A community gathering that began in Deception Bay has grown into a major Pasifika cultural event, with more than 20,000 people expected at Pine Rivers Showgrounds when the festival returns to Lawnton.
Pasifika Vibes Festival will run across Sunday 4 and Monday 5 October, bringing Pacific Island and Māori music, dance, food, markets, workshops and family activities to the showgrounds. The festival has brought Pasifika families and the wider Moreton Bay community together since 2011.
From Deception Bay Roots To Pine Rivers Crowds
Pasifika Families Inc. established the festival as a local gathering in Deception Bay before it grew into one of the larger Pasifika celebrations staged in Australia. The program draws on Polynesian, Melanesian and Micronesian cultures, combining traditional and contemporary performances with cultural demonstrations, food and handmade products.
Live bands, artists, DJs and cultural musicians will perform across the two days, while market stalls will feature clothing, jewellery, art, crafts, gifts and other cultural products. Workshops and demonstrations will include traditional skills such as weaving and carving, alongside children’s activities, community organisations and health and wellbeing services.
Food stalls will serve Pacific flavours alongside multicultural dishes and modern street food. Pasifika Families Inc. executive Filiga Cross said the festival was intended to give Pasifika families a welcoming place to share their stories, traditions and creativity while inviting the wider community to experience and learn more about the cultures represented.
Volunteers Remain At The Heart of The Festival
The annual non-profit event relies heavily on volunteers, with Pasifika Families Inc. describing volunteerism as central to the festival’s operation. Many members of the volunteer team contribute their time while also balancing full-time work.
Performers, stallholders, community groups, businesses and other supporters have also contributed to the festival over the years. Their involvement has helped the event grow from its Deception Bay beginnings into a large annual gathering at Lawnton.
The festival also creates space for different Pacific communities to share traditions, food, music, dance and cultural knowledge with one another and with people attending from outside those communities. City of Moreton Bay has supported the festival since its inception and is contributing $17,300 towards the 2026 event.
Two Days of Culture at Lawnton
Pasifika Vibes Festival will be held at Pine Rivers Showgrounds, 757 Gympie Road, Lawnton, with gates opening at 8:30am on both festival days. Entry starts at $5 per person, with children aged five and under admitted free. Family passes and two-day passes are also available for those planning to attend across the weekend.
Lawnton railway station is within walking distance of the showgrounds, while onsite and nearby parking options are available. Organisers have advised that additional event parking and shuttle services may also operate during the festival.
Published 28-September-2026
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