Walking on Sunshine: The Best Music Festivals & Hangouts Around Sunshine Coast
The Sunshine Coast is known for many things: surf spots, beach resorts, hiking trails, delicious strawberries, and fresh cheese (which you can get at Maleny Cheese Factory). For the music enthusiasts and musically-inclined, there are also plenty of happening music spots to visit for some truly excellent live sets.
Between annual music festivals, weekly music events, and the occasional live gigs, the Sunshine Coast can fulfil whatever musical experience you’re in the mood for. Here are our top five picks!
Drift Bar | Caloundra
This coffee bistro bar is “the best venue on the sunshine coast” – especially if you’re after a night of good food, good drinks, and great music. Serving cold, local craft beer against a stunning backdrop of Pumicestone Passage, Drift Bar just embodies good vibes and positive, radiant energy.
On top of their constantly-updated seasonal menu and excellent wine selection, Drift Bar also offers Function Packages and hosts weekly live music events. It’s the place to visit if you’re looking for chill, casual, and laid-back.
Let local (and sometimes non-local) artists serenade you while the natural coastal atmosphere works it magic. It’s an experience you truly won’t forget.
Bonus! If you’re going to be in Caloundra between October 2 and 5 of this year, you might as well pay a visit to the Caloundra Music Festival, happening right on Kings Beach! Four days of sun, fun, surf, and soul.
Peregian Beach Park | Noosaville
Every 2nd Sunday of the month, from 12 noon onwards, Peregian Beach Park is host to Peregian Originals – a live original music concert featuring artists from all walks of life.
With a heavy emphasis on community and togetherness, Peregian Originals was created (and continues to thrive) for the purpose of bringing the Sunshine Coast community together in their love and support for original music. Whether you’re down to meet new people with as excellent a taste in music as you or you’re just looking for an afternoon of live tunes, Peregian Originals is sure to deliver.
Bring your friends, bring a picnic blanket, and bring an open, positive attitude. No wet blankets allowed!
Amamoor State Forest | Amamoor Creek
Oh, we get the confusion; don’t worry.
It’s been all sand and surf and local craft beer – and suddenly, we’re sending you to a forest?
You bet.
Because the Gympie Music Muster is happening in the bushland of Amamoor State Forest, and it’s an event you-who-love-music truly cannot miss. 50 hectares of national park, all covered by fellow music enthusiasts and/or nature lovers donning hiking boots, stylish Akubras, and winning smiles.
Get in touch with your soulful side as you veg out to the crooning, emotionally-stimulating tunes of blues, roots, and pure country. It’s made even better by the fact that you’ll be surrounded by the soothing scents of fresh eucalyptus, rich soil, and subtly musky campfire smoke.
If the sea isn’t much your speed, Gympie Music Muster is right up your alley!
El Capitano | Noosa Heads
Home to some of the best pizzas in the Sunshine Coast – nay, the world – El Capitano should be your go-to for great grub. And if you want your pizza with a side of live music, then make sure you drop by on a Wednesday night (say, 6.30PM onwards) for their weekly Hump Day Sessions. Featuring the best of touring talent and local, homegrown beats, El Capitano’s live set has quickly become the talk of the town – and one of the best musical hangouts around.
There’s nothing quite like digging in to a slice of their San Daniele Prosciutto pizza paired with a glass of Sloe Gin Spritz as one-of-a-kind tunes flutter around you.
Solbar | Maroochydore
Also known as Sunshine Coast’s primary live music joint, Solbar is an award-winning live music venue known for their good vibes, high energy, and absolute dedication to a good time. Having won the 2018 People’s Choice Award for Regional Live Venue of the Year, Solbar continues to expand and improve their services – and premises! – for both artists and music-lovers alike.
Their aim is to “provide a sophisticated venue” that caters to all shapes, styles, and forms of artistic expression. You can see this clearly in the care and upkeep they’ve put into the place. Very few venues can compare to the setup, layout, and atmosphere of Solbar. They’ve somehow managed to cultivate an aura that’s open, inviting, and filled with warmth regardless of the type of music playing on stage.
So if you’re in the neighbourhood for live acts, weekend gigs, or afternoon acoustics, Solbar is honestly your best bet.