There are surf contests, and then there's the Noosa Festival of Surfing. Since its first edition in 1992, this beloved Queensland event has grown into something far bigger than competition — it's a full celebration of surf culture, community, and creativity. And in 2026, as it turned 35, the festival delivered one of its most memorable editions yet.
Over 10 days at Noosa's iconic First Point, 403 competitors filled 515 division spots, with one in five travelling from overseas — including a strong contingent from the United States. Ages ranged from 8 to 81 years old, a testament to the festival's truly inclusive spirit. Between 38,000 and 42,000 people made the journey to Noosa, generating an estimated $6.5 million in economic impact for the region.
On the competition side, the program spanned everything from grassroots amateur divisions through to elite professional surfing, including the prestigious Noosa Longboard Pro WSL LQS1000 — a fitting centrepiece for a festival that's always put longboarding at its cultural core.
But competition was only part of the story.
Brixton and the Cultural Heartbeat of the Festival
Founded in 2004 in Oceanside, California, Brixton has spent two decades building a reputation rooted in music, surf, and creative culture. That alignment with Noosa's values made their involvement in this year's festival a natural fit.
Brixton elevated the entertainment program across all 10 days, curating a lineup of DJs, acoustic artists, and jazz bands that gave the festival grounds a constant buzz. The standout moment? The inaugural Piano on the Point — a sold-out performance that became one of the most-talked-about highlights of the entire event.
Beyond the music, Brixton supported and amplified more than 50 events across the Noosa region, spanning surf films, art exhibitions, conservation workshops, craftsmanship showcases, and live performances. It was exactly the kind of rich, layered programming that makes this festival so much more than a surf comp.
Looking Forward
The Noosa Festival of Surfing continues to lead the way in sustainability, with comprehensive initiatives measuring and reducing energy, waste, water use, and carbon impact. Education is also central to its mission — school engagement programs and on-site activations are designed to connect the next generation with surf culture and ocean stewardship.
Thirty-five years in, the festival shows no signs of slowing down. With partners like Brixton helping shape its cultural direction, the future looks as bright as a classic Noosa morning. We're proud to be part of it.
