WHAT’S ON?

Eumundi Writers Festival

Don’t forget to book your tickets to the inaugural Eumundi Writers Festival on 22-24 August. The festival features over 30 presenters and a diverse array of panels, workshops, and events across multiple venues. There’s something for everyone to enjoy. Tickets are on sale via Humanitix, and many events and participation opportunities are free. Most events have limited places. Visit: eumundiwritersfestival.com.au.

Handmade goodies in Cooroy

Don’t miss the Cooroy Handmade & Artisan Festival for some unique works by local artists and craftspeople at the Cooroy Memorial Hall, 23 Maple St from 22-24 August. There will be an exclusive sip and shop event on 22 August from 3-7pm, with the festival continuing 23&24 August from 9am-3pm. Visit: FB Cooroy Handmade & Artisan Festival.

Wild & Hunted Things

Singer-songwriter Mark Wilkinson brings his Wild & Hunted Things tour to Eumundi’s Imperial Hotel on 22 August, in one of only two Qld performances. He will be supported by Angus and Julia Stone and Damien Rice.

The recently released album has already amassed over 1.9M streams on Spotify alone. Along with this success, his previous 2024 EP Golden Afternoons reached the #11 spot on the ARIA charts (digital) and multiple albums have come in at #1 on the Australian Independent music charts. Tickets: tickets.oztix.com.au.

Cooloola Farmers Trail

The Slow Food Community and Cooloola Farmers are proud to open their properties to the public as part of the Cooloola Farmers Trail on 16&17 August from 9am-4pm. Explore the farms that produce the food we eat. Enjoy workshops, guided tours and local produce as you drive from farm to farm. Download a PDF map and explore the Cooloola region, covering Kin Kin, Goomboorian and Wolvi. Visit: cooloolafarmtrail. com.au.

Circa’s Duckpond

Circa is a Brisbane-based performing arts company at the forefront of contemporary Australian circus. The performance Duckpond re-imagines the ballet Swan Lake, showcasing the physicality involved in blending dance, movement, theatre and circus. Duckpond will be performed at The Events Centre, Caloundra on 6 September at 7.30pm. Tickets: theeventscentre. com.au.

Sunshine Butterflies Community Open Day

Sunshine Butterflies is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a special community open day on 13 August at their home, “Our Backyard” at 468 McKinnon Dr, Cooroibah from 9.30am1.30pm. Take the opportunity to learn about their programs for the disabled while touring the 15-acre property. Meet the animals and relax with refreshments from the Sunshine Butterflies' Pantry.

Founder and CEO Leanne Walsh said, “We would love to see new faces join us for this special day, whether you’re looking for disability services, interested in employment with us or just want a great day out.” Visit: sunshinebutterflies.com.au.

The Dark Side of the Moon

There are many tribute bands around, but few can claim the clout of the Australian Rock Collective (ARC). Kram from Spiderbait, Darren Middleton from Powderfinger, Mark Wilson from Jet and Davey Lane from You Am I, have joined forces to bring Pink Floyd’s legendary albums to life. ARC performs Dark Side of the Moon and Wish You Were Here at The Events Centre, Caloundra on 8&9 August. Tickets: theeventscentre.com.au.

Noosa Cup Day

Gates open at 11.30am on 17 August for Noosa Cup Day at the Sunshine Coast Turf Club. Don’t forget to wear your most fabulous frock and headwear combo to be part of the It’s a FAD by Sara Leonardi digital fashions competition. Visit: sctc.bom.au.

The Skywhales are coming!

The gigantic Skywhale hot-air balloons are coming to the Sunshine Coast at last! Skywhales across Australia is a National Gallery Touring Event. Originally scheduled during the Horizon 2025 festival, their visit to the Sunshine Coast from Canberra had to be postponed due to adverse weather. They will be at UniSC Sippy Downs on 17 August firing up from 4.45-6.30am, where Skywhale and Skywhalepapa will take flight at dawn.

Balloon designer Patricia Piccinini will give an artist talk on 16 August from 2-3pm at UniSC. Registrations are essential to get real-time weather updates. Don’t miss these beauties. Visit: t.ly/qP_zG.

Shepherd’s Fair

Good Shepherd Lutheran College in Noosaville will hold its Shepherd’s Fair on 9 August from 12-6pm. Activities include a baby animal farm, gem hunt, rides galore, homemade wonders, second-hand clothing, plants, food stalls and entertainment. There are prizes to be won and there is plenty to see and do. Visit: FB Shepherd’s Fair.

Investment group’s 25th anniversary

On 21 August the Noosa Branch of the Australian Independent Retirees (AIR) is celebrating 25 years of the Investment Discussion Group (IDG) meeting at the Uniting Church, Grasstree Court, Sunrise Beach. The goal of AIR is to advance a sustainable quality of life in retirement by responding to government policy decisions and helping members manage their finances. Guests are welcome for a 9.30am start. Tickets are $10 per person and the first 2 meetings are free of charge. Visit: FB AIR Noosa Branch.

Pirates, Cowboys and Aliens

Sunshine Coast-based DIVE Theatre Collective, along with Gympie’s Perseverance Street Theatre Company

perform Pirates, Cowboys and Aliens at the Black Box Theatre in Nambour on 30 August at 3pm.

Set in a small regional town the play is a heartwarming and hilarious play about unlikely friendships, the strange magic of old playgrounds, and the stubborn brilliance of children who refuse to grow up. Tickets: divetheatre.com.

Author talk with Michael Brissenden

Join a Zoom chat with Michael Brissenden to discuss his crime novel Smoke, which is rated 3.47 on Goodreads. The event is hosted by Ben Hobson of Ben’s Book Club and brought to you by the Cooroy Library on 26 August from 7.30-8.30pm.

Michael Brissenden was a journalist and foreign correspondent with the ABC for 35yrs. His many roles included political editor for the ABC’s 7.30 and a reporter for Four Corners. The Zoom link will be emailed to attendees on the day of the event. Registration is free but essential. Visit: trybooking.com/events/landing/1394167.