Noosa alive! Festival is returning from 17 to 26 June for its 24th year, delivering 10 days of world-class entertainment in the surrounds of Noosa on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast – one of Australia’s most popular winter holiday destinations.
The 2026 program has officially been unveiled, featuring an extraordinary lineup of acclaimed Australian and international artists spanning theatre, music, literature, dance and thought-provoking conversations.
A major theatrical highlight of the program is the world premiere of Coping with Winter by legendary playwright David Williamson, starring Packed to the Rafters favourite Erik Thomson, Renai Caruso and Janneke Williamson. This sharp and darkly funny new work offers a powerful reflection on contemporary Australian life.
The festival also features standout cabaret performances including Olivia, a heartfelt tribute to Olivia Newton-John, by her niece Tottie Goldsmith (formerly of The Chantoozies), and Songbirds, a moving and musical celebration of friendship starring Gorgi Coughlin and Anna-Lee Robertson.
The festival also welcomes the return of Queensland Ballet, presenting the Jette Parker Young Artists in a world premiere season of choreography created by its own dancers and artistic team.
Music lovers will be treated to a rich and diverse program, from the classical brilliance of the Grigoryan Brothers to the glamour of the Music of the Night Gala Opera Dinner at the newly refurbished 5-star Elysium Noosa featuring the soaring vocals of operatic sensations Divina.
Festival audiences can look forward to an impressive series of “In Conversation” events with some of Australia’s most respected voices.
Highlights include 2 exclusive lunches with culinary icon Maggie Beer AO, alongside literary sessions with celebrated actor and author Bryan Brown, award-winning journalist Louise Milligan, and musician and writer Robert Forster, ‘In Conversation’ with Jon Coghill (ex Powderfinger).
Literary events
Explore one of 13 fascinating literary events including:
- Osher Gunsberg presents his powerful live event So What? Now What?
- Blanche d’Alpuget discussing her latest book The Bunny Club over a long lunch at Lucio’s Marina overlooking the beautiful Noosa River.
- Amy Remeikis – Chief Political Analyst at The Australia Institute and former political reporter for The Guardian Australia – renowned for her incisive political commentary – presents her new book Screw Nice.
- Mike Carlton – one of Australia’s best-known media figures in radio, television and newspapers presents his stunning new book The Burning Blue
- Rosalie Ham author of six incredible novels, including The Dressmaker introduces her 7th book, Look After Your Feet.
Ursula Yovich sings Nina Simone – is a powerful tribute to the legendary jazz icon, fresh from sellout performances at the Sydney Opera House.
Food events include a Hinterland Farm-to-Plate Gourmet Lunch Experience at Alsahwa Estate’s Ethos restaurant, plus the popular Film with Food featuring the gourmet delights from the movie Big Night.
Closing out the festival is STARS ALIVE!, a vibrant, free community event on Noosa River, featuring the finalists of the annual Stars Alive! Talent Search, free live music, food trucks, kid’s activities a performance by inaugural winner Sari Abbott, plus a surprise Golden Guitar winning guest artist!
“This year’s program truly reflects the spirit of Noosa alive! – bringing together world-class artists, compelling storytelling and unforgettable live experiences in one of Australia’s most beautiful destinations,” CEO Damien Anthony Avery-Rossi said.
“With something for everyone, from intimate literary lunches to large-scale performances and community celebrations, 2026 is set to be one of our most exciting festivals yet.”
“Every July, Noosa Alive! reminds you how lucky we are to live here, having some of the best arts and culture in the country right on our doorstep,” SCCFSL presenting partner director Toby Bicknell said. “Bendigo Bank has backed it for over 10 years because it brings people together, supports a thriving arts and cultural scene, and creates something the community looks forward to each year.”
