What’s On in Emerald
Events, festivals, and things to do in the Central Highlands, Queensland
EMERALD EVENTS CALENDAR
58 reasons to visit Emerald, QLD
From rodeos and race days to gemstone festivals and art exhibitions — there’s always something happening in the Central Highlands. Whether you’re travelling for sport, business or family fun, plan your next trip around one of these Emerald events and make the most of your stay at Emerald Inn.
ANZAC Day March and Service
Honour our fallen servicemen and women at Emerald’s dawn service and march
Emerald Australia Day Celebrations
Community gathering celebrating Australia Day in the Central Highlands
Remembrance Day Service
Pay respects to our military personnel at Emerald’s memorial service
Emerald New Year’s Eve Events
Celebrate the arrival of the new year in Emerald, QLD
Emerald Dog Obedience Shows
Canine competition and obedience events in the Central Highlands
Emerald Lions & Rotary Community Events
Community service organisation events supporting Emerald and surrounds
Tieri & Middlemount Community Events
Regional community gatherings in nearby Tieri and Middlemount
CWA State & Regional Conference
Country Women’s Association conference in the Central Highlands
Emerald Christmas Carnival & Lights
Festive celebrations and holiday entertainment for the whole family
Capella Pioneer Festival
Celebrate the Central Highlands’ pioneering heritage in nearby Capella
Central Highlands Cotton Carnival
Celebrate the cotton growing season in Queensland’s Central Highlands
Clermont Gold and Coal Festival
Celebrate mining heritage and culture in nearby Clermont
Gemfest Rubyvale Sapphire
Australia’s largest gemstone festival in the Sapphire Gemfields near Emerald
Sunflower Festival Emerald
Celebrate the beauty of sunflower season in Emerald, Queensland
Emerald Agricultural Show
Rural heritage, livestock and agricultural displays at the Emerald Showgrounds
Blackwater Mine Workers Cup
Community horse racing event in nearby Blackwater
Emerald Race Days
Thoroughbred racing and entertainment at the Emerald Jockey Club
Emerald Rodeo
Exciting rodeo competitions and outback entertainment in Emerald
Springsure Rodeo
Western rodeo action in nearby Springsure, Central Highlands
Emerald Campdraft
Traditional cattle drafting competition in the Central Highlands
Central Highlands Netball Carnival
Regional netball competition drawing teams across Queensland
Central Highlands Polocrosse Carnival
Regional polocrosse competition in the Central Highlands
Central Highlands Rugby League Round
Regional rugby league matches in Emerald, Queensland
Emerald Junior Rugby League Carnival
Youth rugby league competition in the Central Highlands region
Emerald Basketball Carnival
Regional basketball competition at Emerald’s indoor courts
Emerald Bowls Carnival
Community lawn bowls competition at the Emerald Bowls Club
Emerald Cricket Carnival
Regional cricket competition in the Central Highlands
Emerald Soccer Carnival
Community soccer tournament held in Emerald, QLD
Emerald Touch Football Carnival
Community touch football competition in the Central Highlands
Emerald Tennis Tournament
Regional tennis competition at Emerald Tennis Club
Emerald Golf Open Tournament
Championship golf tournament at the Emerald Golf Club
Emerald Swim Carnival Schools
Regional school swimming competition at the Emerald Aquatic Centre
Emerald Triathlon & Fun Run Events
Multi-sport and running events across the Central Highlands
CQ Go Kart Championships
Central Queensland go-kart racing championships in Emerald
Emerald Speedway Events
Motor racing and speedway competitions at the Emerald Speedway
Emerald Motocross & Dirt Bike Events
Dirt bike and motocross competitions in the Central Highlands
Emerald BMX Club Events
BMX racing and freestyle events at the Emerald BMX track
Fairbairn Dam Fishing Competition
Freshwater fishing competition at Fairbairn Dam near Emerald
Lake Maraboon Fishing Classic
Fishing competition at scenic Lake Maraboon, Central Highlands
Emerald Pony Club Events
Equestrian events for youth riders in the Central Highlands
Emerald Scouts & Guides Events
Youth scouting and guiding activities in the Emerald region
Emerald Little Athletics
Youth athletics program and events at Emerald’s athletics track
School Holiday Activity Programs
School holiday entertainment and activities across Emerald
Emerald TAFE & CQU Graduation
Graduation ceremonies at CQUniversity and TAFE Queensland Emerald
Central Highlands Education Conferences
Educational professional development conferences in Emerald
Emerald Hospital & Health Conferences
Healthcare industry conferences at Emerald Hospital
Central Highlands Business Awards
Business excellence and awards ceremony recognising local achievement
Central Highlands Charity Gala Events
Fundraising and charitable galas supporting the Emerald community
Mining Industry Conferences
Mining and resource sector conferences in Queensland’s coal capital
CHRC Community Days
Central Highlands Regional Council community engagement events
Emerald Theatre Company Productions
Live theatre and stage performances at the Emerald Town Hall
Emerald Live Music & Pub Circuit
Live music performances across Emerald’s pubs and venues
Emerald Art Gallery Exhibitions
Art exhibitions and cultural showcases at the Emerald Art Gallery
Central Highlands Eisteddfod
Performing arts competition and showcase in the Central Highlands
Emerald Markets
Monthly and seasonal community markets in Emerald, QLD
Emerald Caravan & Camping Rally
Outdoor camping and caravanning rally in the Central Highlands
Emerald Airport Open Day & Fly-In
Aviation showcase and fly-in event at Emerald Airport
Emerald Aquatic Centre Events
Water sports and aquatic activities at the Emerald Aquatic Centre
Emerald Events & Things to Do in the Central Highlands
Emerald is the heart of Queensland’s Central Highlands, offering a packed calendar of events throughout the year. Located on the Capricorn Highway between Rockhampton and Longreach, Emerald is the gateway to the Sapphire Gemfields, Fairbairn Dam and Lake Maraboon — making it the perfect base for exploring the region. From the iconic Gemfest at Rubyvale and the Sunflower Festival to weekly race days, rodeos and sporting carnivals, there’s always a reason to visit. Business travellers will find regular mining industry conferences and health sector events, while families can enjoy school holiday programs, pony club days and community festivals. Book your stay at Emerald Inn — modern self-contained apartments just minutes from all major venues on Esmond Street in the centre of town.
Attending an event in Emerald?
Book your stay at Emerald Inn — modern self-contained apartments just minutes from all major venues in the Central Highlands.
