Lunar New Year Celebrations and Digital Art Take Over the Sunshine Coast Today

Celebrate the Lunar New Year and Immersive Art Across the Sunshine Coast

Happy Tuesday, Sunshine Coast! Today, February 17, 2026, is a standout date on our local calendar. Not only is the region buzzing with the start of the Lunar New Year, but our major galleries are hosting world-class exhibitions that are a must-see for art lovers and families alike. Whether you are looking for cultural festivities, thought-provoking photography, or professional growth, here is what is happening across our community today.

Ring in the Lunar New Year

Today marks the official start of the Lunar New Year, and the Sunshine Coast is ready to celebrate the Year of the Horse. Across key community hubs, including Maroochydore and Noosa, locals can expect a vibrant mix of cultural performances and local food stalls. These celebrations are designed to blend traditional music, lion dances, and community workshops, offering a high-energy atmosphere to welcome the new year with good-luck energy. It is a fantastic opportunity to explore local flavors and witness the rich cultural diversity that thrives in our region.

Digital Innovations at Caloundra Regional Gallery

For those seeking a dose of modern culture, the Caloundra Regional Gallery is currently hosting a landmark exhibition. "The Brothers Gruchy" is a major, digital-first showcase featuring nine significant works by acclaimed Australian artists Tim and Mic Gruchy. This immersive experience explores the fascinating intersections of technological innovation, artificial intelligence, and biological forms. The gallery is open today from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 22 Omrah Avenue. It is a brilliant way to spend a Tuesday, diving into the world of new media and contemporary digital practice that has forged international careers for these Queensland-born artists.

Skate Culture and Global Stories in Noosa

Heading north to Tewantin, the Noosa Regional Gallery has a powerful suite of exhibitions on display today. The "Gaza Skate Team" exhibition provides a moving look at photographs and videos documenting the efforts to bring joy to children through skateboarding in Palestine. Accompanying this is Shaun Gladwell’s iconic video work, "Storm Sequence," and "Refuse," a photographic exploration of South East Queensland’s own DIY skate scenes and urban folklore. The gallery doors are open from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, providing a thought-provoking blend of local identity and international documentary art right on the banks of the Noosa River.

Business and Community Meetups

For those in the manufacturing sector, the Caloundra RSL is the place to be this morning. Starting at 11:00 AM, the "Navigating Grants and Incentives: Unlocking Manufacturing Growth" workshop is a free event designed to help local businesses identify and secure vital funding opportunities. It is a great chance to network with industry peers and gain insights into regional economic support. Additionally, community spirit remains strong with the Rotary Club of Caloundra holding their weekly meeting early this morning, continuing their commitment to local service and connection.