FEATURE - Blessings and Big Love!

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A daily pet blessing, free entry for people under 18, a dedicated Kids Zone and meals included with every ticket are among the experiences awaiting visitors at the three-day Big Love Festival 2026, held at Chenrezig Institute in Eudlo on the Sunshine Coast, from 11–13 September.

This annual festival will bring Tibetan culture together with contemporary live music, food, art, workshops and activities for the whole family in a 160 acres rainforest of the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

Festival-goers can hear the remarkable Lion’s Roar chanting of the Gyumed Tantric Monastery monks, watch the creation of an intricate Sand Mandala and enjoy performances by acclaimed musicians Tenzin Choegyal, Andrea Kirwin and Josh Lovegrove.

A dedicated Dharma Kids Zone will offer creative and mindful activities for children aged five to 13, while visitors can explore interactive art spaces, exhibitions, Tibetan music and dance workshops, and a range of talks and wellbeing sessions.

In one of the festival’s most distinctive experiences, visitors can also bring their pets to receive a daily animal blessing from the Chenrezig Institute Sangha.

Vegetarian dishes inspired by cuisines from around the world will be served throughout the weekend, alongside fresh chai and a curated selection of ethical market stalls. Every ticket includes one meal for each day of admission.

Chenrezig Institute Board Member Calvin Yu said the Big Love Festival was designed to give people of all ages and backgrounds an engaging introduction to Tibetan Buddhism culture.

“Big Love Festival is a welcoming place for people to experience the richness of Tibetan Buddhist culture alongside live music, food, art, family activities and opportunities to try something new,” Mr Yu said.

“Visitors don’t need any previous experience with Buddhism, meditation or yoga. They can build their own festival weekend - whether that means watching the monks create a Sand Mandala, enjoying live music, joining a workshop, exploring the markets or bringing the family pet along for a blessing.”

The music program will feature International acclaimed Tibetan musician Tenzin Choegyal, Australian singer-songwriter Andrea Kirwin and Brisbane singer, songwriter and live-looping artist Josh Lovegrove.

Topgyal and Tsering will lead traditional Tibetan music and dance workshops, with further opportunities to take part in creative workshops, yoga, meditation, breathwork, sound baths, talks and guided practices.

In recognition of cost-of-living pressures, organisers have reduced ticket prices compared with previous years - 18 and under can attend free, making the festival more accessible to families, while every ticket includes a meal for each day of admission.

The Big Love Festival offers people the chance to spend a weekend together, enjoy memorable performances and experiences, and discover something different here on the Sunshine Coast. The $125 three-day pass includes entry across all three days and three meals—one each day. A $50 day pass includes entry on the ticket holder’s choice of Friday, Saturday or Sunday, as well as one meal. Tickets are now on sale at chenrezig.com.au/biglovefestival.

The Monk with Huskies – image The Comms People

All other images - Vivian Gasperotto