During the year, the Mackay region comes alive with a diverse assortment of special events and occasions. There are competitions, exhibitions, festivals and shows ready to tempt any visitor into a great day of entertainment. If planning a trip to the magnificent Mackay area, make sure to find out if there are any special events being held that coincide with the visit.

Visitors are invited to enjoy any one of the four main sporting competitions held in Mackay. These include the Queensland Mud Trials, Grasstree Beach Motorbike Races, Southport to Mackay Blue Water Classic Yacht Race and a Paragliding and Hang Gliding Competition. Along with the competition, an array of amusing entertainment can usually be found nearby too.

Other excellent events to attend are local exhibitions. Known for there high standards and quality, exhibitions annually held in Mackay include the Dysart Arts and Craft Exhibition, the Artists and Arts Exhibition and the Queensland Mining and Engineering Exhibition.

Mackay festivals are another fantastic form of entertainment. Major regional festivals include the Wintermoon Festival (a musical extravaganza), the Sarina Country Music Festival, Discover Sarina Festival, the Mackay Festival of Arts (eleven day art phenomenon) and the Clermont Goldfest. Each festival showcases talent from all over the country, or provides a memorable Mackay heritage experience.

Lastly, the Mackay region is renowned for its marvellous shows. There is the Clermont Show, Pioneer Valley Agricultural Show, Mackay Regional Show, Sarina Annual Show and also the Clermont Anglican Flower Show. While travelling in Mackay, stopover at an Information Centre and attain an events calendar to find out if there are any competitions, exhibitions, festivals or shows taking place. A tonne of enjoyment can be had at any one of the fascinating Mackay events.