Lights, culture, action! 2026 Festival of Arts program unveiled
Published on 11 May 2026
Mackay will come alive in July as the 2026 Mackay Festival of Arts brings a dynamic showcase of art, culture, cuisine and entertainment.
This year’s program promises to delight all your senses, broaden your horizons and leave you with memories that last a lifetime.
Mayor Greg Williamson said the 39th annual Mackay Festival of Arts was set for a spectacular year in 2026 with sensational new events and different locations for regular crowd favourites.
“This year, we have some outstanding new shows that have been sellouts at festivals around Australia,” Mayor Williamson said.
“There will also be the ever-popular Wisely Wine and Food Day, which we are delighted to announce will this year be headlined by ARIA award-winning Australian artist, Budjerah, whose platinum-selling single Therapy threw him into the stratosphere,” he said.
“Also in the program is an open-air performance for the whole family that blends traditional First Nations dance and storytelling with contemporary circus, a comedy show that turns a boring PowerPoint presentation into a night of hilarity and a beautiful interactive show that combines magical light and a gentle soundscape to create a unique family experience.”
Mayor Williamson said both the Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub and Daly Bay Illuminate were back again and had been fine-tuned for the ease of patrons.
“This year, Daly Bay Illuminate will be more centrally located, lighting up the heart of our City Centre for four unforgettable nights. It will highlight our iconic building facades with spectacular large-scale projections,” Mayor Williamson said.
“Each evening, at the Civic Centre, there will also be an unforgettable outdoor theatre procession called Whale Song,” he said.
“These enormous illuminated whale puppets celebrate the magic of our humpback whale migration season.
“Running alongside Daly Bay Illuminate is the Whitsunday Wealth Festival Hub, which will be at Bluewater Quay and feature local music talent, drinks and food at Red Dog Brewery and street cuisine.
“It will also be the location of the dazzling community art created especially for Daly Bay Illuminate.”
The Mayor also acknowledged the amazing young artist whose work was chosen as the cover of the festival program.
“Kristine Arcilla’s work, titled ‘The Artistic Freedom’, reflects perfectly the theme of the festival, Pop Collision,” he said.
“Kristine’s piece is for those who seek connection through art. It uses the amazing colour and themes of pop art design, while also highlighting the essence of the Mackay Festival of Arts.”
Festivals and Events coordinator Sarah Porter encouraged residents and visitors to get outside their comfort zone and explore the many experiences on offer.
“This program is so diverse – there’s literature, photography, art exhibitions and workshops, wine tastings, performance art, opera, chamber music, arthouse films and jazz,” Ms Porter said.
“Add in paint and sips, pop culture, local band showcases, family theatre and of course, the festival features that are Daly Bay Illuminate and the Wisely Wine and Food Day and you have every reason to be in Mackay in July,” she said.
“July is going to be huge, and we really couldn’t be more excited to welcome festival goers to our region.”
The 2026 Mackay Festival of Arts program will drop online tonight at themecc.com.au/festivals and physical programs will be available from the MECC Box Office and locations around Mackay from Wednesday, May 13.