Mackay gears up for colourful 2026 Festival of Arts

By Cr Heath Paton

‍

Mackay will burst into life this July as the 2026 Mackay Festival of Arts returns with a packed program of performances, exhibitions and familyfriendly events right across our region.

‍

Now in its 39th year, the festival runs throughout July and continues to be one of the highlights on Mackay’s calendar. This year, I’m exciting to see a full program that not only introduces fresh new experiences but also welcomes back popular favourites – many of them refreshed or in new locations to make them even better for festivalgoers.

‍

One of the standout events, the everpopular Wisely Wine and Food Day will this year be headlined by ARIA Awardwinning Australian artist Budjerah. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic day out, combining great local food and drinks with live music and a relaxed festival atmosphere.

Daly Bay Illuminate also returns for four nights and will take centre stage in Mackay’s City Centre. Spectacular largescale light projections will transform some of our most recognisable building facades, alongside the muchloved outdoor theatre procession Whale Song, featuring enormous, illuminated whale puppets that celebrate our annual humpback whale migration.

‍

If you’re a business owner in the City Centre, now is the time to start planning how you can make the most of the extra foot traffic.  Why not put up some shop front lighting, offer some special deals or extend your trading hours?

Running alongside Daly Bay Illuminate will be the Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub at Bluewater Quay, bringing together local musicians, food vendors and community artwork created especially for the festival.

‍

The festival kicks off during the school holidays, with plenty for families to enjoy. Highlights include Living Sculptures: How the Birds Got Their Colours at the Mackay Regional Botanic Gardens and the immersive Sea of Light experience at the MECC.

‍

This year the program truly offers something for everyone, from theatre and comedy to music, exhibitions, workshops and community celebrations and it's fast becoming one of my favourite events on our calendar. 

‍

The full 2026 Mackay Festival of Arts program is available online, with printed copies available from the MECC Box Office and locations across Mackay.

‍

Let’s Chat – Council Connect

‍

Residents can catch up with councillors in person at upcoming Let’s Chat - Council Connect sessions held across the region.  The next session will be held at Koumala Community Hall on July 7 at 5pm.

‍