For 4017 locals, Easter weekend is synonymous with hot cross buns, chocolate, and the beloved Bluewater Festival.
Organised by the Sandgate Bayside Chamber of Commerce (SBCC) and set on the scenic foreshore at Shorncliffe, the event kicks off on Thursday, 2 April at 4pm with relaxing afternoon beach vibes.
SBCC Executive Officer, Chris Hare, said that the famous festival was not to be missed.
“If you want to experience the Bluewater Festival without the crowds, come down on Thursday and enjoy a range of food trucks, rides, live music and cool drinks,” he said.
“We will have pop-up performances throughout the evening by the Cheep Trill Community Choir, a high-energy performance group covering contemporary music and mashups.”
The festival fun continues on Good Friday with market stalls, face painting, Sideshow Alley, and a massive line-up of new acts this year – including headlining INXS and Icehouse tribute shows.
Visitors to Friday’s festivities will have a chance to grab a coffee and a bite to eat before taking in the incredible waterfront views for the official 11am start of the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race.
Bill Gollan, SBCC President, said that the festival means a lot to local tourism.
“The Bluewater Festival supports the start of the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race, which, on that weekend, is the largest sporting event in the country,” he said. “This focus puts the Sandgate Bayside in the spotlight and shows people the beauty of our area.”
Good Friday Highlights, Family Fun and Event Details
Friday’s events will be in full swing from 9.30am with a very special visit from the Easter Bunny at 11.30am and live music from 12 to 7.30pm. The day closes with a beach party and a fireworks finale at 7.30pm. While the festival officially wraps up Friday evening, the rides and Sideshow Alley will continue operating throughout the day on Saturday.
To ease event parking congestion, the family friendly trackless mini train will return, running from 10am to 5pm on Good Friday. For a gold coin, visitors can catch the return train from the start of Lovers Walk (corner of Cliff Street and Flinders Parade) and hop on/off at the Shorncliffe Pier festival site.
“The festival is a great reunion weekend where locals catch up with each other and celebrate,’’ Bill said.
“The Bayfire Fireworks display and a whole day of live music on the beach is pretty special, but nothing quite beats the joy on the kids’ faces when the Easter Bunny visits.”
Follow Bluewater Festival for program and event updates.
Bluewater Festival
- Thursday, 2 April, 4-8pm, Friday, 3 April 9.30am-7.30pm
- Moora Park
- 65 Park Parade, Shorncliffe
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