An hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the Scenic Rim is known for its stunning landscapes, dedicated producers, exceptional local food and genuine country hospitality.
But it’s the region’s lively calendar of festivals, trails and community events that truly sets it apart.
From blooming sunflower fields and open farm gates to arts trails, food celebrations and delightfully quirky traditions, the Scenic Rim delivers a full schedule of events year-round.
Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trails | 26 July
A firm favourite on the regional calendar, the Scenic Rim Farm Gate Trails invite farmers, growers, winemakers, brewers, distillers and artisan producers to open their gates for a day that celebrates the origins of great food.
Visitors can journey from property to property, meet the people behind the produce, taste outstanding local flavours and gain a genuine understanding of how food is grown and crafted in the region.
Most head home with satisfied appetites, a car full of fresh produce and a deeper respect for the farming community.
Just over an hour from Brisbane and the Gold Coast, it’s an easy day trip or a perfect excuse to make a weekend of it.
Both trails operate from 9am to 3pm.
Kalbar Sunflower Festival | 3 May
For a few dazzling days each year, farmland near Kalbar bursts into colour as more than a million sunflowers come into bloom.
The Kalbar Sunflower Festival gives visitors the chance to wander through towering golden fields, capture unforgettable photos and enjoy a relaxed country atmosphere.
Alongside the flowers, there’s live music, local food, market stalls and activities for all ages, making it a vibrant and memorable day out.
Tamborine Mountain Arts Trail | May
Tamborine Mountain has long been a hub for creativity and the Tamborine Mountain Arts Trail offers a unique opportunity to step inside that world.
Over three inspiring days, artists including painters, sculptors, photographers and ceramicists open their studios to the public.
Visitors can experience the creative process up close, exhibitions, workshops, artist talks and live demonstrations deliver far more than a typical gallery visit.
Scenic Rim Eat Local Month | June
More than a single event, Eat Local Month is a month-long celebration of the region’s rich food culture.
Each June, the Scenic Rim showcases the farmers, chefs and producers who make it one of Australia’s leading culinary destinations.
Guests can enjoy long lunches in breathtaking locations, cooking classes, farm tours, tastings, workshops and family-friendly activities.
From lavender fields to mountaintop dining, every experience highlights seasonal produce and the people behind it.
Farmers’ markets, campfire feasts and paddock-to-plate events offer even more ways to connect with the region’s food story.
Winter Harvest Festival | 27 June
The centrepiece of Eat Local Month, the Winter Harvest Festival is a major celebration of local produce and farming life.
Held in Kalbar, the event brings together producers from across the region for a lively day filled with food, music and community spirit.
Visitors can shop from more than 60 stalls offering fresh produce, meats, cheeses and craft beverages, enjoy ready-to-eat meals, watch cooking demonstrations and listen to live entertainment.
A highlight for many is the iconic Tractor Pull competition, where teams compete for both pride and bragging rights.
Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular | 11–14 June
Held in Beaudesert, the Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular showcases the beauty and strength of the Clydesdale horse while celebrating the region’s agricultural roots.
Competitors and enthusiasts travel from across the country to see these impressive animals in action, from showring performances to carriage displays.
The event also honours Scottish heritage, with pipe bands, kilts, caber tossing and whip-cracking competitions creating a festive highland feel.
Traditional trades such as blacksmithing and wheelwrighting, along with food, craft beer and family activities, complete the experience.
Scenic Rim Farming Expo | 12–13 June
Whether you’re involved in agriculture or simply interested in rural life, the Scenic Rim Farming Expo offers something for everyone.
Held in Harrisville, the two-day event highlights innovation in farming, sustainability and regional living while connecting producers, experts and the wider community.
Visitors can explore demonstrations, meet industry professionals, discover career pathways and gain insight into the future of agriculture.
Springtime on the Mountain | 25–27 September
Presented by the Tamborine Mountain Garden Club, Springtime on the Mountain is a much-loved open garden event featuring some of the area’s most beautiful private gardens.
Across three days, visitors can stroll through colourful landscapes filled with spring blooms, guided by a detailed trail map.
It’s also a perfect opportunity to explore the mountain’s cafés, galleries and boutique shops along the way.
Tamborine Mountain Scarecrow Festival | 23–25 October
Tamborine Mountain is famous for its natural beauty and village charm but, in October, it takes on a more playful personality.
During the Tamborine Mountain Scarecrow Festival, hundreds of creative scarecrows appear across roadsides, gardens and paddocks, forming a whimsical outdoor trail. From fun to fantastical, past designs have included everything from mermaids and ballroom dancers to motorbike gangs and giant spiders, each one showcases local creativity and humour.
Kalbar Hay Bale Trail and Country Day | 17 October
Few events capture rural imagination quite like the Kalbar Hay Bale Trail.
In the weeks leading up to the event, locals transform hay bales into inventive sculptures scattered throughout the town and surrounding district.
Past highlights include Mick-hay and Min-hay Mouse, Kentuck-Hay Fried Chicken and the memorable Kalbar J-hay-l.
The festivities culminate in Kalbar Country Day, when the main street comes alive with more than 140 market stalls, fresh produce, handmade goods and live entertainment, offering a full day of community spirit and country hospitality.
