Ecofest

Gladstone Regional Council (GRC) is calling on market stalls and businesses to be involved in the upcoming Ecofest event.

Ecofest aims to encourage and empower every one of us to make a change towards living greener and more sustainably, as well as making choices to take care of and restore the planet.

Food vendor applications closed at 9am Thursday, 5 March 2026.

All other applications must be received by 9am Monday, 27 April 2026, to be considered.

All applicants will be contacted by Friday, 1 May 2026 close of business.

Submission of an application does not automatically guarantee a site at this community event.

Businesses, Industry, Market Stalls and Not-for-Profit Organisations

Please contact the Community Events team at communityevents@gladstone.qld.gov.au or (07) 4972 2822 for any additional information or inquiries.

Formidable Vegetable

High-energy, permaculture-inspired musicians presenting three free sessions: 

• Live band performances 
• Zero Waste Permaculture Workshop 
• Zero Waste Beatbox presentation exploring creative approaches to sustainability.

Seams Together 

Free interactive performances inside a colourful pop-up tent made from upcycled fabrics. 

Two eccentric seamstresses invite audiences to learn simple sewing and repair skills through comedy, storytelling and hands-on activities. 

• 22 seats per session, first come, first seated 
• Additional space for spectators. 

Lost Traditions 

Free hands-on workshops celebrating traditional skills: 

• Yoghurt making 
• Kombucha brewing 
• Sourdough starter and baking demonstration. 

Sessions are limited to 12–15 participants, first come, first seated, with additional space to watch. 

Ethical Art by Christine Holden 

Christine transforms discarded and found materials into striking large-scale sculptures, prompting reflection on our impact on the natural world, particularly marine environments. 

Christine will also host two public weaving workshops where participants can come and go, explore creative reuse and contribute to collaborative artworks. 

Plus 

• Live music 
• Local artist weaving workshop 
• Prize draws.

At the forefront of delivering Ecofest is our commitment to accessibility and inclusivity, ensuring every member of our community finds a welcoming space to enjoy and participate in this event. Ecofest provides places, spaces and services that are inclusive and accessible for our entire community to enjoy.

Parking is available at two main locations for Ecofest. Visitors travelling from Kirkwood Road and Glen Eden are encouraged to use the Industry Car Park, while visitors coming from Gladstone can park at the Meteors Soccer Fields. 

A Drop and Go zone will be available in the Industry Car Park for quick passenger drop-off. 

For accessible parking, please enter via the Tondoon Botanic Gardens main. Parking attendants will assist with accessible drop-off and disability permit parking. 

Free buses will be running throughout the day, schedule will be posted closer to the event.

Tables and chairs will be provided in the main food area, and guests are also welcome to bring their own chair or picnic blanket if they would prefer to sit on the grass and enjoy the gardens.

• No BYO alcohol 
• No glass permitted 
• A selection of 15 food and beverage vendors will be operating onsite 
• The Junction Café will also be open 
• Hydration Water Station on site 
• Food vendors, Stallholders and the community are encouraged to not use or provide single-use plastics. Remember to bring your own water bottles, reusable coffee cups and shopping bags on the day! 

Food options available 

*Subject to change without notice* 

Q: Are animals permitted in the event? 

A: No animals are allowed in the event site. Service dogs are accepted on a case-by-case basis. 

Q: Are there amenities onsite? 

A: The venue has existing public amenities with 4 additional portable toilets onsite – including one disability toilet. 

Q: Will First Aid facilities be available? 

A: Yes, First Aid on site will be on site during the event.  

Q: Where can I go to collect lost property? 

A: Lost property will be retained at the Information Marquee and then GECC for 48hrs after the event.  

Q: Can I smoke inside the venue/event site? 

A: No. Smoking is not permitted at any GRC event. Please exit the event site if you wish to smoke.  

Q: Is there a venue closure? 

A: Venue will be open as normal, except: 

• Closed to the public from 7am-9am on event day 
• Parking restrictions inside Tondoon Botanic Gardens all day

Garden closure 

Restrictions will be in place in the Gardens from Friday 1 June to Sunday 7 June.

The Gladstone Tondoon Botanic Gardens will be closed to the public 7am-9am for the event set up on Sunday 7 June 2026.