Introduction
The South Moreton Bay Islands thrive on community engagement and vibrant events year-round. From weekly markets to seasonal festivals, cultural activities to sports competitions, the islands offer residents and visitors engaging activities that foster community spirit and celebrate island life.
📅 Weekly & Monthly Events
Community Markets
Russell Island Community Market
- When: Weekly (check local listings for current schedule)
- Where: Community centre/hall area
- Features: Fresh local produce, handmade crafts, baked goods, coffee, live music
- Vendors: Local artisans, growers, food stalls
Macleay Island Arts & Crafts Fair
- When: Monthly markets & seasonal fairs
- Where: Community venue or foreshore area
- Features: Island art, pottery, jewelry, local crafts, plants
Lamb Island Market & Food Stalls
- When: Seasonal community markets
- Features: Fresh produce, baked goods, community pop-ups near ferry
Sports Competitions
- Bowls Competitions: Weekly club bowls at Russell & Macleay bowls clubs
- Golf Tournaments: Regular competitions at Macleay Island Golf Club
- Fishing Competitions: Russell Island Sports Fishing Club events
- Cricket & Soccer: Seasonal leagues & social matches
School & Youth Events
- School fetes & fundraisers (Russell & Macleay Island State Schools)
- Sports carnivals & athletics days
- School concerts & graduation ceremonies
- Youth club activities & programs
🎉 Seasonal Festivals & Major Events
Annual Island Festival
SMBI Community Festival
- When: Annual event (typically spring/summer)
- Where: Rotating between islands or central venue
- Features:
- Live music & entertainment
- Local food vendors & island cuisine
- Arts & crafts market with island artisans
- Kids' activities, rides, face painting
- Community performances & cultural displays
- Exhibitions celebrating island heritage
Environmental & Conservation Events
- Island Clean-Up Days: Community beach & park clean-up events
- Tree Planting: Environmental restoration programs
- Wildlife Awareness: Birdwatching events, marine conservation talks
- Sustainability Workshops: Composting, water conservation, eco-living
Holiday Events
Christmas & New Year
- Island Christmas markets with festive goods
- Community carols & holiday concerts
- Club Christmas dinners (RSL, bowls clubs)
- New Year's Eve celebrations & fireworks
Easter
- Easter egg hunts for children
- Community gatherings & Easter lunches
- School holiday programs
ANZAC Day
- Dawn service at RSL clubs
- Community commemorations
- Two-up games & traditional activities
🎭 Arts & Culture Events
Gallery Exhibitions
- Macleay Island Galleries: Rotating art exhibitions featuring local & visiting artists
- Community Art Shows: Annual exhibitions at community centres
- Pottery & Crafts Displays: Handmade island artisan works
Performances & Entertainment
- Live Music: Regular gigs at clubs (RSL, bowls clubs)
- Community Theatre: Amateur theatre productions & performances
- School Concerts: Music, drama, dance performances by students
- Open Mic Nights: Community talent showcases
Workshops & Classes
- Art & painting workshops at community centres
- Pottery classes & craft sessions
- Photography walks & nature art
- Cultural heritage talks & presentations
🏛️ Community Hubs & Event Venues
Community Halls
- Russell Island Community Hall: Markets, workshops, meetings, celebrations
- Macleay Island Community Centre: Classes, exhibitions, social gatherings
- Lamb Island Pioneer Hall: Community events, heritage functions
Clubs & Social Venues
- Russell Island RSL Club: Entertainment nights, trivia, live music, community dinners
- Russell Island Bowls Club: Social bowls, bistro meals, events
- Club Macleay: Waterfront dining, entertainment, club events
- Macleay Island Golf Club: Golf tournaments, social functions, clubhouse events
Libraries
- Russell Island Library: Storytime, workshops, community programs, exhibitions
- Macleay Island Library: Book clubs, classes, community events
🚢 Travel & Access for Events
Ferry Services for Events
- Regular Services: Daily ferry + bus connections from Redland Bay Marina
- Special Event Services: Additional ferries for major festivals (check schedules)
- Booking: TransLink or Stradbroke Ferries
Parking & Ride-Share
- Car parks at Redland Bay Marina (short & long-term)
- Ride-share pickup zones for event attendees
- Shuttle services from clubs for community events
📢 Finding Out About Events
Event Information Sources
- Redland City Council: Official events calendar
- Local Facebook Groups: SMBI community groups, island-specific pages
- Community Noticeboards: At ferry terminals, shops, libraries
- Club Websites: RSL, bowls clubs, golf club event schedules
- School Newsletters: School fetes, concerts, community events
- The Bay Islands Hub: Check our events page
Community Organizations
- SMBI Chamber of Commerce: Business & community event coordination
- Progress Associations: Russell, Macleay, Lamb Island community advocacy & events
- Lions Club of Macleay Island: Charity events & fundraisers
- Bay Islands Community Services (BICS): Community programs & social events
🎪 Event Planning on the Islands
Hosting Your Own Event
Community halls and venues are available for private hire:
- Weddings & Celebrations: Community halls, club venues, beachfront locations
- Business Functions: Meeting rooms, conference spaces
- Markets & Fairs: Stall bookings at community markets
- Sports Events: Field & facility bookings through council
Venue Hire Contacts
- Redland City Council: Community hall bookings
- Club Macleay: Function room hire
- RSL Clubs: Event space & catering
- Community Centres: Workshop & meeting room hire
💡 Event Tips for Visitors
- ✅ Book ferry tickets in advance for major events (can sell out)
- ✅ Check weather forecasts (ferries may be affected by conditions)
- ✅ Arrive early for parking at Redland Bay Marina during peak times
- ✅ Bring cash for markets & small vendors (not all accept cards)
- ✅ Follow community event pages for last-minute updates
- ✅ Support local vendors & artists at markets
🔗 Related Resources
- The Bay Islands Events Listing
- Island Guides — Community & Culture
- Recreation & Sports Events
- Ferry & Transport Guide
📞 Event Contacts
- Redland City Council Events: redland.qld.gov.au/events
- TransLink (Ferry Services): translink.com.au
- Bay Islands Community Services: Local community programs & events
- SMBI Chamber of Commerce: Business & community networking events