Noosa comes alive from today (Friday 18 to Sunday 27 July), as the region’s premier arts and cultural festival NOOSA alive! kicks off 10 spectacular days of live music, theatre, ballet, and thought-provoking experiences.
With tickets selling fast and several events already sold out, Noosa alive! 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most dynamic and engaging festivals to date.
Among the most anticipated moments is David Williamson’s bold new play, Sleeping Dogs, directed by Ian Mackellar and starring Erik Thomson. After all three performances sold out in only a few weeks, a special preview show of the dress rehearsal were released ahead of the World Premiere on 23 July which too sold out.
The festival also showcases extraordinary musical talent, including cello and guitar virtuosos Sharon & Slava Grigoryan, dinner with operatic trio Divina (sold out), and beloved stage and screen legend Caroline O’Connor. With final release tickets available and selling fast, fans are encouraged to book quickly to avoid missing out.
Country music fans are in for an electric night on Friday 25 July, as Amber Lawrence and her full band take the stage at The J Theatre for a high-energy, foot-stomping performance.
Dance lovers will be treated to a double bill performance by Queensland Ballet’s Jette Parker Young Artists, including the World Premiere of Curious Beings, a groundbreaking production in collaboration with Dead Puppet Society. Through the inventive use of puppetry, the story blurs the lines between human and artificial, animate and inanimate, offering a mesmerising fusion of movement and storytelling that challenges the boundaries of contemporary ballet.
The beloved literary series also returns, featuring leading Australian authors including: lunch with Adam Courtenay at Noosa Waterfront Restaurant before the official Australian release of My Father Bryce; maximising the best years of your life over lunch with Prime Time by Bec Wilson (sold out); and breakfast with Kimberley Freeman at Noosa Springs Gold & Spa Resort as she discusses her latest release, The Secret Year of Zara Holt which draws on the life of Zara, the wife of Australian Prime Minister Harold Holt.
Capping off the 10-day celebration is a vibrant free community event, Imagine (Saturday 26 July). Presented along the scenic Noosa River Foreshore in collaboration with Bendigo Community Bank Tewantin-Noosa, the event celebrates 21 years of community banking in Noosa.
Designed to spark creativity and joy in all ages, expect surprise pop-up performances, fantasy worlds, interactive entertainment plus local restaurants along Gympie Terrace will serve up special cocktail concoctions just for the occasion.
The River Stage program shines a spotlight on Noosa’s young talent, including Noosa Stars Alive! 2025 finalists and 2024 winners. Headlining the River Stage is Australian Idol 2025 winner Marshall Hamburger, plus a mystery headline act yet to be announced!
Entry is free, and all registered attendees will go in the draw to win exciting prizes to help with the cost of living, including a new iPhone, thanks to the support of Bendigo Community Bank Tewantin-Noosa. Register now at noosaalive.com.au/imagine
Festival Director Ian Mackellar said “We’re honoured to partner with Bendigo Community Bank Tewantin-Noosa on this year’s festival and further cement our partnership for the next four years. Bendigo has a long history in Noosa and NOOSA alive!, and supporting arts and culture enriches our community.”
From World Premieres, Queenland exclusives, operatic harmonies, and literary breakfasts and luncheons, NOOSA alive! 2025 promises something for everyone.
Explore the full program and secure your tickets now at noosaalive.com.au
