What’s On: From trains & collectables to orchids & orchestras
Mapleton will be going to the dogs – in style – when the Mapleton Country Market hosts its Best Dressed Dog parade on Saturday August 23.
Prizes will be awarded in small and large dog categories, with judging at 10am. Participants should meet on the front footpath of the Mapleton School, 24 Flaxton Drive. Dogs must be on leads.
The market itself will run from 8am to 12pm, with more than 50 stalls offering fresh produce, plants, crafts and artisan goods. Visitors can enjoy a hot breakfast at the Lions Club stall, barista coffee from the VYX Coffee Van (supporting troubled youth), and waffles, breads and pastries from the popular waffle stall.
Stallholders include Judy and Gordon with handmade timber accessories, Terry and Trudy with bee and animal houses, and Jodie with SeneGence cosmetics. Betty’s stall will feature flowering plants, while Chris will bring his truckload of hay, pineapples and dried fruit.
Live music from Black Cat will add to the atmosphere, and Sunshine Coast Council will be on site with free trees and Olympic information.
The market is proudly supported by the Mapleton and District Community Association (MADCA).
Gates open at 2pm, giving fans plenty of time to explore the venue before the main show kicks off.
Moreton’s 124th Birthday will be held at The Ginger Factory, 50 Pioneer Rd, Yandina on Tuesday, 26 August 2025 from 10am-2pm.
Celebrate everyone’s favourite train at Ginger Factory
The Sunshine Coast’s beloved ginger train Moreton is turning a youthful 124-years-young and everyone is invited to join the party on Tuesday 26th August at The Ginger Factory, Yandina. There will be plenty of giveaways including a free wooden Moreton bag-tag to decorate, plus balloons, stickers and a slice of birthday cake to enjoy.
The Ginger Factory’s Head Train Driver Tanis Fulcher grew up in Kenilworth fascinated by trains as a child and said nowadays he loved driving Moreton around The Ginger Factory’s lush gardens and rainforest. “I’ve been captivated by trains my whole life, to the point where when I’m not driving Moreton, I’m hopping aboard trains all around Australia and also drive the Mary Valley Rattler steam train,” Mr Fulcher said.
Originally built in Germany in 1901 by Krauss as a steam locomotive for the Moreton Central Sugar Mill, Moreton worked as a sugar cane train for 65 years, hauling cane from the fields to the mill before he was later restored and repurposed at The Ginger Factory in 1993.
There will also be an exciting competition to become the “Train Inspector of the Day”.
The lucky winners will become one of four train inspectors to inspect Moreton before loading passengers and enjoying a free ride for with their family in their own private carriage, plus receive a Moreton Train Hamper packed with goodies.
Moreton’s 124th Birthday will be held at The Ginger Factory, 50 Pioneer Rd, Yandina on Tuesday, 26 August 2025 from 10am-2pm. More info: www.gingerfactory.com.au
Vintage, antiques & collectables coming to Showgrounds
The final Collectorama Fair of the year will be held on Saturday 6th September, and Nambour Showgrounds is the place to be for vintage treasures galore. Open from 7am until 2pm, entry is $8 each cash, it’s free admission for children and parking’s free.
“Our huge selection of dealers brings a cool pastiche of antique and vintage wares,” said organiser, Tom Wall.
“Enjoy combing through their carefully curated items - you’ll find plenty of bargains and eclectic pieces. Allow lots of time for the fun of ferreting and sifting for treasure - there’s around 150 stall holders. Yes, it’s massive.
“There’s a confluence of eras at this giant fair. The vast amount of carefully amassed stock puts your senses on overload when so many dealers gather here. High end antiques rub shoulders with vintage, so all budgets are catered for and it’s one of those places which always yields a great find. The items you buy take on even more significance when you get them home, installed into your world, admired, your own rare treasure. And that’s the joy of the Fair.”
There are ATMS on site, it’s a cash based event though many of the stallholders have eftpos facilities. Food vans and coffee carts will fuel you up for your forays into the fair. Collectorama is a great event to explore with friends.
Collectorama Fair offers a treasure trove of vintage & antique pieces, all at the Nambour Showgrounds.
All aboard! Ride-on mini trains in Nambour on Sunday
The Sunshine Coast Railway Modellers Society will hold its next public running day for the ride-on mini trains on Sunday August 24 from 10am to 2.30pm. The Mini Train Park is at 1 Florence Street, Nambour, off Hospital Road, with plenty of parking available 100 metres away in the QR station car park. Miniature steam and battery-electric locomotives will haul passengers around the 1km track in the park. Rides are by donation of $3 per ride for adults, or passes of six rides for $15 and 20 rides for $50. Children aged four and under travel free with a fare-paying adult. A sausage sizzle and cold drinks will be available. Enclosed shoes must be worn to ride the trains. The society describes the mini trains as “the best value family day out on the Sunshine Coast” and welcomes volunteers and new members to assist with the railway’s operation. Enquiries: 0417 769 993 (after 8am).
Spring orchid expo set to bloom
Orchid lovers will be in their element when the Nambour Orchid Society presents its Spring Orchid Expo on September 6 and 7 at Venue 114, Bokarina. The event will feature 12 vendors offering a wide variety of orchids and orchid supplies, along with guest speakers, arts and craft displays and sales, and refreshments. Entry is $5, with Eftpos available. The society proudly supports Cittamani Hospice Service Ltd, which provides in-home palliative care. September 6–7: Venue 114, 114 Sportsmans Parade, Bokarina. Contact nambourorchids@gmail.com.
Orchestra brings magic and mischief to Caloundra stage
The Sunshine Coast Symphony Orchestra will return to The Events Centre, Caloundra, on Saturday September 13 at 7pm with a concert titled Magic, Mischief and Musical Storytelling. Audiences will be swept into a world of fantasy and drama with highlights including Saint-Saëns’ Danse Macabre, Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain, selections from Pictures at an Exhibition and John Williams’ Harry Potter Symphonic Suite. “It’s one of our most exciting concerts yet,” said orchestra president Greg Seeto. With more than 60 musicians on stage, the orchestra is the largest on the Coast and has been entertaining audiences for over 50 years. Tickets via The Events Centre, Caloundra, www.theeventscentre.com.au or (07) 5491 4240.
Meet the stars of children’s books in Buderim
Romancing the Stars returns to the Sunshine Coast on Friday 29 August at Immanuel Lutheran College (126–142 Wises Rd, Buderim), bringing 20 children’s and young adult authors and illustrators for an evening of short, small-group “reader circles,” Q&A and book signings, 6:00–9:15pm. Discover new favourites at The Little Book Nook pop-up, enjoy food and drinks, and try your luck in the raffle and trivia. Book by noon Wednesday 27 August at www.trybooking.com/DDION.
Memorial Bowls day for Bloomhill at Yandina
Yandina Bowls Club is holding its annual Memorial Day celebration on Sunday, 31 August. All funds raised on the day will be donated to Bloomhill Cancer Care. Come along for an afternoon of bowls and remembrance of past players. Non-bowlers are welcome to join us for a BBQ lunch from 12 noon. Cash prizes for Bowls winners and best dressed (retro bowlswear or Hippy gear). For more information, email yandinabowlsclubinc@bigpond.com or phone Gwyn Bruce on 0408 608 732.
Battle of the bands, Nambour
Nambour’s The Presynct will host a no-holds-barred battle of the bands when Warlords of Sound storms into town on Saturday August 23. Five heavy acts – Roronoah, Burn the Kingdom, Aeon Nexus, Nocturnal Syndrome and False Front – will go head-to-head, with the audience deciding the winner. Ballot boxes will be on hand so every fan’s vote counts. Expect crushing riffs, high-energy sets and a packed house. Doors open 7pm. Tickets: oztix.com.au.
Artworks up for grabs
Original artworks will be on sale at Buderim Craft Cottage from Friday September 5 to Sunday September 7, as the Mixed Media Group clears out last year’s creations. The three-day sale, running from 9am to 3pm daily, will feature discounted pieces in a wide range of styles, including landscapes, abstracts, portraits and still life. The group is making space for new work heading into the next year. The sale will be held at Buderim Craft Cottage, 5 Main Street, Buderim.
Writers invited to join group
Mapleton Writers will hold their next meeting on Friday August 29 from 1.30pm to 3.30pm at the Mapleton Library Community Centre. Writers of all experience levels are welcome to bring a pen, notepad, laptop, or even a scrap of paper to enjoy a peaceful, focused writing session alongside others. For more details, contact Tracey on 0428 025 038 or speak to library staff.
Bli Bli Book Week Festival
The Bli Bli Book Week Festival will be held at the Bli Bli Old Church, 87 Willis Road, on Saturday August 23 from 10.30am to 1.30pm. The $10 entry event will feature a costume parade, circus games, workshops, book-making, storytelling, and live music. Families can enjoy hands-on activities celebrating books and reading.
Ash Grunwald live in Maleny
Australian blues and roots artist Ash Grunwald will perform at Maleny Showgrounds Hall on Saturday December 6, with special guest Bobby Alu. Presented by Peace Run Records, the all-ages show promises a night of high-energy live music. Tickets are $65 plus booking fee.
What’s On Day by Day, in the hinterland
• August 21–23: Mamma Mia! performed by Burnside State High School at its new Performing Arts Centre. Tickets: $22 from https://www.trybooking.com/DEBPY.
• August 23: Warlords of Sound band battle at The Presynct, Nambour, 7pm. Audience vote decides winner. Tickets: oztix.com.au.
• August 23: Bli Bli Book Week Festival at Bli Bli Old Church, 87 Willis Road, 10.30am–1.30pm. Entry $10. Costume parade, workshops, music.
• August 23: Mapleton Country Market and Best Dressed Dog parade, 8am–12pm at Mapleton School. Judging at 10am.
• August 22–24: Sunshine Coast Caravan & Outdoor Expo, Nambour Showgrounds. Tickets/info: www.caravanqld.com.au.
• August 23: Cycle of Giving Charity Ride, Kawana. Info/register: www.scbtc.net/COG.
• August 23: Genealogy Sunshine Coast Open Day, Petrie Park Rd, Nambour.
• August 23: Mapleton Country Market 8am to 12pm at the Mapleton State School car park. Find us on Facebook, message us on
messenger or 0419 726 603.
• August 23–24: Plein Air Painters exhibition, Yandina School of Arts Hall. Sat from noon, Sun 10am–4pm.
• August 24: Yandina Street Fair, 11am–7.30pm. Free entry. Live music, food, markets, amusements and fireworks. Info: Facebook.
• August 24: Miniature train rides, 10am–2.30pm, 1 Florence St, Nambour. $3 per ride. Sausage sizzle, family fun. 0417 769 993.
• August 26: BRLUPA, Annual general meeting 6:30pm, Mapleton Library Community Centre.
• August 26: Moreton Ginger Train’s 124th birthday at The Ginger Factory, Yandina, 10am–2pm. Free bag-tag, balloons, cake. Details: www.gingerfactory.com.au.
• August 26: QCWA Eumundi meeting, 10am, QCWA Hall, 78 Memorial Drive. Learn how to get involved. Info: 0402 723 433, nambournorthcoastdivision@qcwa.org.au.
• August 27: Montville Village Association Monthly Meeting, 5.30–7pm at Montville Village Hall, Memorial Close. Open to all Montville residents.
• August 29: Dojo Rise live at The Presynct, Nambour. Tickets: Oztix. www.dojorise.com.
• August 29: Mapleton Writers group meeting, 1.30pm–3.30pm, Mapleton Library Community Centre. Contact Tracey: 0428 025 038.
• August 31: Nambour CBD Big Spring Clean from Lowe St at 8am, finishing at The Namba at 4pm. Join in & lend a hand.
• August 30: Pirates, Cowboys and Aliens Theatre Show, 3pm, Black Box Theatre, Nambour. Book: www.divetheatre.com.au.
• August 30: Stamp Fair, 8.30am–3.30pm at Kawana Community Centre. Info: 07 5494 7233.
• August 30: Monster Truck Mayhem, Nambour Showgrounds. Gates open 2pm. Tickets from $35. Info and tickets: www.outbackthunda.com.
• August 31: Memorial Bowls Day, Yandina Bowls Club, BBQ from 12pm. Funds to Bloomhill. 0408 608 732.
• August 31: Nambour CBD Big Spring Clean, 8am start from Lowe St. Bring gloves, a bucket, a hat and water. Register at www.iamnambour.com.au. Wrap-up at Club Namba Hotel.
• August 31: Brush, Body & Clay Exhibition, Buderim War Memorial Hall, from 8.30am.
• August 31-September 6: Wear a Legacy badge this Legacy Week (Aug 31–Sept 6) Details: www.legacy.com.au.
SEPTEMBER
• September 3: Mapleton and District Community Association General Meeting, 7–9pm at Mapleton Hall. All welcome.
• September 3: A Springtime Affair fundraiser, 9am, Maleny Showgrounds Pavilion. High tea, fashion parade. Tickets $35. Book: 0434 573 390 or 0415 446 856.
• September 5: Spirit of Papua New Guinea community night, 5.30pm, Mapleton Men’s Shed. Stories, raffles, snacks. Free. Info: www.events.humanitix.com/humanitarian-spirit-of-papua-new-guinea.
• September 5: Fundraiser raffle draw, 11.30am, Yandina Historic House, 3 Pioneer Rd. Sausage sizzle, entertainment. Tickets $2. Enquiries: visit the venue.
• September 6, 7: Spring Orchid Expo, Venue 114, Bokarina. nambourorchidsociety.com.
• September 6: Theatre on the Edge’s Carry On Up the Gang Plank!, Montville Village Hall, 2pm & 7pm. www.trybooking.com/1443503.
• September 6: Collectorama Vintage Fair, 7am–2pm, Nambour Showgrounds. $8 entry. 150 stalls of vintage/antiques. Details: event site.
• September 6: Insect ID workshop, 9–11am, Yandina Community Gardens. $10 (non-members), kids free. 25 places only.