Show, Relish: Five events not to miss on the Fraser Coast

From this week’s Fraser Coast Show to the upcoming Relish Festival, here are five events not to miss in the region.

The Ferris Wheel looms over the crowds at the Fraser Coast Ag Show. Photo: Stuart Fast

An array of fun events are coming up on the Fraser Coast, starting with the annual show.

The Fraser Coast Show will be held on Thursday and Friday at the Maryborough Showground.

Then next month, the much-anticipated Relish Food and Wine Festival will be held at Queens Park and the Portside Precinct in Maryborough.

That event will be held on June 1, while later in the month, the beloved Mary Poppins Festival will be held in the park on June 30.

In July, Maryborough State High School’s FraserPop will return, while in the same month Coalfest will be held at Howard.

Celebrating all things pop culture, the event is held on the grounds of the school.

In August, the new Fraser Coast Flavours, will return, an event that has replaced the Hervey Bay Seafood Festival, at Seafront Oval.

Below, all the essential information will be included about the upcoming events across the region.

Fraser Coast Show

Having a ball at the Fraser Coast Show were Layla Lera and Jorja Anderson.

Where: Maryborough Showgrounds

When: May 23 and 24 from 9am each day.

What: Along with the ever-popular sideshow alley, the event will include woodchopping and showjumping competitions, a tractor pull, stud cattle judging, fireworks, cowboy racing, bullriding championships, petting zoo, displays of poultry, art, photography, craft, fruit and vegetables, woodwork, cookery and more.

How much: A two-day family pass will cost $75, while a two-day adult pass will cost $31. A two-day pass for a single family one adult and two children will cost $40. A two-day pass for a child underaged 5 to 14 years will cost $9. Children under 5 can enter for free. A one-day pass for an adult will cost $16. For a family, it will cost $40 and a single adult family with two children will cost $22. Single entry for children aged 4 to 14 will cost $4.

Relish Food and Wine Festival

Owner Scott Thompson and the Odyssey Bistro team at the Relish Food & Wine Festival.

Where: Wharf St Precinct, Maryborough

When: June 1, 10am-5pm.

What: For the past 11 years the festival has been serving up delicious dishes, unique wines, craft beers, and live entertainment in the historic Queens Park and Portside precinct in Maryborough.

The Fraser Coast’s most passionate restaurateurs will serve up a feast of regional cuisine, demonstrations prepared by celebrity and local chefs, wines from your favourite regional wineries and non-stop entertainment to keep you occupied while enjoying the picturesque backdrop of Maryborough’s heritage streetscapes on the day and riverside parks.

There is limited seating available and visitors can bring along chairs or picnic blankets.

How much: General admission tickets costing $18 pre-purchased includes entry into the event precinct, access to two live music stages, wineries, street food vendors, craft beer bar and more.

Mary Poppins Festival

Melissa Marshall from Maryborough ready for the grand parade at the Mary Poppins Festival.

Where: Portside Precinct and Queens Park, Maryborough

When: June 30, 10am

What: There will be plenty to entertain at the annual Mary Poppins Festival, including an attempt to set a new Australian record for the largest gathering of people dressed as Mary Poppins-themed characters. As well, there will be the great nanny race, the chimney sweep challenge and a costume competition. A grand parade will be held from 1.45pm at the top of Wharf St, fishing at the main stage for a singalong at 2.30pm.

How much: Free

Coalfest

The Burrum Coalfest is an event not to be missed

Where: Bellert Park and Howard Community Centre Hall William Street, Howard

When: July 13, 9am to 3pm

What: There will be a street parade along with live entertainment, food vendors and stalls as Howard celebrates the Burrum Coal Discovery Festival.

Mining history will be on display at the Howard Museum.

A show and shine will be held as well as children’s rides, activities and much more.

How much: Entry is free

FraserPop Pop Culture Festival

Maryborough’s FraserPop Festival.

Where: Maryborough State High School, Kent St

When: July 13-14, 9am-4pm

What: Let your imagination run riot over two days with the festival that celebrates all things pop culture.

From Star Wars to Dr Who and much more, visitors are asked to dress up as their favourite pop culture characters.

There will be an array of vendors at the event with a range of different products, toys and experiences to showcase.

How much: Gold coin donation to enter

Fraser Coast Flavours

Sandra and Steven Johnson of Rob-Lee-Rose Farm at the Fraser Coast Flavours Festival at Seafront Oval on September 1, 2023.

Where: August 31, 12pm to 8pm

When: Seafront Oval Hervey Bay

What: Celebrate the best of food, music, artisans, and community in the Fraser Coast at this new festival.

On Hervey Bay’s foreshore, Seafront Oval provides the perfect setting to immerse yourself in this exciting event.

Indulge in a wide array of street food eats, enjoy live entertainment, and quench your thirst with beverages from regional wineries and breweries.

How much: To be confirmed.

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Originally published as Show, Relish: Five events not to miss on the Fraser Coast