Noosa audiences are set to be swept up in one of the Sunshine Coast’s biggest cultural celebrations when Horizon Festival returns for its milestone 10th year in May.
The annual arts showcase, presented by Sunshine Coast Council, will run from 1–10 May, delivering more than 35 events across the region on Kabi Kabi and Jinibara Country.
From shoreline performances at sunset to hinterland gatherings and street-side music in Maroochydore, organisers say the program has been designed to reflect the depth and diversity of the Coast’s creative identity.
While events will unfold across the region, Noosa residents are expected to once again join audiences travelling between beach, bush and urban centres to experience the 10-day celebration of art, place and community.
Festival Director Bec Martin said the anniversary program captured both the spirit and ambition of the region’s arts scene.
“Horizon Festival belongs to the Sunshine Coast. We’ve created a program where art doesn’t just visit our region, it responds to place, transforms experiences and celebrates community,” Martin said.
“Our artistic community is vibrant, courageous and collaborative, and this year’s program brings ambitious new work to life across extraordinary settings.”
“Audiences are invited to gather in unexpected places and to be moved, enchanted and surprised by all that the Sunshine Coast has to offer.”
The 2026 program spans First Nations-led gatherings, immersive food experiences, dance, live music, visual art, workshops and family-friendly events. Organisers say the festival continues to evolve, strengthening its focus on connection to Country and shared storytelling.
Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said reaching the 10-year milestone was a significant achievement for the region’s cultural sector.
“Horizon Festival is a unique reflection of the Sunshine Coast. It is a festival for our region, by our region, and its authenticity and commitment to place have also attracted the interest and attendance of visitors from across Australia,” Cr 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.
“As our region’s key cultural pillar ahead of the 2032 Brisbane Olympic and Paralympic Games, Horizon Festival works to engage and embed the creative sector in the cultural fabric of the Sunshine Coast.”
Queensland Arts Minister John-Paul Langbroek said the festival continued to deliver cultural and economic benefits.
“Horizon Festival is the Sunshine Coast’s signature celebration of the arts, bringing our creative community together through visual art, performance, music and words,” he said.
“With around $1.4 million flowing into the local economy, Horizon Festival continues to deliver for community and tourism alike.”
Early bird tickets and the full program are available via the festival website: horizonfestival.com.au/
