Blueberry Angels at Mundubbera Blueberry Festival
Local festivals need our support to survive more than ever — so why not please your palate and hunger for live music while exploring our broader region? Jodie Cameron explores the fantastic, jam-packed events on offer at the upcoming Mundubbera Blueberry Festival.
Food and music festivals today have completely surpassed the creative boundaries of the past, with organisers now competing for their piece of the (blueberry) pie by creating immersive experiences that keep punters coming back year after year – and Mundubbera Blueberry Festival celebrating one of Australia’s favourite fruits is a berry good example of this!
At the daily rate my boys consume those tubs of blueberry goodness, I really should be investing in my own blueberry farm. But for now, a trip to the Mundubbera Blueberry Festival will suffice!
With three huge events spread over two days from 27 to 28 September, the North Burnett’s premier bi-annual food and music event has something to suit all tastebuds.
Festival Coordinator Lisa Wain said with the recent wave of music event cancellations, she hopes the Blueberry Festival can be a beacon of hope and will continue to grow even bigger and juicier than its inaugural year in 2022!
“Festival-goers have the opportunity to escape the bustling crowds and immerse themselves in an intimate setting beneath the wide-open country sky,” Lisa says.
“It’s going to be a spectacular weekend and it’s just a few hours’ drive from the Sunshine Coast.”
But don’t wait until September to purchase your tickets; book early and start planning your weekend getaway now – the early bird gets the berry!
Just three hours north-west of Noosa, Mundubbera is the perfect escape to the country for the weekend, with affordable accommodation options to suit all budgets.
If the Blueberry Festival brings you to Mundubbera for the first time, you may be wondering where to stay – from hotels, motels to camping sites, Mundubbera has ample accommodation options for all tastes.
If you are travelling with your RV or camper, ticket prices include campsites at the Mundubbera Showgrounds where you can easily access all the festival celebrations! Book early to ensure you don’t miss out on being close to the action.
Kicking off the festival is the Locavore 4626 event on Friday 27 September, where celebrity chef and Sunshine Coast food champion Matt Golinski will take you (and your tastebuds) on a gastronomical journey to a mystery location for a gourmet celebration.
Showcasing the finest flavours of the North Burnett region in every dish and every bite, diners will experience the vibrancy of farm-fresh ingredients sourced from local producers and artisans as expert Chef Golinski transforms raw materials into an epicurean centrepiece that will tantalise and ignite the senses before your berry eyes.
Whether you’re a natural born foodie like me (always thinking about your next meal, even while eating), a food enthusiast, or just love experiencing new flavours, don’t miss out on this unforgettable dining experience that will unlock the mystery of the region while celebrating community, sustainability, and the art of fine cuisine.
Locavore 4626 tickets are $110 per person and include transport via bus from the Mundubbera Showgrounds to your mystery location, but tickets are limited so head to the website today to secure your seat!
From 9am to 4pm on Saturday 28 September, the beautiful Bicentennial Park on the banks of the mighty Burnett River will come alive for the Berry Big Day Out – a vibrant artisan market and FREE family fun day!
Local producers, artists, crafters, community groups and food retailers will come together for a full day of markets, interactive stalls, activities and entertainment for the whole family. There will be something for all ages including free activities to keep the kids (young and old) engaged, roam the markets, and catch up with family and friends over delicious local food and refreshments. Enjoy the local entertainment on the Berry Big Day Out Stage and get ready for an epic evening of live music when the Mundubbera Showgrounds will transform into the Blueberry Jam Sesh!
Celebrating a full line-up of original Australian music with a sprinkling of homegrown talent, don’t forget your dancing shoes for the Battle of the Bands Final, grab some grub at one of the many on-site food trucks + bar, and secure your seat under the stars!
Headlining this year’s Blueberry Jam Sesh are The Angels – one of the most enduring Australian rock bands, while electric and infectious riff-and-groove-based blue-billy-grass-rockin’-roots band 19-Twenty will have you dancing the night away! Byron Bay-based Bourbon Street will perform all the fan faves from their albums as well as high-energy covers from The Doors, Neil Young, Led Zeppelin, The Stones, AC/DC and more!
Back by popular demand, Blake Beneckee, a homegrown country singer and songwriter will perform a mix of covers and original music; and the delicious sounds of Soul Tree Union – Australian indie music duo Paully Rivers and Kate Marian Rose – will surprise and delight with their soulful mix of contemporary folk music to rock grooves. Tickets are $97 for adults, $45 for kids aged 5-14 years, kids under 5 are free!
As word spreads of this quaint country town’s mission to paint the town blue, grab the kids, your lover or your berry besties and flock to Mundubberra for the weekend. Help keep our local festivals alive while INdulging in berry-licious country and the wonders of the North Burnett’s abundant food bowl!
STAY AND PLAY!
Saturday Camping Package $108pp:
1 x Blueberry Jam Sesh ticket (15+)
1 x night showgrounds camping
(Saturday night only)
2-Day Camping Package $229pp:
• 1 x Locavore 4626 (Friday Night Dinner)
1 x Blueberry Jam Sesh ticket (15+)
2 x night showgrounds camping
(Friday & Saturday night)
Locavore 4626 Camping Package $121pp:
1 x Locavore 4626 ticket
1 x Friday night camping only (must leave the campsite Saturday morning)
Click HERE for the full program and tickets, including camping packages.
