Save the date: the best events in Queensland this August

Other parts of the country might be experiencing the chill of winter blues, but not here in Queensland. Things are only getting hotter - just take a look at what's on. 

From waterfront food festivals to sailing regattas and world class musicians hitting stages across the state, here are the best Queensland events this August. 

Brisbane

GreazeFest: 2 – 4 August 2024

Immerse yourself in the world of rockabilly, hot rods, pin ups and all things vintage as GreazeFest travels back in time in Cleveland on Brisbane’s Redlands Coast. Whether you’re exploring the kustom art shows, searching for treasures at the collectable markets, or tearing up the dancefloor, expect three days of fun and frivolity. 

Shannon's SpeedSeries: 2 – 4 August 2024

Are you ready for Round 6 of the SpeedSeries? Ipswich's Queensland Raceway will once again welcome Australia's top racing drivers, with this meet featuring the Australian Formula Open, Porsche Michelin Sprint Challenge and more. It's a fun weekend for the whole family. 

Scenic Rim Ultra: 10 – 11 August 2024

The Scenic Rim Ultra is one of the most gruelling and spectacular runs in Australia. While not for the feint-hearted, runners will follow a course that includes a lot of elevation, technical downhill and relentless ridgelines – but the reward is exploring a side of the Scenic Rim few others get to see. Tackle the full 105km ultra or choose from 25km, 42km and 65km distances.

Ekka: 10 - 18 August 2024

The country is returning to the city, so get ready for that long-awaited strawberry sundae. Queensland's biggest annual show is a blast for young and old, whether you’re coming for the rides, woodchopping, showbags, the animal nursery, or the fireworks.

Moreton Bay Food & Wine Festival: 23 - 25 August 2024

Winter in Brisbane is made for days by the water, so raise your glass to Moreton Bay region’s finest during a food festival that takes over the esplanade at Woody Point.

Cairns & Great Barrier Reef

Taste Port Douglas: 8 - 11 August 2024

Those who know best, know that Port Douglas’ accolades run beyond its natural beauty. There’s no better time to get a taste of the food scene than at Taste Port Douglas. This year’s huge four-day program offers unforgettable dining events, chef-led masterclasses and more.

Capricorn

Swim Around Keppel: 30 August - 1 September 2024

Forget laps of the local pool, sign up for Swim Around Keppel instead. One of Australia's longest swimming marathons - around 20km - the event circumnavigates one of our most spectacular islands: Great Keppel. Home to 17 pristine beaches, coral reefs, and an abundance of island and marine life, there'll be plenty to explore after you cross the finish line. The event also includes a waterpolo competition, guided bush walks, family scavenger hunt, kayaking, snorkelling and an afternoon concert by local performers. 

Fraser Coast

Hervey Bay Whale Festival: 3 - 6 August 2024

Celebrate community strength and honour the majestic mammals who venture to the world's first Whale Heritage Site each year to rest on their great migration along the east coast. After July's Blessing of the Fleet event, Hervey Bay Whale Festival's August extravaganza includes parades, carnival rides, live entertainment, the magical Paddle Out for Whales and fascinating personal talks from Traditional Owners and citizen scientists who have unique connections to the humpback whales. Come for the festival and stick around to go whale watching too. 

Gold Coast

BLEACH*: 1 - 11 August 2024

Contemporary arts festivals don’t get bigger than BLEACH*, where the streets, beaches, botanic gardens and community spaces around the Gold Coast become the stage for contemporary arts performances that challenge expectations, change perceptions and provide a unique and authentic sense of place, inspiring both locals and visitors alike.

Pacific Airshow: 16 - 18 August 2024

After a thrilling debut in 2023, Pacific Airshow will return to the skies above the Gold Coast as some of the world's best civilian performers and elite military aviators perform unforgettable aerial displays. This family-friendly event, also held each year in Huntington Beach, California, promises to captivate audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Outback Queensland

Mount Isa Rodeo: 8 – 11 August 2024

It’s the hottest event on this outback town’s calendar: Mount Isa Mines Rodeo is the Southern Hemisphere's largest rodeo and Australia's richest prize pool, attracting some 750 competitors from across Australia. Grab tickets to watch the action in the open-air, red dirt arena over four days of non-stop rodeo, including the Indigenous Rodeo Championships on 8 August.

Queensland Country

Cobb & Co Festival: 16 – 25 August 2024

Celebrate a unique part of Australia’s bush history at Cobb & Co Festival, which marks 100 years since the last Cobb & Co coach service operated in Australia. Taking place in the small country towns of Surat and Yuleba – and along the dusty track in between – this family friendly event retraces the 76 km route of Cobb & Co Mail Service No. 177. Visitors are encouraged to book a seat on the horse-drawn carriage for a section of the historic route, bring a horse and join the trail ride, or celebrate at the big parties to be held at either end.

Kingaroy Bacon Fest: 17 – 18 August 2024

Aussie pork and country charm take centre stage at Kingaroy BaconFest, the sizzling food festival that puts a smile on your face and delights like bacon ice cream in your hand. There’s plenty of entertainment and friendly competition too, from bacon eating comps to cooking masterclasses and the smoke-off. 

Historic Leyburn Sprints: 17 - 18 August 2024

For its 28^th year running, rev-heads will head to Leyburn for the Sprints. The events sees 200 cars race around the idyllic country town of Leyburn, vying for trophies over 20 classes, as well as outright placings. Meet the drivers and their cars, ranging from the 1920's through to modern classics, enjoy live music and markets.

Sunshine Coast

The Curated Plate: 26 July – 4 August 2024

Local restaurants, farms, tourism and event operators will once again throw open their doors to offer the best of the Sunshine Coast’s local food and beverage experiences across ten delicious days. Expect countless events from behind-the-scenes tours to long lunches, degustations and more. Stay tuned for the 2024 program announcement. 

Sunshine Coast Marathon Festival: 9 – 11 August 2024

Lace up your runners for a spectacular running event that follows the coastline from Alexandra Headlands. With a range of distance races to enter, if you’re not up for a full marathon, choose from the half marathon, 10 kilometre, 5 kilometre and the 2 kilometre.

Gympie Music Muster: 22 – 25 August 2024

Camping and country music combine for The Muster, one of the biggest and most beloved music festivals on Queensland’s calendar. Running for over 40 years, the stage and surrounds of Amamoor State Forest will welcome Lee Kernaghan, James Johnston, Kaylee Bell, Andrew Swift, Beccy Cole and many more over four days. Read more about it here.

Noosa Jazz Festival: 22 August - 1 September 2024

If you're a sucker for sunny days and the smooth tunes of Duke Ellington, Charlie Parker and Ella Fitzgerald, be sure to mark your calendar for Noosa Jazz Festival - nine days of jazz performances held in concert theatres, river cruises, restaurants and parklands. 

The Whitsundays

Great Barrier Reef Festival: 1 - 4 August 2024

Vibrant Airlie Beach shines even brighter during this festival for all ages. Make it part of your next holiday and choose from the Coral Sea Marina Lantern Parade, interactive workshops and installations about the Great Barrier Reef, a massive reef-themed street parade, a wearable art parade and Recyclable Regatta, and free family fun activities on Airlie Foreshore.  The Beach Music stage will be pumping out live entertainment throughout the weekend, along with fireworks, night markets and carnival rides.

Airlie Beach Race Week: 8 - 15 August 2024

The gateway to Queensland’s sailing capital, Airlie Beach is home to one of the largest yacht racing regattas in Australia. On the water, the Regatta offers classes from IRC competitive racing through to cruising divisions. On land, thousands of sailors, spectators and visitors alike enjoy a huge program of entertainment.

Hamilton Island Race Week: 17 – 24 August 2024

Every August, spectators and yachties from around the globe sail to Hamilton Island for Hamilton Island Race Week - Australia's largest offshore keelboat regatta. With glorious weather, sparkling waters, perfect sailing conditions, and the Great Barrier Reef on your doorstep, the carnival continues on and off the water.

Townsville

The Australian Festival of Chamber Music: 26 July – 4 August 2024

The Australian Festival of Chamber Music continues its unique ten day program in August with performances in Queens Gardens, along The Strand, in enchanting cathedrals, and on Magnetic Island, complemented by signature food and wine events.

McDonalds Townsville Running Festival: 4 August 2024

Between foreshore views of Magnetic Island and towering Castle Hill out back, you’d be hard-pressed to find a prettier running track than the course of Townsville Running Festival. With something for every runner, from novice to expert, take your pick from the Marathon, Half Marathon, 10-kilometre Fun Run, 5-kilometre Fun Run and Walk, 5-kilometre Junior Fun Run and Walk, 2.5-kilometre Hero Run and 5-kilometre Corporate Challenge.

North Queensland Elite Rodeo: 16 – 17 August 2024

Make your way to Hervey Range for two epic nights of action as elite and emerging rodeo athletes come face to face with the best rodeo stock in the country. 

Townsville Triathlon and Multisport Festival: 24 August 2024

Taking place at Townsville's iconic The Strand, this is one of Australia’s flattest, fastest and most memorable courses – perfect for your first triathlon or if you’re looking to hit a new PB.

Sealink Magnetic Island Race Week: 29 August - 5 September 2024

Hoist the mainsail and let the winds carry you to Magnetic Island for a week to remember. It's here that top-notch racing, live bands and good times come together - and you don't need to be a competitive sailor to get among the action. 

Looking for more Queensland events in August? Head here - or save the date for these spring celebrations.