Noosa may be famous for its relaxed lifestyle, but its calendar is surprisingly packed with world-class events, sporting competitions, and vibrant local markets that draw visitors year-round. Timing your visit to coincide with a major festival is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the region’s food, art, and active culture.
This guide provides a monthly overview of Noosa’s biggest events and a schedule of the regular markets, serving as your handy calendar reference in the complete Tourism Directory in Noosa.
Annual Calendar: Major Noosa Festivals
Noosa is a hub for high-profile events, particularly focused on food, arts, and endurance sports. Note that specific dates often change year-to-year, so always confirm with the organiser before booking travel.
| Month | Major Event | Vibe & Focus |
| Feb / Mar | Noosa Summer Swim | A popular open water swimming festival for all levels, held off Main Beach. |
| March | Noosa Festival of Surfing | A 10-day celebration of surfing culture, longboards, surf dogs, and ocean life. |
| May | Noosa Eat & Drink Festival | A premier food and wine event featuring celebrity chefs, beachfront dining, and gourmet trails. |
| May | Ultraman Australia | A multi-day, 515km endurance race (swim, bike, run) starting and finishing at Noosa Heads. |
| July | NOOSA alive! | A vibrant 10-day cultural festival covering theatre, music, ballet, comedy, and visual arts across various venues. |
| July | Pomona King of the Mountain | A grueling annual race up the near-vertical slope of Mount Cooroora in the Noosa Hinterland. |
| Sept / Oct | Noosa Open Studios | Queensland’s largest free 10-day art event, offering trails to visit the private workshops of local artists. |
| October | Garmin Noosa Triathlon | Australia’s biggest and most prestigious triathlon, attracting elite athletes and spectators for five days of events. |
| Nov | Noosa Summer Hillclimb | A high-octane motorsport event where performance cars race up a scenic uphill course in the hinterland. |
Regular Markets: Your Weekly Guide
Noosa’s markets are the best place to sample local produce, grab a unique souvenir, and soak up the community atmosphere.
| Market Name | Location | Schedule | Focus |
| Noosa Farmers Market | Weyba Road, Noosaville | Every Sunday, 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM | Fresh, local, seasonal produce, gourmet food, coffee, and artisan goods. |
| The Original Eumundi Markets | Memorial Drive, Eumundi | Every Wednesday (8:00 AM – 2:00 PM) & Saturday (7:00 AM – 2:00 PM) | Arts, crafts, fashion, furniture, and unique handmade items (“make it, bake it, sew it, grow it”). |
| Peregian Beach Markets | Kingfisher Park, Peregian Beach | 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, 7:00 AM – 12:30 PM | Emerging designers, handmade crafts, ethical fashion, and a lively beachside vibe. |
| Noosa Marina Markets | Tewantin | Every Sunday, 8:00 AM – 1:30 PM | Local crafts, live music, and art by the water (perfect stop on a ferry trip). |
Planning Your Visit Around Events
- Book Accommodation Early: If you plan to visit during a major event like the Noosa Triathlon or the Eat & Drink Festival (May/Oct), accommodation sells out and prices rise significantly. Book well in advance!
- Check Road Closures: Large events, especially triathlons and marathons, involve extensive road closures in Noosa Heads and the surrounding area. Plan your travel around these.
- Find Current Details: For the most up-to-date schedule, specific event timings, and to find smaller, local happenings (like live music or gallery openings), always consult the local resource Noosa Life. This provides a constantly updated Tourism Directory in Noosa for attractions and events.
From the roar of the Hillclimb to the tranquil setting of the Farmers Market, Noosa’s dynamic event scene offers excitement throughout the year.
