Annual Magnetic Island Events

Remember to check the What's On Calendar closer to the event date, for updates on all of these events:

January: Australia Day
Monday 28 January 2013
Check the weekly What's On calendar for last minute listings and events celebrating Aus Day.

Easter Weekend
Friday 29 March - Monday 1 April 2013
Easter is peak season on Magnetic Island, so book your accommodation early and settle in for a tropical island holiday. Check the weekly What's On calendar for last minute listings and events, plus church services.

March/April: Adventurethon
23 - 24 March 2013
Are you up for a dirty weekend? 5 events, 2 days and 1 tropical island! Paddle, mountain bike and trail run this awesome multi-sport festival on Magnetic Island from 23 - 24 March 2013. Events include 'Ultra Adventurethon', 'Enduro Adventurethon', 'Dirty Endurance Duathon', 'Taste of Adventurethon' and 'Junior Adventurethon'. It's going to be BIG so check out the details today! See the 2012 race on YouTube. For more information, or to register visit Adventurethon.

April: ANZAC Day
Thursday 25 April 2013
The dawn ANZAC Day service on Magnetic Island can be a particularly moving ceremony of up to 1000 people. At 5am a pre-dawn start at the RSL leads a parade to Alma Park where the main ceremony is held. The 2009 ANZAC Day service on Magnetic Island is a typical example of what you can expect to experience at this annual memorial. After the main ceremony participants usually venture back to the RSL Hall for a hearty breakfast. Check out the calendar for this year's dates and times.

April: NQ Home Brew Competition
Sunday 28 April 2013
The date is set for the inaugural NQ Home Brew Competition on the deck at Peppers Blue On Blue Magnetic Island. With prizes valued at over $4,000 plus raffles, tastings, expert judges and great food, it's bound to be a fun day 'on the deck', starting at 12 noon until 4pm. Download the Home Brewer's Entry Form, or visit our NQ Home Brew Competition page for more info.

May: Music On Magnetic
4-11 May 2013
This six day residential camp is a week of fun and discovery in music and dance. The inaugural May 2010 camp was a huge success and included songwriting, world music choir, looping and improvising, flamenco dance, flamenco percussion, ensemble improvisation, Georgian vocal music, humarimba, Spanish guitar, Pushme Pullme dance and Reading Music Made Easy. Each year MOM has increased with interest and provided outstanding teachers combined with a friendly mix of willing pupils. Visit Music On Magnetic to find out what's in store. Book early - spaces are limited!

May: Australia's Biggest Morning Tea
Thursday 23 May 2013
If the Melbourne Cup is the race that stops a nation, then the Australia's Biggest Morning Tea is the cuppa that stops an island. Magnetic Island's Australia's Biggest Morning Tea has been a long held tradition where local residents take a break to support the Cancer Council’s leading fundraising events and the largest, most successful event of it's kind in Australia. A day in the park full of great home-made entertainment, scones and tea. Check out the calendar for this year's dates and times.

Queen's Birthday Holiday (Long weekend)
Monday 10 June 2013
Check the weekly What's On calendar for last minute listings and events.

June (Winter) School Holidays
Sat 22 June - Sunday 7 July 2013 (QLD)
It's a busy time of year for Magnetic Island, but it's also a great time to get outdoors and enjoy your holidays by the sea. Check the weekly What's On calendar for last minute listings and events. Just make sure you book your accommodation early, as this is peak season for the island.

June: The Coral Coast Yacht Race
(Date not yet confirmed)
Formerly known as the Dent To Dunk race, the race was renamed in 2012 and starts at Airlie Beach (Whitsundays) and finishes at Horseshoe Bay, Magnetic Island. The distance is approximately 130nm. Download the Notice Of Race details for the 2012 rac or for more information contact the Abel Point Yacht Club.

July: Magnetic Island to Townsville Swim
28 July 2013
The Magnetic Island To Townsville Swim starts at the waters edge in front of the Picnic Bay SLSC Magnetic Island and finishes at water's edge in front of the SLSC Clubhouse on the Strand Beach adjacent to the Strand Park jetty in Townsville. The swim has been held almost every year since 1954. Over the years, the who's who of Australian swimming and surf-lifesaving have competed in the race. Over the past 50 years, the event has grown to become a very iconic event unique to Townsville. They encourage all capable swimmers to train hard, put in the distances and, have a go at conquering the waters of Cleveland Bay and, become a part of both Australian and World Swimming History. It doesn't matter whether you come first or last, it is about giving it your best shot.

August: MI Arts Safari
Map available for year round self-drive Safari's!
(Date not yet confirmed)
Sunday 5 August 2012 was the Magnetic Island Arts Safari and Open Studio's Day. With an island brimming with talent, the 2012 featured 12 local artists starting in Picnic Bay in the morning and finishing in Horseshoe Bay in the afternoon, followed by a cocktail party from 4-6pm at Barefoot gallery. The 2013 MI Arts Safari date is yet to be decided but you can enjoy a self drive Safari in the meantime by downloading the 2012 brochure. Download the 2012 Art Safari Brochure.

August: Magnetic Island Wine & Seafood Festival
Saturday 10 August
The 2010 inaugural Magnetic Island Wine Expo featured over 12 wine merchants and the opportunity to sample over 50 wines with live music plus lucky draws all afternoon! $20 entry included your own glass (to keep). For a great afternoon head to the Water Garden Oasis as part of the Picnic Bay Hotel and sample a wide selection of wines and seafood while enjoying tropical views of Picnic Bay.

August: Great Tropical Jazz Party
24 & 25 August 2013
For a special weekend in August the Great Tropical Jazz Party is three nights and two days of cool jazz, held beneath the palms on beautiful Magnetic Island, attracting visitors and jazz aficionados from all over the world. For more information on the artists performing visit the  Magnetic Island Great Tropcial Jazz Party. Check out the calendar for this year's dates and times.

August: Bookfest
(Date not yet confirmed)
Bag a bargain book or two at Bookfest. Kids or adults, fact or fiction, romance, biographies, reference, westerns, text books - loads of fun for all including trash and treasure, raffles, cake stalls, coffee shop, sausage sizzle and children's activities. Come along to C&K Magnetic Island Early Childhood Centre at 25 Nelly Bay Rd, Nelly Bay with all proceeds going to Magnetic Island Early Childhood Centre. Feel free to drop off books or donations before the Bookfest at the centre, or to book a stall contact Lana or Kirralea on 4758 1168. Check out the calendar for this year's dates and times.

August: Magnetic Island Community Fair
Saturday 7 Sept 2013
Formerly known as the Magnetic Island School Fete, the MI Community Fair is a huge fun day for the entire community. Locals support this bi-annual event with great gusto, to make the day of live entertainment, market stalls and fun games a definite on the calendar. The day is a major revenue builder for the Primary School with 2009 managing to raise nearly $15,000. Check out the calendar for dates and times.

September: SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week
29 August - 3 Sept 2013
Sunferries (now SeaLink) Magnetic Island Race Week in 2009 was a huge success with plenty of great sailing, picture perfect weather and parties to be had with approximately 56 entries. 2011 grew with 86 entries and excellent sailing. The 2013 race starts on Thursday 29 August - Tuesday 3 September and looks to be even bigger! Check out all the info at SeaLink Magnetic Island Race Week.

September/October: Magnetic Island (Bay Dayz) Festival
6 Sept - 6 Oct 2013 (5 Sept - 5 Oct 2014)

Key dates for the Festival currently include:

Fri 6 Sept: Opening Exhibition
Sat 7 Sept: Magnetic Island School Fete
Sat 14 Sept: Maggie Motor & Bike Show
Sun 15 Sept: Kids Corroboree
Sat 21 Sept: Sprinq Equinox Celebration
Thurs 26 & Fri 27 Sept: Movies Under The Stars
Sun 29 Sept: Horseshoe Bay MEGA Markets and Sand Sculpture Competition
Sat 5 Oct: Magnetic Island Blues Festival

It's a fantastic month that includes the famous island-wide Scarecrow Competition, live music, art exhibitions, gallery openings, environmental walks and talks, theatre, workshops, restaurant discounts, health and beauty discounts, the Maggie Motor Show, Indigenous culture events, Mega Markets and a very popular Sand Sculpture Competition - you name it, the Magnetic Island (Bay Dayz) Festival has something for everyone! Check out the What's On calendar for individual event details from August 2013 onwards, or download the 2012 Festival Program here.

If you have a idea, or you'd like to be part of the festival next year, simply send a detailed description to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or post it to: Bay Days Festival Submissions, PO Box 133 Magnetic Island, QLD 4819.

September: International Adventure Games, Magnetic Island
Mon 30 Sept - Fri 4 Oct 2013
The inaugural International Adventure Games, the greatest adventure on the planet, is set to take part on Magnetic Island. This event is expecting to attract up to 2000 backpackers, adventure travellers and international students studying in Australia. It will include:

• 4 days of competition covering 5 sports
• 4 iconic island adventure challenges
• 4 days and nights of fun, live bands, games, parties and celebrations

Participants can form 'country of origin' teams and register online, for a range of adventure challenge activities, including an obstacle course race, a treasure hunt around the island and beach based sports such as beach volleyball, beach football and much more.

Visit International Adventure Games, Magnetic Island.

For more information contact:
Roger Desailly, Games Director on 0400 585 766, or
Col Kenna, Games Event Operations Manager on 0438 288 896.

September: Arcadia Surf Life Saving Club Beach Ball
(Date not yet confirmed)
All dressed up and nowhere to go? The annual fundraiser for the ASLSC is another island tradition, and a great opportunity to support a much needed club. Whether you want to be in fancy dress, or just dress fancy, it's a fun night to meet up with locals and dance the night away to live music. Check out the calendar for individual event details.

Labour Day (Long Weekend)
Monday 7 October 2013
Check the weekly What's On calendar for last minute listings and events.

November: Schoolies Week
Week 1 (QLD) 16 - 23 November 2013
Week 2 (NSW & VIC) 23 November - 1 December 2013
Week 3 (NSW & VIC) 30 November 2013 - 8 December 2013

Unlike many other southern centres, schoolies week on Magnetic Island is a much safer and quieter celebration.The island offers schoolies the opportunity to get out on the water or stroll it's many beaches during the day before enjoying nights out with friends. Additional activites and police and support are scheduled for the island during Schoolies Week.

December: Christmas Cocktails
Enjoy a fun night of exotic Christmas cocktails at the R&R Bar in Picnic Bay. Dress up, come along for great night of fun!

December: New Year's Eve on Magnetic Island
Magnetic Island is buzzing with a massive selection of NYE events to choose from. From live music, dinners and shows, it's famous NYE Full Moon Party and fireworks on the shoreside in Nelly Bay. Just make sure you book your accommodation early, as this is peak season for the island.

 

Check out the daily Magnetic Island What's On calendar (on the top left of this page), for the latest listings of events, festivals, gigs, exhibition openings and fun things to do while you're visiting.

If you're more of a nature lover, check out the Magnetic Island Eco Calendar.

Top things to do on Magnetic Island
Download our handy list of the Top Things To Do while you're visiting.

 

Staying over? Find your Magnetic Island Accommodation.
Remember to book early for the high seasons!: Easter, June and September school holidays and the Christmas/New Year break.