Coastal Connection at Mooloolaba Foreshore Festival
Georgia Beard navigates oceans of entertainment at this year’s Mooloolaba Foreshore Festival, a marker for the region’s bright future on the horizon.
Picnic blankets stretching out under pandanus trees, cabanas and volleyball nets scattered across the sand and seaside paths teeming from Alexandra Headland to the Spit; restaurants and bars spilling out onto the beachfront in alfresco opulence, ice creameries on every corner and communal barbecues sizzling with family feasts – this vision of Mooloolaba Beach is unmistakable.
It’s our leisure retreat, our playground, our gathering place on the edge of a radiant blue ocean. We locals never take it for granted – and the tourists always remind us how good we’ve got it!
As the Sunshine Coast transforms into a city of the future, our coastal paradise has welcomed its own change with the development of Mooloolaba Northern Parkland last year.
The space offered a much-needed expansion to Mooloolaba Esplanade’s recreational areas, making room for a local population on the rise.
To celebrate, the inaugural Mooloolaba Foreshore Festival opened the sprawling lawns, meandering boardwalks, sheltered dining areas and the multidimensional adventure playground forever adored by families.
After last year’s success, event hosts Mooloolaba Chamber of Commerce and organisers Cartel Music & Events responded to waves of positive community feedback with the decision to hold the event again in 2023.
The Mooloolaba Foreshore Festival will colour the coastline with a celebration of the sea – the jewel of our region!
On Saturday 4 November from 12pm to 8pm, sumptuous seafood, sand sculptures, mermaids, live music and sea-inspired displays will unite locals and visitors in the environment we treasure!
Mooloolaba Chamber of Commerce President Graeme Juniper said the festival was a great way to celebrate everything that Mooloolaba has to offer.
“We’re inviting the whole community to come and join us for a free, family fun day at Mooloolaba Esplanade and Beach,” he said.
“Visitors can sample delicious food and drinks along the Esplanade, enjoy free activities and face painting for the kids, discover incredible sand sculptures, artisan markets and live entertainment.”
We’ll drift through the market stalls of Ocean Alley, showcasing sustainable, marine-themed and locally crafted products alongside street food and free rides, displays and workshops.
After collecting our treasures, we can settle down at Neptune’s Garden Beach Bar for a beer or cocktail overlooking the ocean. While we watch the sun sink over the horizon, the kids can visit Mermaid Headquarters to meet magical mermaids!
On the live stage, local favourites The SandFlys will get the community grooving with their infectious surf rock and The Sunshine Coast Sea Shanty Club will perform enduring songs from the sea. Among the entertainment, we might even encounter roving street performers!
Event Director and Mooloolaba Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee member Lea Bye said it was an exciting opportunity to showcase the best of Mooloolaba alongside promoting ocean sustainability through markets, workshops and displays.
“The best part of last year’s event was bringing together all of the accommodation providers, local retailers and hospitality venues to create an iconic Mooloolaba event that is free for the whole family to come and enjoy,” she said.
“We look forward to creating a fantastic community event again in 2023.”
Keeping Mooloolaba Foreshore Festival accessible yet eco-friendly, we’re encouraged to catch public transport or ride the e-scooters and e-bikes now lining our streets!
Mooloolaba Central ParknGo is also available via Brisbane Road or Smith Street with the beachfront within walking distance.
As we celebrate all things in, on and under the sea, we’ll coast into a future with community connection with the wind in our sails.
Dive into the action!
