Our destination sure knows how to throw a great party and Central Queenslanders are now gearing up with festival fever as a suite of celebrations mark our calendars over the coming months.
Kicking off with Yeppoon Running Festival this weekend, which will see thousands of competitors take to the popular Capricorn Coast soaking up the sunshine and pounding the pavement, we have managed to turn on the perfect sub-tropical Spring weather for a run, jog or walk along the beautiful Yeppoon Foreshore. From the hearty Shanahan Swaffield 42.2km Marathon to the fun-loving Stockland Rockhampton 1.6km family fun run, there is something for everyone.
The Beef Capital will also come to life this weekend with the 7th annual Rockhampton River Festival. In a celebration of the Fitzroy River, the three day event leverages the riverbank’s stunning natural and built heritage to forge fond and fun memories for all ages. Head down to the Riverbank from 28th – 30th July for arts, culture, entertainment, food and enjoyment.
Australia’s longest open water swimming marathons, Swim Around Keppel is back for another year, as participants circumnavigate our beautiful Great Keppel Island. The two-day event includes the signature 20-kilometre swim and loads of family friendly activities including a waterpolo competition, guided bush walks, family scavenger hunt, kayaking, snorkelling and more. The event also includes a shorter novice swim (1km) and a 6km swim around Middle Island.
The Yeppoon Triathlon Festival makes a splash on Sunday 27th August. Held on the Capricorn Coast in sunny Central Queensland, the Yeppoon Triathlon Festival offers fast and friendly racing, VIP treatment for our competitors and an entertaining and vibrant atmosphere for supporters and locals.
With a jam-packed schedule of music, arts and culture, the CQ University Village Festival will be held from 4th – 13th August. The Festival boasts a significant live music program, a vast array of performing and visual arts productions, street theatre, workshops, food and market stalls, and children’s activities. In 2023 the community will celebrate the 20th Village Festival in the tranquil setting of the Yeppoon foreshore, and at various locations and venues throughout the Capricorn Coast destination.
CapriCon Pop Culture Convention has exploded in popularity to become regional Queensland’s largest single day pop culture convention. Hosting guests from film, TV, comics, and cosplay, CapriCon is an event for all ages, providing a fun, inclusive and immersive event that people don’t just attend, they experience. If you love pop culture, you’ll love CapriCon.
The annual Mount Morgan Wattle Day Festival is set for Saturday, 2nd September. This is a FREE family event with live entertainment from the Brittany Elise Band, Denvah and local performers. There will be market stalls, food vans, free amusement rides, face painting, balloon twisting and creative workshops and demonstrations.
The picturesque Rockhampton Riverside Precinct will come to life for the 11th Annual Capricorn Food and Wine Festival from 7th – 10th September. The celebration of local food, hospitality, music and bespoke culinary events showcasing our community and region is once again set to welcome foodies, wine connoisseurs and everything in between. The Festival hosts numerous events both in the Festival Grounds and venues around the region and include degustations, masterclasses, cocktail parties, cooking demonstrations and more.
Tropical Pinefest is set to take the stage in October with the Yeppoon Lions Club and Pinefest Committee ready to make this year’s event bigger and better than ever. The Pinefest Launch Party will kickstart the Festival on Friday with the Keppel Bay Sailing Club Fireworks Extravaganza lighting up the Yeppoon night sky for the final evening.
Undoubtedly one of the best event on the Capricorn Coast, the 38th annual Emu Park Lions Oktoberfest is locked in! Head down to Bell Park, Emu Park for a day of singing, dancing, laughing, eating and toasting. Organisers, the Lions Club of Emu Park will welcome back the internationally renowned ‘Kalendar Band’, talented Karen Williams and jazz musician Tommy Nicholson. This toe tapping, knee slapping, chicken dancing day is sure to create unforgettable memories.
Dust off your lederhosen and dirndls because it’s time to toast to good times and great company at CQ’s largest and most exciting beer extravaganza – Oktoberfest Rockhampton! Get ready for an unforgettable celebration as the Rockhampton Riverside Precinct will be completely transformed into a lively Bavarian wonderland with traditional oom-pah music and live bands into the evening. Indulge in the finest selection of imported European beers, cider, wine plus and an array of food vendors and German-inspired cuisines. Dressing up is encouraged, and your authentic Bavarian attire could earn you fantastic prizes!
