From Whitsunday Reef Festival Site.
Download Reef Festival 2016 Program. Download Whitsunday Reef Festival Road Closure Information. Download Reef Festival bus stop & taxi map
The vibrant coastal town of Airlie Beach will come alive in August 2016, as the Whitsunday Reef Festival hits town. The annual favourite festival, is a delicious combination of family fun, community events, all-night celebrations, food, fashion, fireworks and some of the biggest street parties north of Mackay.
The festival, now in its 16th year, is themed Heart of the Reef, as it celebrates what it means to live in the Whitsundays, on the edge of the Coral Sea, in the middle of the Great Barrier Reef.
In 2016 the Whitsunday Reef Festival will be bigger, better and brighter. We will be bringing back our classic events such as Telstra Family Funday, Frocktails, Comedy Gala, Recyclable Regatta & Friday night street party and Beach Music Rockin the Reef. Stay tuned for updates on more events as our amazing committee locks them in. This event is a solely run and operated community event which means we need local business and citizen support to make it happen. If you or your business would like to donate or sponsor an event in our ten day festival be sure to get in contact with us. We need your support to make it all happen.
One of the most popular events of the festival is the Rotary Street Parade. Spectators flock to the newly-revitalised main street to watch the amazing floats built by businesses, community and school groups pass by. Cafes, bars and restaurants overflow as locals and visitors alike enjoy the Whitsunday hospitality and show their support for those in the parade.Following the parade the main street stage will be rocking once again with some huge live acts, sure to have everyone enjoying the street-party vibe.
The younger kids are the focus on Sunday, with the Telstra Family Fun Day. Circus performers, face painting and traditional games such as 3-legged and sack races are run alongside modern activitieslike a selfie competition and slushy slurping comps, with some awesome prizes up for grabs.
The Recyclable Regatta is one event not to be missed on Sunday afternoon. Airlie’s famous lagoon becomes a hive of activity, as rafts made from recyclable material take centre stage in some hilarious races, delighting the many onlookers surrounding the lagoon.
There are many other events and activities during the 10-day program including comedy nights, Frocktails, pop up bar, carnival rides, market stalls and much, much more.
The Whitsunday Reef Festival is not to be missed, as there is something for everyone, whether you’re young or young at heart!
