sensory celebration of feasting and art. The culinary feast is prepared by a selection of Brisbane’s top chefs featuring their signature dishes. This event will really stimulate all the senses with the menu being paired with immersive art interventions, light installations and performance.

Australia Independent Film Festival: 25 – 27 October 2024

Join filmmakers and film lovers at Brisbane’s biggest celebration of independent cinema, screening at Metro Arts West Village in October. The film festival will showcase the very best of Aussie and international short films, documentaries, animations, experimental films, and a surprising mix of films you may never see anywhere else.

Island Vibe Festival: 25 – 27 October 2024

Are you a fan of reggae, soul and dub? Island Vibe Festival returns for its 19^th year, celebrating music and culture on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) – the second largest sand island on earth. Just steps from one of the island’s best beaches, get ready for three days of live music, art, cultural workshops, incredible food and kids activities.

Gold Coast events

Coolangatta Gold: 12 - 13 October 2024

Athletes from far and wide head to the white sandy shores of Coolangatta for one of the most challenging endurance races in surf sports, the Coolangatta Gold. Join in the race or cheer on participants as they tackle the 21km Short Course, the 41.8km Long Course or the Youth Challenge.  

Groundwater Country Music Festival: 18 - 20October 2024

Whip out your cowboy boots, dust off your hat – there’s a free country music festival coming to town. Featuring some of the best country artists in the industry - including Gord Bamford, Kasey Chambers and Shannon Noll - and only steps from the iconic golden shores of Broadbeach, this event will make your heart sing.

Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 Supercars: 25 – 27 October 2024

Get revved up for the return of Australia’s premier motorsport event, the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 Supercars. Watch Surfers Paradise Street Circuit come alive with colour, action and off-track fun at one of Queensland’s largest sporting events.  All entertainment is included as part of a same day ticket – whether you're grabbing a general admission ticket or booking a seat in the grandstand – but we recommened upgrading your ticket to include the behind-the-scenes look at the pit lane.

Sunshine Coast events

Mooloolaba Ocean Swim: 19 October 2024

Dive into a day of action on Mooloolaba Beach, which is set to host the second swim in the Ocean Swim Series. There’s plenty to do after you run across the finish line, from relaxing on the golden sands to refuelling at the Sunshine Coast’s best restaurants.

TreX Cross Triathlon Series: 27 October 2024

Tackle trails through the rainforest and fern-filled bushland from Ewen Maddock Dam during TreX Sunshine Coast – a cross triathlon that includes fast and flowing single track MTB and gritty off road running trails. An ITU World Champs Qualification event, courses include a standard distance, sprint, junior, dirt kids, duathlon and aquabike, so there’s something on offer for all ages and abilities.

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef events

Savannah in the Round: 11 – 13 October 2024

Savannah in the Round might just be Queensland's most unique music and camping festival. With three exhilarating days of music, camping and entertainment on the doorstop of the Great Barrier Reef and World Heritage Rainforest, it just doesn't get better - until you look at the lineup. This year, some of the biggest international and Aussie acts will take the stage, including Tyler Hubbard, Jon Stevens, Kip Moore, Shepperd, The Living End, Hoodoo Gurus, The Wolfe Brothers and so many more.

Alongside the outstanding musical performances, the event offers an array of cultural exhibitions and demonstrations, a vibrant marketplace boasting local goods and produce, a delectable paddock-to-plate dining experience, a delightful funfair, and an abundance of family-friendly entertainment options.

Queensland Country events

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers: 13 September - 7 October 2024

The vibrant Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers extends into October this year, so if you haven't yet made your floral sojourn to charming Toowoomba, it's time to do so. Wander through colourful award-winning gardens, picnic in the parklands, catch live music and entertainment in Queens Park, and soak up the fresh country air. Use this guide to plan your visit.  

For more Queensland events throughout the year, read what's on here.