who we are & what we do
About us
Gladstone Festivals and Events is a non-profit organisation that, with the support of dedicated volunteers and a small team of staff, delivers some of the Gladstone region’s most beloved community events, including the Yaralla Gladstone Harbour Festival, CQ Beer + Cider Festival, and the Gladstone Ports Corporation’s Port to Park Fun Run.
With extensive experience in event planning and management, we specialise in creating high-quality events of all sizes. Our adaptability, strong communication, and established partnerships with reliable local vendors ensure professional and cost-effective results.
We take pride in bringing people together through well-executed events that celebrate the Gladstone community.
Need help planning your event?
Gladstone Festivals and Events can handle every aspect of your event, from theming and travel to accommodation and document management. Let us take the stress out of event planning and turn your concepts and visions into a seamless, successful reality. Contact us today to get started.
event
experts
since 1963
How we began
60+ years of community celebration
For over six decades, the Gladstone Harbour Festival has been a cherished celebration of community spirit, family fun, and live entertainment under sunny skies. This iconic event not only honours the Brisbane to Gladstone Yacht Race but also serves as the founding event of Gladstone Festivals & Events, laying the foundation for our commitment to bringing the community together through exceptional events.
The first yacht race, held in 1949, saw seven yachts sail the 309 nautical miles from Brisbane to Gladstone. In 1962, local plumber Douglas Norris recognised the need for a celebration to match the race's significance. After witnessing the start of the race in Brisbane and returning to familiar faces awaiting the yachts in Gladstone, Norris rallied the community to form a festival committee.
The inaugural one-day festival was held on Easter Monday in 1963, accompanied by a week of "Back to Gladstone" activities. Over time, the festival expanded into the vibrant long-weekend event it is today, remaining the heart of Gladstone’s community celebrations and a proud tradition of Gladstone Festivals & Events.
