The Guide: December 2025

Written By Guest User

With the year wrapping up and the festive season in full swing, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the creative talent in our own backyard. Whether you’re hunting for thoughtful gifts, planning some well-earned summer downtime, or simply keen to support local makers, The Guide has some pointers. From the warm community atmosphere of the Gathaa First Nations Christmas Markets to the Annual Auction at Outer Space or Aboriginal Art Co’s Annual Bauble Auction, a chance to pick up uniquely crafted ornaments, there are plenty of opportunities to shop local and experience the magic of the season. You can even get hands-on and paint your own Christmas decorations, or slow down with the cosy Christmas Candles workshops at the Cooroy Butter Factory, which is also hosting a complete program of festive markets and events throughout December.

Read on to discover the local treasures that will make this holiday season feel a little more meaningful, for you, and for the makers who shape our region.

And for the little ones, don’t miss “I Fixed My Bike By Myself” by Junior Burger: a four-episode web series all about empowering kids, giving them a sense of pride in themselves by taking control, and getting things done on their own. This series explores basic troubleshooting, cleaning, and customising their bikes, and teaches them about the tools they’ll need to fix them. 

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Picture Culture: Here & Now – Horizon Festival

Applications close 28 January 2026

The Sunshine Coast is alive with culture, heritage, and everyday moments waiting to be shared. Picture Culture: Here & Now wants to see them through your eyes. If you’re part of a diaspora community, a First Nations storyteller, or someone whose home is rooted in both the afar and the here, this is for you.  

Submit a photo taken in the past year that celebrates your identity, culture, or community. Pair it with a short story in your words. All cameras welcome—phones, vintage gear, DIY setups. No experience needed. As part of Horizon Festival 2026, selected works will be exhibited at the Old Ambulance Station Gallery, Nambour, 1–30 May 2026.  


Apply Now

SUMMER CONCERTS 2026 - Viva la Cello!

16-18 January 2026

Cello Dreaming’s fourth Summer Concerts return to Eudlo Hall from 16-18 January 2026, bringing three inspiring small hall concerts that showcase the expressive power, versatility, and sheer beauty of the cello. Featuring guest artists from across Australia and abroad, this unique regional series blends innovation, artistry, and bold programming, curated by a cellist, for cello lovers.

Across the weekend, audiences will experience a superb range of music: folk traditions and contemporary originals, Baroque elegance paired with fiery tango, and a grand classical finale featuring international master cellists. The series also highlights outstanding emerging Australian players through our retreat’s performance program, championing the next generation of artists.

A cultural summer highlight for locals and visitors alike, and the perfect Christmas gift for music lovers.

Tickets $15–$45. Early bird $35 ends 25 December.

Book now

The Keeper is coming to Maroochydore
in 2026!

EOIs open 19 January 2026

Red Chair is seeking expressions of interest from local established artists living in and around the Maroochydore area who wish to participate in this unique socially engaged live art project. Each artist is paid to take on the role of The Keeper for three weeks, acting as an ‘archaeologist of local stories’ in a temporary role as observer, collector, maker and storyteller within a community.  Keep an eye on our website and socials for more info and EOI form. Opens 19 Jan and Close 16 Feb.

The Keeper project has come to an end for 2025, with the final two Keepers hitting the streets of Downtown Caloundra in Jan & Feb 2026 to bring the project home. Keep an eye out in Caloundra and on Red Chair’s socials for Keeper #9 Tim Birch 12th Jan – 2nd Feb and Keeper #10 Zartisha Davis 2nd – 22nd Feb

Apply now

 

ART PRIZE
Bayside Painting Prize is Melbourne’s premier annual painting award, offering a $25,000 major prize, a $10,000 Beckett Local Prize and a $1,000 People’s Choice, showcasing diverse Australian painters at Bayside Gallery.
Applications close 20 February 2026

FUNDING
Ian Potter Cultural Trust Emerging Artist Grants offer up to $15,000 to support early-career Australian artists across all disciplines to pursue professional development, such as international residencies, mentorships, study tours, masterclasses or workshops.
Applications close 20 January 2026

EOI
TENFOLD 2025 invites artists to submit small works for Side Gallery’s end-of-year exhibition, celebrating a decade of creativity. Theme: Nostalgia ~ Remembering. Works up to 30 x 30 cm unframed (35 x 35 cm framed), including 3D pieces, are welcome.
Submit by 8 December 2025.

 

MARKETS
GATHAA Murri Xmas Twilight Market at Forest Glen Village celebrates First Nations culture, community and creativity with handmade gifts, artworks, food, music, kids’ craft and festive fun. Free entry,
family-friendly.
Saturday 13 December

EXHIBITION
The Language of Laws showcases acclaimed Sunshine Coast artist Judith Laws, tracing her creative journey from early works to vibrant recent pieces inspired by travel and local landscapes. Launch event includes afternoon tea, live music and a cash bar.
Exhibition opens 6 December 2025

EXHIBITION OPENING
Shaun Gladwell: Storm Sequence presents the iconic 2000 video work of a skateboarder battling a Bondi storm, exploring isolation, movement and environment. Part of Noosa Regional Gallery’s skate culture focus with Gaza Skate Team and Refuse.
Exhibition opens 12 December

 

Image credits (from top): Aboriginal actress Deborah Mailman on the set of the documentary Black Chicks Talking, photographed by Jo-Anne Driessens in Mount Isa, Queensland, in 2000. Image courtesy of Sunshine Coast Council; Image courtesy of Cello Dreaming; Image courtesy of Red Chair; Image courtesy of Bayside Gallery; Image courtesy of Ian Potter Cultural Trust; Image courtesy of Side Gallery; Image courtesy of GATHAA Markets; Judith Laws | Tilt (detail) | 2021 | mixed media | 101 x 101cm. Image courtesy of the artist and ca gallery; Image courtesy of Noosa Regional Gallery.

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events, and professional development programs for creatives.

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The Guide: November 2025