After a long hiatus, one of the Coast’s most beloved community events is making a highly anticipated comeback.
Organised by the Buderim Lions Club, the Buderim Street Party will return on Saturday, August 16, in a new format aimed at improving accessibility and community engagement.
The event also coincides with a significant leadership change within the club, with its first female president being elected.
The event will run from 5-9pm and feature live music, family-friendly entertainment, local food vendors and community showcases across Main Street and the Buderim Mountain State School oval.
The popular event was last held before the Covid pandemic, with operations manager and Lions member Jaybin Forrest saying bringing it back had required considerable planning and adaptation.
“Post-Covid, the task of staging this event became much more complex, particularly with increased security requirements,” Mr Forrest said.
“But the local appetite for its return was clear, so we formed a dedicated team to make it happen.”
This year’s event has been relocated from Burnett Street to Main Street, directly adjacent to the school oval, in an effort to minimise disruption to local businesses and residents.
“We’ve had challenges with closing Burnett Street in the past,” Mr Forrest said.
“Shifting the event to Main Street and extending activities into the oval allows for better crowd flow and more space for attractions.”
The 2025 program includes two main sound stages, live buskers, roaming entertainers and a dedicated eat street precinct featuring local food stalls.
A standout addition this year will be pyrotechnic flame projectors set up around the oval to light up the night sky.
The event also aligns with the 150th anniversary of Buderim Mountain State School, which will be recognised as part of the evening’s festivities.
Interest in the event’s revival has been strong.
“The community response has been overwhelmingly positive,” Mr Forrest said.
“Everyone we speak to is eager to see the street party return.”
Main Street will be closed to traffic between Gloucester and Ballinger roads from 4-9.30pm, with resident access maintained. The Middy’s Shopping Complex car park will operate at 50 per cent capacity from midday on August 16 with advance signage in place from the previous day.
Meanwhile, Karen Chellingworth has been appointed as the first female president in Buderim Lions Club’s 58-year history.
Traditionally a male-only organisation, Lions clubs began integrating female members in recent decades.
Ms Chellingworth’s appointment marks a shift in leadership culture that the local chapter has embraced.
“Karen’s focus is on expanding the club’s profile, attracting younger members and continuing the Lions’ mission of community service,” Mr Forrest said.
“Her leadership comes at a pivotal time.”
Organisers hope the street party will become an annual event once again.
“We want to build on the momentum of this year and bring it back every year,” Mr Forrest said.
“It’s an opportunity for local groups, families and businesses to come together in a way that truly reflects the spirit of Buderim.”
