Mark your calendar with these February events in Queensland

Gold Coast | Sunshine Coast | Southern Great Barrier Reef | Queensland Country

February might be the last official month of summer, but Queensland’s events calendar is as hot as ever. 

From dancing the weekend away on the Great Barrier Reef’s ‘Deep South’ to diving in for an ocean swim or attempting to melon ski, there’s plenty of energy, creativity and community spirit to discover.

Below you’ll find some of the biggest and best Queensland events in February.

Lunar New Year events across Queensland

February 2025

Follow the sounds of traditional drums and celebrations to one of the many Lunar New Year events across Queensland in late January and February to celebrate Asian cultural heritage with engaging performances, delicious food, live music, interactive workshops, and plenty more. See all Lunar New Year events.

Gold Coast events

AACTA Awards and Festival: 5 – 9 February 2025

Australia’s largest celebration of film and television returns to Surfers Paradise this summer – and you’re invited. From the glamorous, star-studded AACTA Awards red carpet to inspiring workshops, industry masterclasses and film screenings held throughout the festival, there’s something for every cinephile, whether you’re trying to get your foot in the industry door or simply here for fun and fandom.

Use this guide to plan your visit.

Gold Coast Open: 14 - 16 February 2025

Head to the Gold Coast’s golden beaches to witness the world’s best surfers battle it out at Burleigh Point – home to some of the best breaks in Australia. The Gold Coast Open returns to bring hot competition and a joyful celebration of surf culture. There’s plenty more to experience off the water too, with live music, skateboarding events, sunrise yoga sessions and pop-up bars.  

Use this guide to plan your visit.

Shaw and Partners Shannon Eckstein Ironman Classic: 21 - 23 February 2025

Make your way to Surfers Paradise to witness one of surf sports most prestigious events, the Shaw and Partners Shannon Eckstein Ironman Classic. Not only can you cheer on the world's best and fittest surf sports stars as they battle it out for glory – and over $300,000 in prize money -  but you’ll be entertained with skydiving, airshows and more across the weekend. 

Sunshine Coast events

Noosa Summer Swim Festival: 22 – 23 February 2025

If you’re a keen ocean swimmer and looking for a festival atmosphere, the Noosa Summer Swim Festival is one for your bucket list. Whether you prefer the calm sheltered waters of Noosa or a challenging 5k marathon distance swim, all first-timers and seasoned swimmers are welcome – with races for the kids, too.

Use this guide to plan your visit.

Southern Great Barrier Reef events

Bundaberg Cup: 1 - 2 February 2025

Those with a love for all things sport – win or lose – should sign their crew up for this social community touch football event held at the Bundaberg Touch Association. The Bundy Cup is an unforgettable weekend away with friends and family, open to all levels of ability with divisions available from Under 12s to master’s for males, females, and mixed teams. Expect great competition, and even more fun - plus plenty to do after full-time. 

Agnes Blues, Roots & Rock Festival: 21 - 23 February 2025

It’s the biggest party of the year in Agnes Water and 1770 – and you’re invited. Join thousands of locals and travellers who descend upon the seaside town for three days of live music across two stages and festival activities throughout the grounds. Get ready to dance to your favourite songs, discover new music, and even learn a new skill thanks to unique performer-led workshops held across the weekend.

Big Beer Festival: Rockhampton (8 February) and Bundaberg ( 15 February) 

If you love nothing more than kicking back with a craft beer on a summer’s day, why not get tickets to a festival that celebrates local beer like nowhere else? Big Beer Festival showcases 60+ craft beers from breweries across Queensland and Australia, promising a day of good times with great food, live music, beer pong tournaments and more.

After visiting Rockhampton (8 February) and Bundaberg (15 February), Big Beer Festival will stop to pour brews in Emerald on 1 March and Mackay on 8 March. 

Queensland Country events

Chinchilla Melon Festival: 13 - 16 February 2025

When the summer heat strikes, there’s nothing better than diving into an ice-cold, juicy watermelon. And if you love this iconic summer fruit, you’ll probably love a small town festival dedicated to it – one of Queensland’s wackiest and most laughter-inducing celebrations.

Chinchilla is the undisputed melon capital of Australia, and some 20,000 people make the pilgrimage for the biennial Chinchilla Melon Festival, where watermelon skiing, melon bungee, farm tours and street parades headline a huge program of entertainment – and an average of 20 tonnes of watermelons are consumed or used during the festivities.

Use this guide to plan your trip.