The Sunshine Coast’s Horizon Festival is set to return in May, with 10 days of creativity and unforgettable experiences ready to roll across the region.
From sunset performances along the coast to tranquil hinterland settings and music in urban streets, Horizon Festival marks its 10th year in 2026 with a world-class program of more than 35 unique events across the region.
The festival is expected to welcome more than 24,000 visitors and features a program spanning First Nations-led gatherings, immersive food experiences, dance and performance, live music, visual art, family adventures and workshops, each crafted to spark wonder and connection.
Sunshine Coast Mayor, Rosanna Natoli said the festival’s 10-year milestone highlighted the event’s growing success and significance within the region and its broader reputation for creativity and boldness.
“Horizon Festival is a unique reflection of the Sunshine Coast. It is a festival for our region, by our region, and its high-quality performances and exciting experiences regularly attract visitors from across Australia,” Mayor 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. It is a celebration of our community.
“As a key cultural pillar ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Horizon Festival works to engage and embed the creative sector in the cultural offering of the Sunshine Coast.”
Horizon Festival Lead, Bec Martin said this year’s program showcased the breadth of the region’s creativity and talent, while taking artistic risks that would dazzle and delight audiences.
“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.
“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.”
Queensland Minister for the Arts, John-Paul Langbroek said the festival was a much-loved highlight of the Sunshine Coast arts calendar, celebrating creativity while delivering strong benefits for the local economy.
“Horizon Festival is the Sunshine Coast’s signature celebration of the arts, bringing our creative community together through visual art, performance, music and words,” Minister Langbroek said.
“Congratulations to everyone involved on reaching the 10-year milestone. It’s a testament to the organisers, the strength of the programme and the community’s support that the festival has achieved such longevity and continues to thrive.
“With around $1.4 million flowing into the local economy, Horizon Festival continues to deliver for community and tourism alike.”
View the full program for the festival, 1-10 May, and purchase early bird tickets at horizonfestival.com.au.
