Gladstone festival guide

Ecofest

2026 edition: Sunday 7 June, 9am-3pm. Next date not announced.

Gladstone Regional Council calls Ecofest its annual community sustainability event. It began in 1999 and combines practical workshops, environmental displays, market stalls, plant sales, food, live music and family activities.

Plan with the right edition

• The 2026 festival was free and asked visitors to bring reusable drink bottles, coffee cups and shopping bags.
• For 2026, general parking used the Industry Car Park and Meteors Soccer Fields, with accessible parking at the gardens’ main entrance.
• Those arrangements belong to the 2026 edition. Confirm the next program and access plan after Council publishes it.

LUMINOUS

2026 edition: 16-19 July. Next date not confirmed.

The 2026 event transformed Tondoon Botanic Gardens with interactive light installations, performances, workshops, children’s activities and a low-sensory Zen Zone across four evenings.

Plan with the right edition

• In 2026, every attendee needed a ticket, including children aged five and under who entered free.
• The 2026 access plan used the Industry Car Park and Meteors Soccer Fields, with disability drop-off and accessible parking at the gardens entrance.
• Council’s 2026/27 budget says LUMINOUS is moving to a biennial schedule, so do not assume it will run every July.

Gladstone Multicultural Festival

2026 edition: Sunday 6 September, 10am-4.30pm. Next date not announced.

The 2026 festival brought cultural performances, traditional music and dance, international food, cooking demonstrations, workshops, arts and crafts, children’s entertainment and community displays to the Marina Parklands.

Plan with the right edition

• The Queensland Government listing recorded free entry with no booking required for the 2026 edition.
• The organiser was Gladstone Multicultural Association Inc.
• Treat the 2026 venue, times and entry details as historical until the organiser publishes another edition.

Gladstone BBQ Festival

2026 edition: Saturday 5 September. A 2027 date is not announced.

The second Gladstone BBQ Festival combined barbecue competition, demonstrations, food vendors, market stalls and live music while raising money for men’s mental health.

Plan with the right edition

• The 2026 edition ran at Tannum Seagulls Rugby League Club in Boyne Island.
• The organiser’s site says the festival plans to return in 2027 but does not publish a date, venue or ticket release yet.
• Wait for the official announcement before arranging travel or relying on the 2026 venue and prices.