August
1-4 Great Barrier Reef Festival, Airlie Beach, from 9am
2 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Finding Dory, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
3 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
6 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
6 Whalebone, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 1pm and 6pm
8-15 Airlie Beach Race Week
8 Adult Learn to Skate, PCYC, from 6pm
8 Eskimo Joe, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
9 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Tinkerbell and the Pirate Fairy & Hook, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 5pm
10 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
15 Morning Melodies – A Farewell to Doris, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre from 11am
15 Zonta General Meeting, VMR Whitsunday, from 6pm
15 Adult Learn to Skate, PCYC, from 6pm
17 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
17 Ben Bolt Cup Race Day, Bowen Turf Club, from 11am
17 Seagrass Musical Theatre Night, Proserpine State High School, from 6pm (7pm start)
20 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
24 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
24 Thanks Doc, Larrikin Hotel, from 5.30pm
25 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am
29 The Gruffalo, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 6pm
30 The Gruffalo, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre from 10am
30 Ross Noble – Jibber Jabber Jamboree, at the Proserpine Entrainment Centre, from 8pm
31 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
31 Proserpine Whitsunday Uniting Church Flower Show & Fete, Cyclone Shelter, Primary school, Sterry St, Proserpine. 

September
3 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
6-8 White on Whitehaven, Whitehaven Beach, from 9am
6 Don River Dash Community Night, Bowen Showgrounds, from 4pm
7 Don River Dash 300, Telegraph Road Spectator Area, from 8am
7 Mini Roller Disco, PCYC Whitsunday, from 10am
7 Kath and Kim Drag Bingo, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 8pm
13 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Trolls & Jumanji, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
17 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
20 Airlie Beach Movie Night – The Addams Family and Dumb & Dumber, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
21 Mayor’s Charity Ball, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 5pm
27 Children are Stinky, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 11am
27 Children are Stinky, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 1pm
29 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am

October
1 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
3 Morning Melodies – Livvy & Pete, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 11am
5 Joe Camilleri & The Black Sorrows, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
11 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Super Mario Bros & Sister Act, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
15 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
26 Drizzle Boy, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7pm
27 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am
29 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am

November
1 Airlie Beach Movie Night – The Sound of Music, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
1 An Evening with Vika & Linda, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 7.30pm
12 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
15 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Spy Kids & Grease, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
15 Arj Barker – The Mind Field, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 8pm
29 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
24 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am

December
1 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Merry Madagascar & Home Alone 2, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
3 Sailing For Those With Disability, Whitsunday Sailing Club, from 9am
5 Morning Melodies – Andrews & Bing Christmas Swing, at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, from 11am
13 Airlie Beach Movie Night – Arthur Christmas & Fred Claus, Airlie Beach Foreshore, from 6pm
29 Dingo Beach Sunday Markets, Dingo Beach Community Hall grounds, from 8am

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Returning to Airlie Beach for the 13th time to perform, is Australia’s number one touring INXS tribute INXS “REVIVED” staring frontman Dellacoma Rio.
Dellacoma Rio and the band are gearing up and getting excited to come and play at Airlie Beach Hotel:
“We've got a very, very high energy show. Airlie Beach is one of only two hotels that we play in Australia, everywhere else we play performing arts centers, theater and festivals.”
“Airlie Beach has become a bit of a second home; they saved us a bit through COVID.”
INXS “REVIVED,” has six members, and all of them are full time musicians, except their keyboard player who owns a Laundromat.
The band was formed a decade ago by original member and guitarist Rob. Over the years, the lineup evolved, with most of the current members joining around six years ago.
“It is an opportunity to play these songs and then play them in a way that we feel like INXS would be playing them if they were still playing,” he added.
The bands favourite songs to play are ‘Never Tear Us Apart,’ and they generally end their performances with ‘Don’t Change,’ which Dellacoma says is a lot of fun.
The band has had several highlights over the years, but two distinct ones were the opportunities to play in Darwin and Alice Springs, alongside playing in Noosa for the second time, and selling out both times.
Dellacoma and the band reflected back on their wildest concert memory, which took place at a festival in Oklahoma 10 years ago. Despite a tornado and torrential rain, a day before, the festival went ahead. The skies cleared but the rain had soaked the ground.
“There was no one up front of the stage, it was just a mud pit, so, during a guitar solo, I jumped off stage and slid on the mud up to the audience on a big belly slide,” Dellacoma reminisced.
While Airlie will be a whistle stop tour for the band, Dellacoma stated how it's always fun at Airlie Beach. He added that whilst he, himself, lives in Queensland, the rest of the band are excited to get out of the cold weather in Melbourne.
Dellacoma also explained that he loves seeing locals amidst the holiday-goers: “It is pretty cool to see some of the same faces.”
Having played in the big cities and regional areas, Dellacoma Rio and the band find that there is something special about playing in the smaller towns:
“Regional areas generally are a lot more grateful to have you there.”
“You can get lost in the shuffle in the big cities, because there's always entertainment, not just music, but you're also competing with sports and bigger concerts, but regional areas, you can actually get into the heart and soul of Australia.”
INXS have an amazing show set for Airlie Beach with full video production that goes the entire time and legend has it, that Dellacoma Rio likes to jump on cars driving by, so if you are in town make sure you roll down your window to see if he comes by.
“It's going to be good coming home, back to our second home.”

What: INXS “REVIVED”
When: 10th and 11th August, from 2-5:30pm
Where: Airlie Beach Hotel
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Frontman Dellacoma Rio

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The 82nd Annual Uniting Church Flower Show & Fete will be held on Saturday, 31st August 2024 from 10 - 2:00pm.
Get ready to blossom at the upcoming show which is held at the Cyclone Shelter in Proserpine State Primary School. This year's theme is "Springtime in Proserpine."
Head to the flower show this year to catch up with friends and enjoy local entertainment, surrounded by beautiful flowers, amazing fruit and veg, and delicious home baking.
There are various stalls for you to enjoy during your time at the show, inclusive of, a cake, biscuit, craft, elegant white elephant and plants stall. There is also face painting, marvelous floral art, competitions and raffles, mystery parcels and fabulous entertainment. Morning tea and lunch is also available at the show and fete.
Make sure to enter your prize flowers, fruit, vegetables, orchids and pot plants for a chance to win.
Entry to the show is $5 and children under 14 go free.

WHAT: Uniting Church Flower Show & Fete
WHEN: Saturday 31st August 10am-2pm
WHERE: Proserpine State School

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The Shoreside Long Lunch at Airlie Beach Race Week is an exclusive culinary event that offers a delightful food experience amidst the stunning beauty of the Whitsundays. This ticketed event with limited seats, is a must-attend for those seeking a special and intimate dining experience.
Guests are treated to a sumptuous lunch, featuring a thoughtfully curated menu that showcases the best of local ingredients. The experience begins with an assortment of delectable canapés, an alternate drop entrée and main courses, followed by a delectable petit four dessert.
Including dishes with salmon, succulent pork belly, and a selection of fresh seafood and local produce, providing a true taste of coastal cuisine. Each dish is paired with wines chosen to complement the flavours and enhance the overall dining experience. The careful selection of wines ensures that each course is perfectly balanced, allowing guests to savour every bite and sip.
Adding to the must-do event which will be styled by the fabulous team at TP Events & Styling Whitsundays, are special lucky door prizes, providing attendees with the opportunity to win exclusive gifts. The gifts, which are provided by Mount Gay Rum, Infuse Me Whitsundays and Airlie Beach Festival of Music, ensure a fabulous range of prizes to be won amongst guests.
Set against the backdrop of breathtaking views, the Shoreside Long Lunch is not just a meal but a celebration of food, wine, and the stunning scenery of Airlie Beach. Tickets can be easily purchased by scanning the QR code below, ensuring a seamless and convenient booking process.

Join the Shoreside Long Lunch during Race Week

WHAT: Shoreside Long Lunch
When: Monday 12th August, 2pm onwards
Where: Whitsunday Sailing Club
QR code Caption: Shoreside Long Lunch QR Code

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Proserpine Entertainment Centre is hosting ‘Whalebone,’ a show set to make you laugh out loud, gasp in awe, and let your imagination soar.
Whalebone is said to be filled with eccentric contraptions, strange machinery and clunky inventions and even includes the world’s first half-human juggling machine.
Hidden within the enigmatic ‘Depository,’ the show takes you through a journey with a solitary worker who has a crucial mission. In an era where AI and machines increasingly control our choices, he is dedicated to preserving human stories, memories, and emotions.
This quirky show invites the audience to ponder technology's role in our lives, cleverly sparking conversations about what defines us as humans.

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The Whitsundays Writers Festival is excited to finalise its line-up of fourteen featured local authors in this year’s program.
Festival President, Karen Jacobsen said, "We are thrilled to be partnering with all our featured local authors in providing them a national platform to share their creativity, their journeys, and introduce readers to their new and important Australian stories.”
The festival has announced four new featured local authors.
Sandy Clark is an Airlie Beach local, public speaker and freelance journalist but volunteering for the vulnerable has been her greatest passion for the past fifteen years. In 2015 she self-published My Love Affair with Zambia with book sale proceeds donated to build a small maternity hospital in a northwest Zambian township. Her second memoir will be launched in 2025. Anyone Can Become a Princess is about volunteering and a special promise she gave to a Zambian chief.
Solo sailor, Glynda Joy Parfitt, has been sailing between Sydney and Port Douglas since 2011. Glynda won first prize for a short story when she was 15 and along with writing poetry and songs, she began writing her memoir in 1998. While writing at anchor off Fraser Island, Glynda completed My Memoir Part One: The Pastor’s Wife which is about her slightly eccentric childhood as a Seventh Day Adventist pastor’s daughter, and the 22 years spent with well-known Healing Evangelist John Mellor.
Peter Utber and his wife lived and sailed their small yacht around the coast of Australia for eighteen years before settling in the Whitsundays 24 years ago. He has written numerous short stories and poetry, many published by The Coastal Passage yachting magazine. Peter published his first full length novel in 2020, Demography Day, work of fiction that draws on contemporary fact and Peter’s long term sailing background.
Finally, Festival President, Karen Jacobsen. An international speaker, author, concert artist and songwriter, Karen Jacobsen’s speaking voice unexpectedly led to a unique pop culture status. In over a billion GPS and smartphone devices worldwide, including the original Aussie voice of iPhone ’Siri’, she developed The GPS Girl empowerment brand and is author of two journal style books – The GPS Girl’s Road Map for your Future and Recalculate - The GPS Girl’s 44 Directions for Performance Success.
Festival attendees will have multiple opportunities to meet and learn more about the featured local authors throughout the program.
The festival’s closing event – the Local Author Long Lunch – will be a fitting end to proceedings, including a celebration and showcase of the writing journey of some of the Festival’s Featured Local Authors. This event is open to all and will be held 12:30pm Sunday 8 September at the Whitsunday Marine Club.
The Local Author Long Lunch is proudly supported by the Bendigo Community Bank Cannonvale-Proserpine and the Whitsunday Regional Council’s Regional Arts Development Fund.
For program highlights and ticket details visit the festivals website: www.whitsundayswriters.com  
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What: Whitsundays Writers Festival
When: Friday 6 – Sunday 8 September 2024
Where: Airlie Beach

Glynda Joy Parfitt

Karen Jacobsen

Peter Utber

Sandy Clark

Located on the beautiful Bogie River, situated between Bowen and Collinsville is Normanby Road Nature Bush Camp, a vibrant country venue which is set to host an event for all ages this Saturday 3 August.

Country Hoedown is a cash only special event for all to enjoy, with affordable prices, games, activities, live music, dancing, food and BYO alcohol.

Games will entertain young ones for hours and include tug-o-war, sack races, Jenga and other campsite games.

Normanby Road Nature Bush Camp has created a true country vibe, with hay bales, market stalls and a warm bonfire for the chilly winter nights.

Animals are allowed on leash, and generators are permitted as per set times to ensure the serenity of the property is maintained. 

The event is also a fundraiser which will be raising funds for Melanoma research through the local Buck Off Melanoma charitable organisation.

Country Hoedown is a one-day event and admission is just $2. If staying on after 6pm until late a day pass is $10. Normanby Road Nature Bush Camp encourage campers to stay overnight for $10 per person/per night and under 16’s are free.

This is the first time the event has taken place and camp owners and event organisers Paul and Tori Druery are excited to welcome everyone to the party.

“We are really excited to hold our first event, which will have a fun country vibe,” said Paul and Tori Druery.

“We've worked hard to create something from nothing, catering for young and old alike.

“We hope this event will be the first of many, showcasing Whitsunday talent while supporting our local community.”

WHAT: Country Hoedown
WHERE: 148 Normanby Road, Bogie
WHEN: Saturday 3 August, 2pm – Late

Normanby Rd Nature Bush Camp, Photo supplied

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Get ready for an unforgettable Friday night in Airlie Beach as it transforms into a dazzling spectacle of fireworks and live entertainment, courtesy of Sebel Whitsundays! The Great Barrier Reef Festival kicks off with a bang, inviting you, your family, and your friends to experience an electrifying opening night like no other.
At 8:30pm the fireworks will light up the shores casting a mesmerising glow over the Coral Sea – so bring a blanket and get cozy on the beach while the magic begins and watch the kids revel in the excitement of thrilling carnival rides.
If you aren't one for rides, lose yourself in the vibrant atmosphere with an incredible line-up of live music on the main stage that will have you dancing the night away – for a full run down of the sensational artists playing on the night see page 23.
Music is free for everyone. For front row views to the fireworks, the Taste for Treason Party at the Bali Hut Whitsunday Sailing Club will be where it’s at. Tickets are $85 and include a margarita, canapes and entertainment.

Entertainment will be spread along the foreshore with the ever-popular night markets and the Whitsunday Foodservice Eat Street providing a delightful culinary experience.
If you're feeling a bit worn out from all the excitement, take a break and enjoy a screening of Finding Nemo on the big screen. Plus, keep an eye out for surprise pop-up performances that are sure to entertain and delight you!

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The Immerse Art Installations are lighting up the Great Barrier Reef Festival again this year.
Scattered across the Airlie Beach foreshore and centered beneath the iconic fig tree, the streets of Airlie will come alive with stories from the heart of the Great Barrier Reef. While the installations are visible by day, the real magic happens at night with pieces illuminated from 6-9 pm.
Beginning in 2021 as a modest segment of the festival, this event has grown significantly and now stands as a major highlight that locals eagerly anticipate each year.
The installation focuses on showcasing sculptured reef creatures and corals crafted from recycled plastic and marine debris. This project also features collaboration with indigenous storytellers from Yooribaya Cultural Experiences, who will also be presenting a traditional welcome, smoking ceremony, and dance as part of the festival's opening ceremony, on Friday at 6:30pm at the Foreshore Stage in Fairy Tree Park.
You’ll be able to explore the exceptional immersive art pieces using a map on the festival website and onsite signage. This map not only guides you through the sea creature-themed installations but also integrates educational elements and the Indigenous names of the marine life.

Animated projections put together by Donna Maire Robinson, from the Immerse Artist Group Lantern Creations, will also be present at this year's event. The signature animation will be visible on the wall of the nearby Heart Hotel.
The immersive art installations are brought to life by facilitator Margaret Burgess, alongside artists Anita Pender, Brigitte Peel, Liz Knight and Noemi Martinez, with creative direction by Margie Murphy.

After exploring all the dazzling light displays at Immerse Art Installations, dive into the excitement of Reef Trivia, hosted by the Coral Sea Academy. This special opening event for the festival will take place at the Coral Sea Marina Resort (South End) and will be an educational evening filled with marine trivia, combined with unbelievable footage and photos of wildlife and their unique behaviours.

Don’t just dip your toes in—immerse yourself in the festival fun!
Immerse – Stories from the Heart of the Great Barrier Reef” is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland

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Immersed Art Installations ready to dazzle

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On Friday night, watch as hand-crafted lanterns illuminate the town with a vibrant sea of color. Enjoy the sight of children's faces glowing with delight as they pass by.
The ever-popular event, is a festival highlight and festival organiser Margie Murphy, emphasised that the Coral Sea Marina Lantern Parade is “one of the signature events.”
The Parade departs from the The Garden Bar Bistro at Coral Sea Marina, bringing colour and light along the Bicentennial Boardwalk, past Sorrento’s Restaurant and Bar and along the foreshore at Fairy Tree Park Main Stage where the Welcome to Country and Traditional dance will commence.
This year, the festival has introduced an all-new exciting element for the Lantern Parade, elevating the event to new heights.
Titled “Light Up the Reef,” this year’s hand-printed lanterns are inspired by the vibrant and colorful life of the Great Barrier Reef. Participants are encouraged to bring along their lanterns and showcase them in the parade.
Once the parade arrives, the reef-themed printed lanterns which have been carefully made by hand, will form an entry to the Airlie Beach foreshore. The art installation and community lanterns will work side by side to create an ethereal space for festival attendees to explore and enjoy.
Prizes will be available for best Lanterns on the night in both the adult and kids' category for the most colourful and the most creative.
There are no registrations for this event, just come along to the meeting spot, and hold your lanterns proudly as the beautiful colours of our Great Barrier Reef emerge.

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Beautiful lanterns at last years’ parade. Photo credit: Tropix Photography

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While the live music is free, you can also book an exclusive VIP area at Point Bar and receive a free cocktail and nibbles with an ocean view.

In addition to its spectacular opening, the Great Barrier Reef Festival features an incredible lineup of live music and entertainment. After watching the dazzling fireworks Friday evening be sure to head on down to the mainstage to see live performances from the amazing internationally known Conrad Sewell, international DJ Charly Templar and local rock bands Gleezus and Category 5! Music and entertainment are free for everyone.
FRIDAY – Beach Vibes
Gleezus
Starting off Friday evening is Gleezus. This locally adored youth band from Bowen has been steadily making a name for themselves, weaving their distinctive sound and vibrant presence into the fabric of Whitsundays' music scene.
Gleezes provide a high-paced, crowd engaging performance that is sure to please audience members, young and old.
With epic original content and a great mix of covers from the rock, grunge and metal genres.
What: Gleezus
Where: Main Stage
When: Friday 2nd August, from 6:30pm
Charly Templar
Get ready to spin some records with International DJ Charly Templar.
Charly Templar is a pioneering open format DJ known for his eclectic mix of crowd-pleasing rhythms. His innovative style seamlessly blends diverse genres, ensuring a dynamic and unforgettable experience for every audience.
With gigs in more than 25 countries, and years of international club experience, combined with his exceptional craft and showmanship, Charly Templar guarantees a highly unique and eclectic set.
Charly Templar will also be hosting a kids DJ workshop on Sunday 4th.
What: Charly Templar
Where: Main Stage
When: Friday 2nd August, from 7:30pm
Conrad Sewell
Get ready to relax into the evening with Conrad Sewell, known for his rich, soulful vocals and poignant songwriting that have earned him international acclaim.
Bursting onto the scene with his chart-topping single "Start Again," Conrad won the ARIA Award for Song of the Year in 2015, establishing himself as a significant force in the music industry.
Conrad continues to release sensational songs, including his latest single, “All Life Long”.
What: Conrad Sewell
Where: Main Stage
When: Friday 2nd August, from 8:45pm

SATURDAY – Beats on the Beach
Saturday night live music kicks off straight after the Rotary Club Street Parade, with Airlie Events Beats on the Beach.
The entertainment will keep you dancing through the night with four top live music acts taking to the foreshore stage. The pop-up bar will be open for beachside bevvies from 6pm and there will be an array of delicious offerings available from Whitsunday Foodservice Eat Street
Matty Rogers Band
Beats on the Beach will showcase the widely acclaimed Matty Rogers, who, along with his full band, will deliver an electrifying Americana blues-rock performance infused with soulful vibes on the main stage.
The Matty Rogers Band is celebrated for their tight-knit chemistry, captivating songs, and energetic stage presence. Just one song into their set, and you’ll understand why this talented group has been a sought-after act for some of Australia’s biggest festival stages.
Perry Street Park
Also headlining, will be pop rockers Perry Street Park hailing from the thriving Brisbane music scene.
Having cultivated a sound ready to define the next era of Aussie Rock the four-piece band was Airlie Beach Festival of Music’s 2022 Passport to Airlie winners and are fresh from touring the East coast including Bluesfest 2024.
This special performance is part of their farewell tour so will unfortunately be one of the last times to catch the guys live.
The Diesel Gypsies
Fresh vibrant Whitsunday newcomers, The Diesel Gypsies, will be Saturday nights supporting act. The band have already made waves with their driving blend of rock and blues and healing lyrics.
Zed Charles
Blues rocker Zed Charles will also be a supporting act. The night will include tantalising fire performers.
What: Beats on the Beach
Where: Main Stage
When: Saturday 3rd August, from 6-10pm
SUNDAY
The Jam-packed weekend will conclude with Matty Rogers solo performance, supported by some local artists to help you wind down into the late afternoon.
What: Beats on the Beach
Where: Main Stage
When: Sunday 4th August, from 2-5pm

Charly Templar

Gleezus

Matty Rogers

Perry Street Park

The Diesel Gypsies

Zed Charles

The traffic of Airlie Beach Main Street will come to a halt on Saturday, for an action-packed day of colourful community events that will take over the town.
Starting with the sound of engines, the Revvin the Reef car show will dazzle spectators, with Hot Rods, Muscle and Classic Cars. Car enthusiasts from all over the region are ready to show off their unique vehicles.
Attendees will channel their inner retro enthusiasts, dressing in their finest 50s and 60s attire while enjoying classic tunes from the era.
The day will feature an array of other exciting activities, including roving street performers, engaging street demonstrations, and lively music. Don't miss bluesman Zed Charles, and some emerging youth performers, including Category 5 Duo.
At 3pm, the Wilmar Sugar Wearable Arts Parade will take to the streets, offering a vibrant display of creativity and sustainability. This unique event will feature an array of fashion pieces crafted from recyclable and renewable materials, highlighting the intersection of art and environmental responsibility.
Following shortly after athletes, local runners and anyone brave enough will be warming up for the Coral Coast Fire Magic Mile, as the streets of Airlie are transformed into a racetrack. Be an onlooker and cheer on the runners as they race past you, or why not register and participate yourself?
The afternoon will conclude with the iconic Rotary Club Street Parade, a lively and vibrant finale to the afternoon, where you can watch as creative floats pass you by.
Feeling peckish after all that captivating entertainment? Head on down to the Whitsunday Foodservice Eat Street where you can enjoy a hot bed of food vans ready to sell you a range of delicious dishes and beverages.
After having a bite to eat at the Foreshore Bar, walk around the immersive art installation before gearing yourself up for Saturday night’s Beats on the Beach, where you can listen to exceptional live entertainment brought to you by Airlie Events.
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What: Saturday Street Fun
When: Airlie Beach Main Street
Where: Saturday, August 3rd – all day!

Airlie Beach main street festivities all day this Saturday

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Long before the Great Barrier Reef Festival was established, the iconic Rotary Club Street Parade had already become a vital part of Whitsunday culture and is now a key element of the festival.
There will be fun for all the family showcasing the creativity of the region’s best businesses, schools, community groups and dancers.
The parade’s theme this year is ‘Above and Below,’ which is open to interpretation by institutions, but aligns with the festival’s reef theme.
Organiser of the Great Barrier Reef Festival, Margie Murphy stated that she is really looking forward to seeing everyone’s creations this year:
“We are really excited about the amount of business registrations coming through, and can’t wait to see what they will produce.”
Around 25 entries have been recieved so far this year, but organisers expect the event to be even bigger and better than previous years.
The parade allows both children and adults to enjoy dressing in vibrant, homemade ocean-themed outfits.
Alongside the bright and fabulous outfits, there will also be numerous luminous displays, singing and, of course, lots of lollies.
Judging this year's fantastic event is Mayor Ry Collins, Member for Whitsunday Amanda Camm MP, and Councillor Jan Clifford.
Festival attendees are invited to line the streets whilst waving to the floats as they pass by, and enjoy the spectacular atmosphere, while keeping a safe distance from the vehicles.
This year's festival has three winning categories, each with a prize and bragging rights up for grabs: best business, best not-for-profit and Most Creative and Wacky.
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What: Rotary Street Parade
When: Saturday, August 3 from 5-6pm
Where: Main Street, Airlie Beach

The GBRF is a non-for-profit community event run by volunteers?

The whole community will get involved tomorrow in the Rotary Street Parade

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The Great Barrier Reef Festival Art Exhibition returns in 2024, now hosted at the scenic Whitsunday Sailing Club, offering a stunning setting for the featured artworks.
Under the theme, "Whitsunday Wonders: Above and Below the Surface," artists are encouraged to explore both the land and sea of the region. Capture the stunning landscapes, skies, and coastal beauty above, or dive into the intricate marine world, highlighting the symbiotic wonders and delicate relationships that characterise the Great Barrier Reef.
All selected artworks will be on display for individuals to enjoy in Whitsunday Sailing Club from August 1 to August 5, with brilliant prizes up for grabs!

What: Creative Connections Art Exhibition
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When: EXHIBITION OPENING HOURS:
Thursday 1 August - 6pm to 8pm Opening Night
Friday, 2 August to Monday, 5 August - 9 am to 4pm
Tuesday, 6 August 9:30 am - Announcement of raffle and People's Choice

Where: Whitsunday Sailing Club

Art Show takes center stage

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Get ready, get set, and go head down to the Ark Energy Family Fun Day, one of the Great Barrier Reef festival’s well-loved events.
This jam-packed day filled with free, crazy, fun and exciting demonstrations, games, competitions and entertainment galore on Airlie Beach’s beautiful foreshore with activities and fantastic prizes up for grabs.
Donut miss the delicious donut-eating competition that kicks off the day's festive fun! Once your tummies are settled, get ready for thrilling races, exciting circus workshops, captivating juggling shows, and an interactive treasure hunt, with the treasure hunt winner being crowned at 2pm.
If that's not enough to fill your boots, International DJ Charly Templar will be hosting DJ workshops for kids, while Nick Wynne Jones will be producing some fabulous face painting.
With a focus on interactive reef education, the Eco Barge sculpture tent and various other stalls will be manned by various conservation, government and science groups. Daydream Island will be present showing the corals and information from their Living Reef and coral restoration program. Also, the Ngaro and Giya Traditional Owners will be running interactive workshops where the kids can participate in storytelling, weaving, ochre painting and having a ‘go’ at throwing a boomerang or spear among others.
Alongside all this extraordinary entertainment Ark Energy and a selection of Whitsunday local tour operators including Cruise Whitsunday’s and Ocean Rafting will be on hand to help the kids have fun learning about the reef system ending in the famous treasure hunt, with some amazing prizes.
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What: Family Fun Day
When: Sunday, August 4 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Where: Airlie Beach Foreshore

Enjoy some Family fun on Sun. Photo credit: Tropix Photography

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