Horizon Festival delivers 10 days of bold programming
The 2026 Horizon Festival program is out now offering more than 35 events, in 13 Sunshine Coast locations, from 1–10 May.
Photo Mark Gambino
dancers on stage
Horizon Festival, the Sunshine Coast’s premier celebration of people, place and possibility, returns from 1–10 May 2026 with 10 days of creativity and unforgettable experiences across the region.
From joyous sunset performances along the coast to tranquil hinterland settings and music energising our urban streets, Horizon Festival marks its 10th year in 2026 with a world-class program of more than 35 unique events across the region.
The festival is expected to welcome more than 24,000 visitors and features a program spanning First Nations-led gatherings, immersive food experiences, dance and performance, live music, visual art, family adventures and workshops, each crafted to spark wonder and connection.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the festival’s 10-year milestone highlighted the event’s growing success and significance within the region and its broader reputation for creativity and boldness.
“Horizon Festival is a unique reflection of the Sunshine Coast. It is a festival for our region, by our region, and its high-quality performances and exciting experiences regularly attract visitors from across Australia,” Mayor Natoli said.
“At its heart, Horizon is about community and connection. It invites us to see our landscape differently, to gather in surprising places and to discover how art deepens our understanding of each other and of this extraordinary region. It is a celebration of our community.
“As a key cultural pillar ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Horizon Festival works to engage and embed the creative sector in the cultural offering of the Sunshine Coast.”
Program highlights
Opening Night Party (1 May), Kings Beach, Caloundra: Horizon Festival launches its 10th anniversary with a free, all‑ages celebration at Kings Beach, Caloundra. The opening night features live music from local artists, family activities, food and drinks, and a high‑energy atmosphere celebrating creativity, connection and play.
Yauar Warai Wandi – Sing, Dance, Gather (2 May), Norrie Job Park, Coolum Beach: A sunset gathering at Coolum Beach celebrating living relationships between flora, fauna and Country. This First Nations‑led event honours connections across Gubbi Gubbi, Jinibara, Quandamooka and Butchulla Country through contemporary and traditional performance, music, ceremony and sculpture.
M’ap Boulé (2 and 3 May), The Old Ambo, Nambour: Meaning “I’m on fire” in Haitian Creole, this powerful music performance is a celebration of culture, connection and resistance. Led by the charismatic Nancy Denis, the work traces her journey embracing her Black, Queer, Haitian and Australian identities.
The butterfly who flew into the rave (3 May), SolBar, Maroochydore: A high‑energy endurance dance work fresh from a critically acclaimed season at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The performance distils the bliss, euphoria and destruction of a three‑day dance rave into an intense one‑hour experience ahead of an international tour.
Burnt Earth: Bonyi Bounty (3 May), Burnt Earth, Maleny: An immersive sensory dining experience set in an ancient rainforest with sweeping views of the Glasshouse Mountains. Three local First Nations chefs collaborate to explore native ingredients and cooking rituals, culminating in a spectacular three‑course meal.
Live music and comedy series (1–9 May) A rocking line-up of live music and comedy at venues across the Sunshine Coast headlined by top talents including BIG NOTER (2 May), The Umbilical Brothers (7 May), Danny Widdecombe & The Wand'rin' Stars (8 May), and multi-award-winning Jem Cassar-Daley (9 May).
Family Film Night (9 May), Baringa Forest Park, Baringa: A celebration of 30 years of Australian classic Babe with an outdoor screening at Baringa Forest Park. Audiences can enjoy live music from Junior Burger, a real live farm‑animal petting zoo, and local food vendors and a sunset setting before the beloved film lights up the night.
Horizon Dance Hall (10 May), Nambour State College, Nambour: The Festival’s free, all‑ages finale brings a full day of music and movement to the Sunshine Coast. Dance styles from around the world including boot‑scooting, hip‑hop, samba, swing and bush dance, culminate in a closing workshop and DJ set from Sydney’s line‑dancing favourites, Saddle Club.
About the Horizon Festival program
Horizon Festival Lead Bec Martin said this year’s program showcased the breadth of the region’s creativity and talent, while taking artistic risks that would dazzle and delight audiences.
“Horizon Festival belongs to the Sunshine Coast, so we’ve created a program where art doesn’t just visit our region, it responds to our places, communities and stories, transforming and celebrating them,” Martin said.
“Together with local artists and creative partners we’re bringing exciting collaborations to life across our breathtaking surrounds and inviting audiences near and far to experience the Sunshine Coast through a different lens.”
Impact and influence
Queensland Minister for the Arts John-Paul Langbroek said Horizon Festival is a much-loved highlight of the Sunshine Coast arts calendar, celebrating creativity while delivering strong benefits for the local economy.
“Horizon Festival is the Sunshine Coast’s signature celebration of the arts, bringing our creative community together through visual art, performance, music and words,” Minister Langbroek said.
“Congratulations to everyone involved on reaching the 10-year milestone. It’s a testament to the organisers, the strength of the programme and the community’s support that the festival has achieved such longevity and continues to thrive.
“With around $1.4 million flowing into the local economy, Horizon Festival continues to deliver for community and tourism alike.”
View the full program and purchase early bird tickets at horizonfestival.com.au
Horizon Festival pays its deepest respects to the Traditional Custodians of Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country, Sunshine Coast – the first artists, storytellers and dancers, whose enduring connection to Country continues on the lands and waters we now share.
Horizon Festival is presented by Sunshine Coast Council with the support of Tourism and Events Queensland.
About Horizon Festival
Horizon Festival is an annual arts and cultural festival exploring the intersections of art, people and place on Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country, Sunshine Coast. Returning from 1–10 May 2026 for its tenth year, the festival shines a light on diverse voices, shared experiences and the power of belonging.
More than 35 events span First Nations culture, visual and performing arts, live music, community engagement and family‑friendly experiences, with performances, activities and workshops presented across locations throughout the Sunshine Coast.