The world’s largest and most loved surfing celebration, the Noosa Festival of Surfing will return to Laguna Bay from 13-22 March, promising more stoke, culture and connection than ever. Whether you’re a competitor, spectator, family member, music lover or beach bar regular, the 2026 program is shaping up to be memorable.
The World Surfing League (WSL) sanctioned division, the Noosa Longboard Pro will return in 2026, giving Australasian surfers the chance to qualify for the World Longboard Tour, and showcasing a bunch of talented international surfers as they compete for their share in a $10,000 prize pool.
Traditional favourites will also be part of the Festival schedule including the prestigious Old Mal and the Logger Pro which attracts more than 110 competitors and is expected to be fiercely contested.
The promising Juniors will line up to show what’s coming in future years, and don’t forget the over age divisions, a stacked draw of former champions as well as current Australian champions in their respective age brackets.
First Point, with its long peeling waves, a natural amphitheatre and golden sunrises over the bay, remains the heart of the event.
The Beach Bar will once again be the social hub of the festival, serving up cold drinks, incredible sunsets and live music every afternoon and evening, with a massive 5x2m screen broadcasting live surf during the day and live music by night.
Beyond the competition, the festival is a celebration of surf lifestyle and culture.
The Surfers Village will be located at First Point to feature the festival’s surf and sustainability focussed brands partners. Custom apparel, art, board demos and workshops are a key focus in the area and the place to enjoy yoga sessions at sunrise, meet filmmakers and shapers, and take part in environmental and wellness activations that celebrate coastal life and healthy living.
Keep an eye out for off-site events across Hastings Street, the Junction and Noosaville — including brand activations, film nights, parties, charity initiatives and environment initiatives. The festival extends well beyond the judges tower, celebrating Noosa’s community and culture across the region.
And who can forget Dog’s on Surfboards.
Now into its 14th year, the VetShopAustralia Surfing Dog’s has certainly garnered a reputation and huge popularity. Taking place on Saturday 14 March from 2pm the Surfing Dogs spectacular is a sight to behold.
Read more on the festival in Life of Brine on P35 and for more information and the full program visit www.noosafestivalofsurfing.com/whats-on/
