Downunder Beachfest 2026
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Wed 27 May 2026 - Sun 31 May 2026
A Celebration of Classic Cars and Rock ‘n’ Roll!
Five action-packed days ... Image: Don Bentley via Bowdens Downunder Beachfest 2026 FB
Proudly sponsored by
Bowden’s Own, one of the Sunshine Coast’s premier annual events,
Downunder Beachfest, is held over five action-packed days, combining chrome, roar and automotive passion as vintage and classic car enthusiasts converge on the beautiful coastal town of Caloundra. Experience a variety of exciting activities, live entertainment, car displays, dinners and so much more. Explore exclusive merchandise available for pre-ordering and shop with local traders at the event.
Static displays on the Saturday and Sunday - Image: ASRF Australian Street Rod Federation FB
From vintage classics to hot rods and street machines,
Downunder Beachfest will showcase these shining beauties through stunning static displays on the Saturday and Sunday of the weekend, as well as scenic cruises throughout the hinterland and coastal regions.
Each day, car enthusiasts can mingle, share stories and get up close to these automotive treasures. It's the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow car lovers and admire the craftsmanship of these stunning vehicles.
Kick off the week with the awesome
Car Show Under the Lights on Wednesday night - this is your opportunity to see these incredible cars up close, chat to their passionate owners and enjoy an evening dedicated to car lovers of all ages.
Kick off the week chatting to passionate car owners - Image: ASRF Australian Street Rod Federation FB
BEACHFEST ITINERARY:
WEDNESDAY 27th MAY:
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7.00am to 9.00am: Event Registration
Located at Kings Beach Amphitheatre, please make sure you have your barcode ready for your entry/entries you are picking up. Merchandise will be available for purchase as well as lotto run entries.
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10.00am: Hinterland Lunch Cruise
Starting at King’s Beach Amphitheatre car park and ending at the Mooloolah Valley Sports Club - approximately 100km to 150km trip through the lovely mountain views of the Sunshine Coast hinterland.
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2.00pm to 3.00pm: Event Registration
Located at Kings Beach Amphitheatre, please make sure you have your barcode ready for your entry/entries you are picking up. Merchandise will be available for purchase as well as lotto run entries.
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5.00pm to 8.00pm: Welcome to Beachfest Street Party …
where food and chrome combine for an awesome night out. Enjoy the cars and food while welcoming fellow entrants to Beachfest 2026 - food, cars, music and fun all in the one location under lights.
From vintage classics to hot rods and street machines ... Image: ASRF Australian Street Rod Federation FB
THURSDAY 28th MAY:
•
7.00am to 9.00am: Event Registration
Located at Kings Beach Amphitheatre, please make sure you have your barcode ready for your entry/entries you are picking up. Merchandise will be available for purchase as well as lotto run entries.
•
10.00am: Coastal Lunch Cruise
Starting at Kings Beach Amphitheatre and finishing up at the Banana Bender pub at Aussie World, enjoy the sights and sounds of the vibrant Sunshine Coast - approximately 100kms to 150kms distance, ending with lunch and trivia plus awesome prizes up for grabs.
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1.00pm to 4.00pm: Event Registration
Located at Kings Beach Amphitheatre, please make sure you have your barcode ready for your entry/entries you are picking up. Merchandise will be available for purchase as well as lotto run entries.
•
5.00pm to 8.00pm: Bowden’s Own Evening Car Show
Join in at Bowden’s Own HQ for another spectacular evening of cars, food, music and the opportunity to purchase some wonderful Bowden’s products.
This year, thanks to the amazing NTI, the winner of the Truck Raffle will drive away in a 1947 Chev Maple Leaf 4x4.
And what is even better news - all proceeds from the raffle go towards MND Research to find a viable treatment or cure!
Get your Raffle tickets here now ! (The winner last year bought his ticket in the first week of sales!)
Introducing Ruby, the 2026 NTI MND Truck Raffle Prize - Image: MND and ME Foundation FB
FRIDAY 29th MAY:
•
7.00am to 9.00am: Event Registration and Breakfast
Located at Bowden’s Own HQ join in for a FREE entrant breakfast and registration. Merchandise will be available for purchase along with final lotto run entries.
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9.30am to 2.00pm: Lotto Run
The awesome guys at
Suncoast Hot Rod Club Inc have put together another fantastic Lotto Run for Beachfest 2026 - take part and enjoy the cruise while collecting numbers for your chance at an awesome prize.
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2.00pm to 4.00pm: Final Event Registration
Located at Kings Beach Amphitheatre, please make sure you have your barcode ready for your entry/entries you are picking up. Merchandise will be available for purchase.
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5.00pm to 8.00pm: Super Cruise
This year the entrant groups will enjoy the wide-open space of a closed cruise route exclusively for event entrants. Make sure you have your entrant sticker so you can participate in the Super Cruise, which will be split into two departure groups with each group enjoying over an hour to cruise the CBD.
An aerial view - Image: ASRF Australian Street Rod Federation FB
SATURDAY 30th MAY:
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5.30am to 8.00am: Entrant Car Show set up time
Follow the details provided in your entrant pack to ensure your car is parked and set up ready for the show.
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8.00am to 2.00pm: Car show Day One
Open to public spectators, the street will be packed with chrome and patina rides ready for everybody to enjoy. Enjoy a stroll in and around the cars and the trade stalls on offer, soaking up what
Beachfest has to offer.
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5.00pm to 8.00pm: Celebration Night at the Power Boat Club (Bookings required)
Come along to the Celebration Night to enjoy some lovely food and conversation and to find out this year’s Top 10.
Show 'n Shine - Image: www.asrfqld.org.au
SUNDAY 31st MAY:
•
6.00am to 8.00am: Entrant Car Show set up time
Follow the details provided in your entrant pack to ensure your car is parked and set up ready for the show.
•
8.00am to 12.00noon: Car Show Day Two
Open to public spectators the street will be packed with chrome and patina rides ready for all to appreciate. Delight in the spectacular display of cars and take in the Caloundra Street Fair Markets as well, promising a fabulous day out for the whole family.
PLEASE NOTE: The above itinerary is subject to change.
Hundreds of hot rods and classic cars from across Australia! Image: www.asrfqld.org.au
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Entrant Cost - $90 per vehicle
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Optional Entrant T-Shirt – $50 (Available for pickup at event registration only)
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Exclusive Downunder Beachfest Merchandise - available online here
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View the Program here for both free and paid activities
Entrants to select their preferred zone - Image: www.asrfqld.org.au
Downunder Beachfest is one of Queensland’s largest celebrations of hot rods, classic cars and community spirit, proudly supporting local community organisations and raising funds for a registered charity each year. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible event!
Car entrant registrations are limited and can be purchased online here until all spaces are filled.
The Committee is delighted to announce that in 2026, they are partnering with
MND and ME Foundation, The University of Queensland and
NTI.
Dates: Wednesday 27th May to Sunday 31st May
Location: Caloundra CBD and surrounds, on the Sunshine Coast
Images as indicated
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#food_drink
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#family_friendly
#automotive
#caloundra
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329138 - 2026-05-13 22:20:40