Get ready for storm season at Food n Groove Fridays
Published on 09 September 2026
The Fraser Coast's much-loved twilight event, Food n Groove Fridays, is set to return this October with two special Get Ready Queensland editions, combining live entertainment, great food, local markets and important disaster preparedness information.
The free community events will be held at Seafront Oval, Hervey Bay, on Friday 9 October 2026 and at The Brolga Theatre Riverstage, Maryborough, on Friday 30 October 2026, with both events running from 4pm to 9pm.
Get Ready Queensland is a State Government initiative designed to help Queenslanders prepare for summer and extreme weather events. Attendees at Food n Groove will have the opportunity to meet local emergency services personnel, learn about emergency preparedness, explore emergency vehicles and equipment, and pick up practical tips to help protect their families and properties.
Fraser Coast Mayor and Local Disaster Management Group Chair George Seymour said the events are a timely reminder for residents to ensure they are ready for the summer storm and bushfire seasons.
“Severe weather can happen quickly, so taking a few simple steps now can make a big difference when it matters,” he said.
“Knowing your risk, making a household emergency plan and packing an emergency kit are simple things we can all do to be better prepared.”
Member for Hervey Bay David Lee said the Fraser Coast community are no strangers to severe weather, and the more people can do to protect themselves and homes before a disaster, the better.
“Each October we promote Get Ready Queensland Week, and this year Queenslanders are being asked to think about how severe weather can impact their lives and what they can do to prepare in advance.”
Member for Maryborough John Barounis said Get Ready Queensland Week serves as a vital reminder for all Queenslanders to take a few simple actions to get prepared.
“Get Ready Food n Groove is a great opportunity to meet the emergency services and crews who support our community, see their equipment up close and pick up practical tips, while enjoying a great night out with family and friends.”
Both events will feature demonstrations and displays from local emergency and support services including Queensland Police, Queensland Fire and Rescue, Rural Fire Service Queensland, SES, and Ergon Energy.
Alongside the important preparedness messaging, visitors can enjoy an evening of live music, street food, market stalls and a licensed bar in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.
Hervey Bay Get Ready Line-up (Seafront Oval, 9 October)
- 4:00pm – Emma Newman
- 5:15pm – Fool’s Errand
- 7:15pm – Dance Floor Confessions
Maryborough Get Ready Line-up (Brolga Theatre Riverstage, 30 October)
- 4:00pm – Frank Benn
- 5:15pm – Smooth Velvet
- 7:15pm – Bad Attitude
Food n Groove Fridays continues to provide locals and visitors with the perfect way to finish the week, offering a unique blend of entertainment, food, markets and community connection under the stars.
Save the Dates!
- Friday, 9 October 2026 – 4pm to 9pm, Seafront Oval, Hervey Bay
- Friday, 30 October 2026 – 4pm to 9pm, The Brolga Theatre Riverstage, Maryborough
Things to remember:
- Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
- No BYO alcohol, a licensed bar is available on site.
- Please leave pets at home (assistance animals exempt).
- Bring your own chairs and picnic rugs. Personal shade structures are not permitted.
- No ATM available, most vendors have EFTPOS.
For more information on the events, visit @fngfridays on Facebook.
Supported by the Queensland Government’s Get Ready Queensland program. For more information, visit getready.qld.gov.au