Queensland’s festival season is shaping up to be one of the best yet and it’s not just for the grown-ups. Whether you’re chasing sunshine, good food, live music, or something a little quirky, there’s a stack of family-friendly events lined up for 2025. So grab your calendar, round up the crew and start planning your next weekend adventure. Here’s what’s coming up.
Kalbar Sunflower Festival | May 2025
Trade screen time for sunshine at one of Queensland’s prettiest festivals, The Kalbar Sunflower Festival. Every year, Kalbar’s fields burst into a sea of 1.5 million sunflowers, making it an easy win for family photos (sticky toddler hands and all). There’s a sunflower maze, tractor rides, farm animals to feed, and markets to wander through. Pack a picnic, grab a coffee, and let the kids run wild.
Out of the Box Festival | June 2025
After seven years, Brisbane’s much-loved children’s festival is finally back. Out of the Box takes over the entire Cultural Precinct with interactive theatre, creative workshops, and hands-on art experiences for kids under eight. This year’s theme is Hope, and little ones can get messy in sensory play spaces, build puppets, or take over mini pop-up art studios.
Abbey Medieval Festival | July 2025
Queensland’s quirkiest festival returns with knights, jousts, markets, and medieval mayhem. Kids can test their archery skills, storm a foam-sword arena, or build their own shields in Kids Kingdom. It’s history, but actually fun. Plus, you’ll find loads of food stalls, roaming performers, and enough weird and wonderful moments to fill your camera roll.
Ekka | August 2025
It wouldn’t be a Queensland winter without Ekka. From showbags and fairy floss to fireworks and baby farm animals, this Brisbane institution hits every nostalgic note. The kids can meet lambs and piglets, watch daredevil stunt shows, and debate which showbag is best (Bertie Beetle is always a safe bet).
Redcliffe KiteFest | September 2025
Sky-high whales, dragons, and giant octopuses? Yep, it’s KiteFest. Redcliffe’s foreshore turns into a riot of colour with massive kite displays, carnival rides, a free Kids Zone for under-10s, and stacks of food trucks and market stalls. And while you’re there, why not make a day of it with Brisbane Whale Watching, departing right from the iconic Redcliffe Jetty?
