The Sunshine Coast’s most electrifying contemporary arts festival, Horizon, is back for 2025—bigger, bolder, and bursting with Radical Hope. If you’ve ever needed an excuse to soak up world-class performances while sipping a locally brewed craft beer in the coastal sunshine, this is it.
New year, new energy, new identity
Mark your calendars, art lovers! From May 2 to May 11, Horizon Festival will transform the Sunshine Coast into a buzzing hub of creativity, culture, and connection. Spanning the hinterland, coastline, and urban hotspots, the festival’s ninth edition is set to be its most ambitious yet—think more than 50 events, a reimagined festival precinct, and an exhilarating lineup of artists ready to challenge, charm, and change the way you see the world.
Art that makes you feel something
At the heart of this year’s festival is the concept of Radical Hope, a theme that Creative Director Megan Rowland describes as an urgent call to action. “Hope isn’t just wishful thinking—it’s a verb,” she explains. “Art has the power to spark new ideas, bring people together, and create real change. Horizon is about embracing that and diving headfirst into the unknown.”
And dive we shall! This year’s program is packed with unmissable highlights. Prepare to be mesmerized by Patricia Piccinini’s Skywhales, as these surreal, towering hot air balloon creatures take flight over South-East Queensland for the first time. Dance lovers, don’t miss the Australian premiere of BERSERK and the Queensland debut of Phantom Femme Fatale—a double bill promising high-octane movement, music, and raw emotion. And if thought-provoking installations are your jam, Vernon Ah Kee’s latest work is a must-see.
Where to soak up the festival vibes
Maroochydore’s Ocean Street will be the beating heart of Horizon in 2025, hosting a free, family-friendly Opening Night Street Party that sets the tone for ten days of artistic revelry.
Each afternoon, the precinct will be buzzing with live music, local performances, street art, and pop-up food and drink stalls—a feast for the senses that’s entirely free and open to all. By night, the energy kicks up a notch with 10 Nights at Solbar, featuring the likes of C.W. Stoneking, Full Flower Moon Band, and the hilariously chaotic Queer PowerPoint (trust us, it’s as wild as it sounds). Oh, and if you thought ironing was a chore, The Ironing Maidens are here to change your mind with their electrifying live show.
Beyond the precinct: Art in unexpected places
From beachside to bushland, Horizon is all about discovering art in places you’d never expect. Yauar Warai Wandi – Sing, Dance, Gather will bring an unprecedented number of traditional dance groups to the banks of Stumers Creek, Coolum, in a celebration of First Nations culture and connection. Meanwhile, The Daily Muse will see art pop up in public spaces across the Sunshine Coast, bringing daily doses of creativity to unsuspecting passersby.
Foodies, fashionistas, and fans of the unexpected—there’s something for you too. Supper Club Mapleton – Catching a Whiff serves up a culinary-meets-art experience, while Confashional is set to push fashion boundaries in the most avant-garde ways.
For those who like their performances immersive (read: you will be involved), Social Muscle Club by award-winning arts collective The Farm promises to be part game, part theatre, and all fun. And let’s not forget Counterpilot’s Pigeon Fool, an AI-powered experience set to shake up what we think we know about performance art.
A festival that’s good for the soul (and the economy)
Horizon isn’t just about the art—it’s about the Sunshine Coast itself. As Mayor Rosanna Natoli puts it, “This festival is woven into the fabric of our community. It gives our artists a stage, brings visitors to our stunning region, and connects us to some of the most exciting work happening in the arts today.” And the numbers don’t lie—over the past nine years, Horizon has welcomed 320,000 visitors, supported 6,800 creatives, and injected $16.2 million into the local economy.
So, if you’ve ever wanted to be part of something big, bold, and downright brilliant—this is your moment.
Get in on the action
Tickets for Horizon Festival 2025 go on sale February 27 for subscribers and March 13 for the general public. Want first dibs? Head to horizonfestival.com.au to subscribe and secure your spot.
In her spare time, she likes long walks down the makeup aisle and performing in Brisbane theatre. You can follow her adventures on Instagram and TikTok @thebeautypalate.
