If you are searching for what to do in Mooloolaba, Queensland or what to do in Mooloolaba Sunshine Coast, you are in the right spot. Summer brings beach days plus shows, markets, sports, and nighttime fun, and it is close by.
Below is a local guide to January events within 30 to 40 minutes of Mooloolaba, plus one big date to save for later in the year. If you are wondering what to do in Mooloolaba, Australia, pick a few favourites and plan around them.
Plan What To Do In Mooloolaba
A quick way to plan is to group your days like this:
- Walkable nights in Mooloolaba: ideal if you want to park the car and keep things simple.
- Easy 10 to 20 minute drives: great for Maroochydore and nearby coastal hubs.
- Day trips up to 30 to 40 minutes: perfect for Caloundra events and a change of scenery.
My tip: lock in tickets first, then plan meals and transport. If your search was what to do in Mooloolaba, start with one walkable night and one short drive. It is often listed among the Sunshine Coast’s top things to do.
Sunshine Coast Festivals
Salty Saturdays (Saturday 10 January 2026)
Location: Jack Morgan Park, Coolum Beach, about a 25 to 30-minute drive out of Mooloolaba.
Local tip: Arrive early for parking.
Editor’s pick: Live music and local stalls.
Ideal for: Families and groups.
Packing tip: Hat, sunscreen, refillable water bottle.
Travel tip: Drive, then keep the evening open.
It suits fun things to do Sunshine Coast and places to go in the Sunshine Coast.
Fun Things To Do Sunshine Coast
ARJ Barker Returns with The Classics (Friday 9 January 2026)
Location: Maroochy RSL, Maroochydore, around a 15-minute drive.
Local tip: Get there early for parking.
Editor’s pick: A comedy night out.
Ideal for: Couples and groups.
Packing tip: Light jacket for air-conditioned venues.
Travel tip: Drive, or rideshare if you plan on a late one.
If you are searching for places to visit in the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore is an easy add-on.
Sunshine Coast Music Festival
Beddy Rays, Do What Ya Wanna Region Run (Friday 16 January 2026)
Location: Solbar, Maroochydore, around a 15-minute drive.
Local tip: Eat beforehand.
Editor’s pick: Big crowd energy in Sunshine Coast music festival season.
Ideal for: Groups and couples.
Packing tip: Earplugs if you are sensitive to volume.
Travel tip: Rideshare is a simple option.
Seas The Beat Charity Boat Party with Sgt Slick (Sunday 25 January 2026)
Location: Sun Reef Whale One, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba, walkable if you are staying in central Mooloolaba.
Local tip: Arrive early for boarding.
Editor’s pick: Music on the water.
Ideal for: Couples and friend groups.
Packing tip: Sunnies, a light layer for sea breeze.
Travel tip: Walk there.
PAST : PRESENT: FUTURE > (Sunday 25 January 2026)
Location: Upstairs at The Savvy Squire, 123 Parkyn Parade, Mooloolaba, also walkable.
Editor’s pick: A dance floor night nearby.
Ideal for: Groups.
Packing tip: Comfortable shoes.
Travel tip: Walk there.
Easy Sunshine Coast experiences.
Caloundra Events
Caloundra is an easy day trip out of Mooloolaba. If you are searching for Caloundra events, start here.
Meat Loaf The Concert, The Jim Steinman Songbook (Saturday 17 January 2026)
Location: The Events Centre, 20 Minchinton Street, Caloundra, about 30 30-minute drive.
Local tip: Plan dinner around Kings Beach or Bulcock Street.
Editor’s pick: Big vocals and nostalgia.
Ideal for: Couples and groups.
Packing tip: Light layer for the theatre.
Travel tip: Drive and allow extra time.
Coastline BMW Sunshine Coast Cup Day 2026 (Saturday 24 January 2026)
Location: Sunshine Coast Turf Club, 170 Pierce Avenue, Caloundra, about 30 30-minute drive.
Local tip: Gates open at 10:30 am; arrive early.
Editor’s pick: Racing and food in summer.
Ideal for: Groups.
Packing tip: Sunscreen, something breathable.
Travel tip: Drive and set a meeting point.
Creedence, The John Fogerty Show (Friday 30 January 2026)
Location: Kings Beach Tavern, Caloundra, around 30 30-minute drive.
Local tip: Beach walk before doors.
Editor’s pick: Tribute gig singalong.
Ideal for: Couples and groups.
Packing tip: Photo ID, as it is 18+.
Travel tip: Rideshare if you plan to stay late.
Sport On The Coast
Suncoast Spinners Wheelchair Basketball Tournament 2026 (Friday 16 to Sunday 18 January 2026)
Location: Listed at North Street, Golden Beach, within a 30-minute drive.
Local tip: Go early for seating.
Editor’s pick: Fast-paced sport and a great crowd.
Ideal for: Families and sports fans.
Packing tip: Water bottle and snacks.
Travel tip: Drive and add a beach stop after.
Murphy Homes Maroochy Classic (Friday 23 to Saturday 24 January 2026)
Location: Maroochydore Surf Life Saving Club, around 15 15-minute drive.
Local tip: Arrive early for parking.
Editor’s pick: A classic summer weekend.
Ideal for: Families and groups.
Packing tip: Sunscreen and a hat.
Travel tip: Drive and plan your timing.
Mooloolaba What To Do
Lions 3 Peat Quest Live Show (Friday 30 January 2026)
Location: Pier 33, Mooloolaba, close to the Wharf and easy to reach if you are staying in central Mooloolaba.
Local tip: Doors open at 5 pm, plan an early dinner.
Packing tip: Bring something to sign if you are doing photos.
Lions 3 Peat Quest Live Show hits on Friday, 30 January 2026, bringing big energy, fan banter, and plenty of laughs for footy lovers. Expect a lively night out with the kind of moments you’ll be quoting on the way home.
Sunshine Coast Show
Sunshine Coast Show (Friday 12 to Sunday 14 June 2026)
Location: Nambour Showgrounds, within about 30 to 40 minutes’ drive, depending on traffic.
Local tip: Pick one main day and arrive early.
The Sunshine Coast Show is a classic day out, with show rides, animal pavilions, live entertainment, local produce, and plenty of family-friendly fun. It’s the kind of event where you can spend a few hours or a full day soaking up that old school showground atmosphere.
Stay At Aegean
Aegean Mooloolaba is right in the heart of town at 14 to 16 River Esplanade, Mooloolaba, so you are close to the beach and the action.
On-site, you can enjoy a heated swimming pool and spa, a barbecue area, free WiFi, secure parking, plus the option of an on-site Thai massage service.
Image Credit: Sunshine Coast Cup Day 2026