The countdown to the 23rd NOOSA alive! festival is on, when for 10 magical days and nights Noosa becomes a cultural playground of theatre, music, and thought-provoking literary events, from 18 to 27 July.

“We're thrilled to see such a positive early response to this year's program which will truly ignite your senses! Our program of live shows, thought-provoking literary events, and exclusive premiere performances married with Noosa's finest food and wine experiences is one not to be missed,” said Festival Director Ian Mackellar. 

“The NOOSA alive! Festival is known for selling out early and our Noosa Jazz Cruise sold out in just one week after launch and more shows selling out as we near festival week. We urge folks to check out the full program and book early.” Mackeller says the NOOSA alive! festival continues to attract the very best of Australian and international performers, writers, musicians and artists to Noosa. “This year's program focuses on intimate, thought-provoking and spellbinding performances offering exclusive Australian launches and world premieres,” said Mackellar. 

Festival-goers can view the full program and book tickets at www.noosaalive.com.au.

Festival Program

 Sleeping Dogs | 23–24 July - SOLD OUT | PREVIEW SHOW – 22 July $35 +bf

Headlining the program is the world premiere of Sleeping Dogs by acclaimed Australian playwright David Williamson, directed by Ian Mackellar and starring Erik Thomson (All Saints, Packed to the Rafters), Alison Venning, Jo Hendrie, Louisa Williamson, and Samantha Sherrin. Presented at The J Theatre, the darkly funny and emotionally resonant Sleeping Dogs, is a piercing look at memory, regret and the lingering impact of the past. 

Queensland Ballet: Back to Bach & Curious Beings | 18–19 July | $89 +bf
Over two spectacular nights, Queensland Ballet presents a special double bill performance by its Jette Parker Young Artists. Back to Bach by Greg Horsman is an elegant return of the 2016 world premiere, while Curious Beings is a world premiere by Amelia Waller in collaboration with Dead Puppet Society. The combination is a blend of classical ballet with bold contemporary storytelling, puppetry, and imagination. 

A Night at the Opera | 20 July | $165 +bf
Continuing with the classics, audiences will be swept away to the grand opera houses of Europe without leaving Noosa. A Night At The Opera presents the sensational Brisbane-based trio Divina delivering some of opera's greatest hits,including Carmen and The Magic Flute and served as an intimate dinner at the Noosa Waterfront Restaurant.

Sharon & Slava Grigoryan – Our Place | 21 July | $54–$59 +bf
Two of Australia's finest classical musicians, Sharon and Slava Grigoryan will perform works for cello and guitar at the Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.

Kitchen Brigade – Film with Food | 22 July | SOLD OUT

Enjoy a French culinary film accompanied by a themed dinner at Majestic Theatre, Pomona.

Amber Lawrence – From Tamworth to Tennessee | 25 July | $39–$59 +bf
For those who love their music live and loud, award-winning country star Amber Lawrence will transport audiences from Noosa to Tennessee with her full band performance to The J Theatre. The 2023 Female Artist of the Year is set to deliver a powerhouse night of high energy music infused with humour, honesty and heart.

Caroline O'Connor – My Musical Life | 26 July | $79 +bf
For theatre buffs, stage and screen legend Caroline O'Connor will present her exclusive Queensland performance, My Musical Life. With musical direction by Michael Tyack, Caroline will revisit roles from her time on stage in Australia, London, Paris and Broadway. Honoured with an AM (Order of Australia) for her contribution to theatre, Caroline's talent and charisma light up the stage. 

Imagine – Free Community Event | 26 July | Free
NOOSA alive! 2025 will close with a free community event presented by Bendigo Community Bank Tewantin-Noosa at Noosaville's foreshore on Saturday 26 July that is set to spark imaginations of young and old.

The River Stage program from 11.30am to 4.30pm will showcase Noosa Stars Alive! young talent alongside headline act Marshall Hamburger – Australian Idol 2025 winner.

Jazz Lunch Cruise | 27 July | SOLD OUT
Enjoy a 3-course lunch and live jazz aboard the Catalina Noosa on the Noosa River.

The program's literary series features three captivating conversations with food, including two exclusive Australian book launches from leading Australian authors.

My Father Bryce – Adam Courtenay | 24 July | $79 +bf
Adam Courtenay 'My Father Bryce' (exclusive), reflects on his personal journey to better understand his legendary father, bestselling author Bryce Courtenay over a 2-course luncheon at Noosa Waterfront Restaurant.

Prime Time – Bec Wilson | 25 July | SOLD OUT

In conversation with Bec Wilson (one of Australia's leading voices on modern ageing and retirement) and her book 'Prime Time' has already sold out.

The Secret Year of Zara Holt – Kimberley Freeman | 27 July | $59 +bf
Acclaimed author Kimberley Freeman will discuss The Secret Year of Zara Holt (exclusive) – a compelling novel inspired by the enigmatic life of Zara Holt, wife of former Prime Minister Harold Holt, who famously vanished while swimming off Cheviot Beach. 

More information

For images or to arrange interview, contact Alison Cooper – alison@sagepr.au or mobile 0416 288 054.

About NOOSA alive! Festival

Celebrating 10 days of unique performing arts excitement, NOOSA alive! Festival ignites your senses as Noosa transforms into a cultural playground. Noosa's unique natural environment and village-style atmosphere provide the inspiring backdrop for this festival that offers visitors beautiful beaches and national parks, fabulous food, cultural stimulus and community events for all ages– an experience for the body, mind and soul.