10 upcoming Queensland festivals to plan your life around in 2025

You'll find even more surfboards than usual along the streets and sands of Noosa Heads in March when surfers from all over the world arrive for the annual Festival of Surfing. 

This is Australia's largest longboard surfing event, but it's also grown into an epic celebration of sun, surf and good times, with competitions alongside demonstrations, surf culture, art, live music, film and environmental awareness.

Catch all the action from the festival village right on the beach, in front of the break. The dog-surfing comp is a fan favourite. 

Learn more: Your guide to Noosa Festival of Surfing

Kalbar Sunflower Festival, Brisbane

When: 2 - 4 May 2025

A weekend in the country becomes even more colourful when the Scenic Rim’s flower fields are in bloom. And if you’ve ever wanted to experience sunflower season in Queensland, there’s no better time to visit than during Kalbar Sunflower Festival, when you’re able to fully immerse yourself in the wonder of over half a million sunflowers.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect photo opportunity or simply a beautiful brush with nature, Kalbar Sunflower Festival is the spot, with entertainment, helicopter rides, sunflower art, cooking classes and more. 

Learn more: Everything you need to know about the Kalbar Sunflower Festival

Noosa Eat & Drink Festival, Sunshine Coast

When: 29 May – 1 June 2025

Packed with award-winning restaurants, bustling bars and waterfront cafes, Noosa is a foodie destination all year 'round – but Noosa Eat & Drink takes gourmet to the next level. The coastal village comes alive with four unmissable, mouth-watering days of beachside parties, long lunches, exclusive restaurant events and the favourite, Festival Village, which offers attendees over 80 food vendors, live entertainment, masterclasses and guest chef demonstrations. 

Learn more: Stay in the heart of the action with this Noosa accommodation guide.

Over 11 days, the beaches, parklands and unique locations of the Gold Coast become outdoor galleries and performance spaces to celebrate all things creative. BLEACH* is one of the finest showcases of art and community in South East Queensland; a chance to discover creative works by local artists that span painting, poetry, dance, music, comedy and so much more.

Taking place on the land of the Yugambeh People, the festival also offers numerous opportunities to connect to culture through performance art. Stay tuned for the 2025 program announcement. 

Horizon Festival, Sunshine Coast

When: 2 - 11 May 2025

Prepare to connect deeply to the beauty of the Sunshine Coast, which is expressed through art, music, theatre, dance, and film. You'll discover a program of local and international artists, as well as be moved by the stories of this country's Traditional Custodians, the Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Peoples of the Sunshine Coast. There's no doubt you'll leave the Horizon Festival a little different. Don't miss the mesmerising Dawn Awakening, Horizon's signature event. 

Every September, Brisbane Festival ignites the city with colour, art, music and astonishing performances by national and international entertainers and artists. From cultural exhibitions that inspire you to contemporary installations and science talks that make you ponder, the iconic Brisbane Festival has an attraction to suit everyone.

Make your way into the city on opening weekend and find a great spot along the river to watch the spectacular fireworks and aerial demonstrations light up the sky during Riverfire. 

Book tickets to watch comedians, musicians and entertainers amaze you with their talents or take a stroll through the heart of the festival and find yourself swept away with the variety of food stalls, pop-up art installations and brain teasers, like illusion alleys, multi-sensory light displays and street art. There's so much for all ages and interests, with a range of free and ticketed events, so keep your eye out for the calendar to be released later in 2025.

Learn more: Your must-read guide to this year's Brisbane Festival  

Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, Queensland Country

When: TBC September 2025

Nothing shouts spring louder than the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers. Get lost in a sea of floral beauty and be surrounded by happy people, laughter, music, great food and wine. You’ll never want to leave.

Kids (and big kids) will love the Sideshow Alley, complete with dagwood dogs and thrill-seeking rides. But the highlight for most families is the Floral Parade where thousands flock to see carefully designed floral floats, stilt walkers and street performers make their way through the heart of the city.

With nightly performances and live concerts, a food and wine festival, and several bright and beautiful gardens to explore, this Toowoomba festival is jam-packed with attractions to entice all your senses.

SWELL Sculpture Festival, Gold Coast

When: 12-21 September 2025

Surround yourself in creativity at SWELL Sculpture Festival in Currumbin. Wander along the golden beachfront dotted with thought-provoking sculptures by artists from Australia and beyond that will captivate your heart and mind.

SWELL is a 10-day culmination of conceptions and visual commentary presenting small, medium and large-scale sculpture installations, workshops and activations as a free outdoor gallery. The free event is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the art for a few hours before a beach swim or cafe-hop, but the festival also includes morning beach meditations, workshops, and artist panels for those who want to dive a little deeper. 

North Australian Festival of Arts, Townsville 

When: TBC September 2025

It's not all coral reefs and Wet Tropics beauty in northern Queensland. If you'd like a dose of culture on your next holiday, head to Townsville for the North Australian Festival of Arts. An 18-day celebration of the state's thriving arts scene, the huge calendar of events includes comedy, dance, theatre, circus, music, visual arts, workshops and so much more. Expect the unexpected, along with plenty of sun-soaked ways to explore.