Queensland boasts a revolving door of incredible events throughout the year, ranging from yacht racing and film festivals to food and wine extravaganzas. There's rarely a month that doesn't feature a nationally recognised show, race, festival or sporting match.
This year isn't any different, and if you've got a trip planned to one of the Sunshine State's premier destinations, you might want to keep an eye on the calendar.
Autumn
David Lynch
March 14-June 7, Brisbane
David Lynch: Between Two Worlds explores the work of the American filmmaker and visual artist. The exhibition includes more than 200 works, including drawing, painting, printmaking, photography, mixed media, music, film and video creations.
Cooly Rocks On
May 29-June 8, Gold Coast
Coolangatta and Tweed Heads will come alive with rock’n’roll fever. More than 50 Australian rock’n’roll and rockabilly bands will perform alongside international artists. And more than 1,300 cars will line the streets for one of the biggest car displays ever staged in Australia.
While you're in the Sunshine State: Top 13 Queensland Experiences
There's something for every budget: Queensland Holidays - Budget Vs Luxury
Winter
Cairns Airport Adventure Festival
June 7-14, Cairns
The festival features an event for everyone – triathlons, mountain bike challenges, water activities and more.
Vision Splendid Outback Film Festival
June 26-July 4, Winton
A celebration of Australian film in the Outback, under a spectacular blanket of stars.
Gold Coast Airport Marathon
July 4-5, Gold Coast
Staged in one of the most popular holiday destinations in the world and regarded as one of Australia’s premier sporting events, the Gold Coast Airport Marathon is set to attract more than 28,000 participants of all ages and abilities from Queensland, interstate and overseas.
The Gold Coast Airport Marathon attracts 28,000 participants.
V8 Supercars Castrol EDGE Townsville 400
July 10-12, Townsville
Set in a parkland-style circuit in Reid Park, with close to 70 per cent of the circuit made up of constructed roads, this is one of three exciting V8 Super Street Queensland events.
Brisbane’s Mega Football Fanatics Weekend
July 17-19, Brisbane
On July 17, watch Liverpool FC versus Brisbane Roar; on July 18, it’s the Rugby Championship with Australia playing South Africa. Finish the weekend off with Brisbane Broncos versus Wests Tigers on July 19.
Australian Festival of Chamber Music
July 31-August 8, Townsville
Ten idyllic days of music (30 concerts) and warmth in a tropical location.
Ekka: Royal Queensland Show
August 7-16, Brisbane
Queensland’s largest annual event, the Ekka, showcases all that’s great across talent, culture and produce alongside a sideshow alley of rides and entertainment.
The Ekka in Brisbane is a great place to clown around. Picture: Getty Images
Mount Isa Mines Rotary Rodeo
August 7-9, Mount Isa
This is the largest rodeo in the southern hemisphere, featuring Australia’s best rodeo action across bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback, steer wrestling, roping and barrel racing.
Audi Hamilton Island Race Week
August 15-22, Hamilton Island
Australia’s largest offshore sailing regatta offers an experience like no other: navigating the crystal-clear waters of the Whitsundays.
Gympie Music Muster
August 27-30, Gympie
Watch the serene Amamoor State Forest transform into a heaving celebration of all things country and music.
The Audi Hamilton Island Race Week luxuriates in the Whitsundays.
Spring
The 8th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art
November 21-April 10, South Brisbane
This exhibition, featuring more than 75 emerging and established artists, filmmakers and performers, will reflect the vigour of expanding creative centres throughout Asia and the Pacific.
Be mesmerised by the Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art.
Noosa Jazz Festival
September 3-6, Sunshine Coast
There’s great jazz (of course), as well as blues and folk music. The program also includes master classes, lazy lunches, talent searches and river cruises.
Birdsville Races
September 4 & 5, Birdsville
An alluring contrast of a dirt track and racewear, this annual event attracts a crowd that’s keen to celebrate this unique experience of a truly country race day.
Bundy Flavours Festival
September 5-13, Bundaberg
Celebrate the best the region has to offer. This event showcases Bundaberg’s locally grown produce alongside a celebration of all things food and gardening.
Noosa Jazz Festival is worth trumpeting about.
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers
September 18-27, Toowoomba
Food, wine and all things gardens, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is colour in the heart of Southern Queensland Country. There are gardens to explore, wine and food tours to indulge in and even classic car and railway events to enjoy.
Capricorn Food & Wine Festival
September 18-20, Yeppoon
Be inspired with interactive demonstrations by top chefs and live music from local musicians. This festival hosts signature dining experiences, food and wine masterclasses, and interactive cooking classes.
Brisbane International Garden Show
October 9-11, Brisbane
Greenies rejoice. Staged for the first time at Pine Rivers Park, Strathpine, in Moreton Shire, the Brisbane International Garden Show will feature landscape and floral displays, talks and even edible garden features.
The Brisbane International Garden Show is a must for greenies.
Black Toyota Warwick Gold Cup Campdraft and Jack Daniels Rodeo
October 20-26, Warwick
Queensland’s best horses and riders compete for more than $150,000 worth of prizes for their expert cattle herding.
Gold Coast 600 V8 Supercars
October 23-25, Gold Coast
The Gold Coast’s biggest party is back in October – get ready for three days of heart-stopping, action-packed racing.
Subaru Noosa Triathlon Multi Sport Festival
November 1, Noosa
The largest festival of its kind in the southern hemisphere, it’s also the third-largest Olympic-distance triathlon in the world. Watch, compete or just get involved.
The Noosa triathlon is a winner.
Airlie Beach Festival of Music
November 6-8, Whitsundays
National artists perform over three days, set against a laid-back island landscape. Bliss.
Airlie Beach Festival of Music is good for the soul.
Fortitude Valley Markets
Saturday-Sunday all year, Fortitude Valley, Brisbane
These markets offer a colourful variety of mobile food stalls, licensed and themed eating areas, vintage markets, art installations, live entertainment and creative pop-ups.
Glengallan Seasonal Markets
March-December, Warwick
Find an array of craft stalls and entertainment in the shadow of the impressive Glengallan Homestead.
The colourful Valley markets in Brisbane.
Summer
Australian PGA Championship
December, Brisbane
Australia’s oldest professional golf tournament (the PGA traces its origin back to 1911) is back. The immersive, four-day championship will be held in Queensland’s capital this year.
Woodford Folk Festival
December 27-January 1, Woodford
Escape reality and immerse yourself in cultures near and far when more than 2,000 performers appear in concerts, dances, street theatre, comedy sessions and so much more. Whether you’re inclined to move, laugh or listen, camping on site is the best way to get among the festivities.
Woodford Folk Festival brings together performers from all areas of the arts.
Market in the Mountains
Second Sunday of each month, Stanthorpe
Celebrate locals who make it, bake it, grow it or sew it. Plenty of treasures here.
2016 Jeep Magic Millions Raceday
January 9, Gold Coast
Australia’s richest race day attracts an international audience, where horses race to secure a slice of the $4.7 million in prizemoney.
Brisbane International presented by Suncorp
January, Brisbane
The Brisbane International is widely regarded as the warm-up to the Australian Open.
Cairns Chinese New Year
February 4 & 5, Cairns
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a vibrant and mesmerising display of traditional and modern culture and entertainment for the Year of the Monkey for 2016.
Subaru Oceania Mountain Bike Championships
March, Toowoomba
The elite of the South Pacific mountain-biking world converge on their way to championship glory.
Visit your local Flight Centre or call 131 600 for more advice and the latest deals on travelling to Queensland.
