The 2026 Horizon Festival marks its 10th year on the Sunshine Coast with a bold and creative intersection of arts and culture from May 1-10.
Live music, dance, visual art, food and creative workshops will form part of more than 35 events across the Sunshine Coast.
Judging by the crowds from previous years, organisers expect more than 24,000 visitors to participate in the event.
Horizon Festival Lead Bec Martin said this year’s program showcased the breadth of the region’s creativity and talent, while taking artistic risks designed to “dazzle and delight audiences.”
“The 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,” Ms Martin said in a statement.
“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.”
Program highlights
The Opening Night Party is a free, all-ages celebration with live music from local artists, family activities, food and drinks, and a high‑energy atmosphere celebrating creativity, connection and play. Friday May 1, 4pm-9pm. King’s Beach Caloundra.
The Yauar Warai Wandi performance is a sunset gathering designed to honour the connection between Gubbi Gubbi, Jinibara, Quandamooka and Butchulla country with contemporary and traditional performance, music, ceremony and sculpture. Saturday May 2, 5pm-8pm, Norrie Job Park Coolum Beach.
M’ap Boulé means “I’m on fire” in Haitian Creole, and this powerful musical play will have you burning for more. Led by the charismatic Nancy Denis, the work traces her journey embracing her Black, Queer, Haitian and Australian identities. Saturday May 2 at 7.30pm and May 3 at 7pm, The Old Ambo Nambour.
The butterfly who flew into the rave is 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. Sunday May 3 at 7pm, venue TBC.
Burnt Earth: Bonyi Bounty is 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. Sunday May 3 at 2pm-5.30pm, Burnt Earth Maleny.
The live music and comedy series is a rocking line-up of live music and comedy at venues across the Sunshine Coast headlined by top talents including BIG NOTER on Saturday May 2 at 7.30pm, The Umbilical Brothers Thursday May 7at 7pm, Danny Widdecombe & The Wand’rin’ Stars Friday May 8 at 7pm, and multi-award-winning Jem Cassar-Daley Saturday May 9 at 7am.
It’s 30 years since Australian classic Babe was released and audiences can enjoy an outdoor screening at the Family Film Night. Go before the film starts to enjoy live music from Junior Burger, an animal petting zoo, and local food vendors. Saturday May 9 3.30pm-7.30pm, Baringa Forest Park Baringa.
Dance styles from around the world including boot‑scooting, hip‑hop, samba, swing and bush dance, culminate in the Horizon Dance Hall – a closing workshop and DJ set from Sydney’s line‑dancing favourites, Saddle Club. Sunday May 10, 9am-6pm, Nambour State College Nambour.
View the full program and purchase early bird tickets at horizonfestival.com.au
