Sunshine Coast pet owners have a unique event to add to their calendars this September. The annual Big Love Festival is taking inclusivity to a whole new level by inviting visitors to bring their four-legged family members along for a special daily animal blessing.
Held at the peaceful Chenrezig Institute in Eudlo—nestled in the Sunshine Coast hinterland about an hour’s drive north of Brisbane and 45 minutes south of Noosa—the three-day community celebration running from Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September 2026 offers a vibrant blend of Tibetan culture, live music, delicious vegetarian world cuisine, family activities, and hands-on creative workshops.
A Welcoming Spirit for Pets & People
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| Visitors exploring the colourful Tibetan prayer wheels at Chenrezig Institute during the Big Love Festival. Photo by Vivian Gasperotto. |
According to Chenrezig Institute Director Calvin Yu, the daily animal blessing reflects the festival’s core spirit of compassion and the belief that every family member—whether two-legged or four-legged—deserves to feel welcome.
“Big Love Festival is for everyone, whether they come with children, friends, grandparents or their much-loved pets,” Mr Yu said.
“The animal blessing is a joyful expression of compassion for all living beings and gives visitors an experience they are unlikely to find at another festival.” — Calvin Yu, Chenrezig Institute
Festival Highlights
- ☑️ Daily Animal Blessings: Bring your dog along to receive a special blessing of compassion from the monks.
- ☑️ Live Music & Culture: Enjoy performances by Tenzin Choegyal, Andrea Kirwin, and Josh Lovegrove, alongside Tibetan dance and the powerful Lion’s Roar chanting by Gyumed Tantric Monastery monks.
- ☑️ Art & Wellness: Watch an intricate Sand Mandala take shape, take part in interactive art, or unwind with yoga, meditation, and breathwork sessions.
- ☑️ Food & Ethical Markets: Indulge in vegetarian world cuisine, fresh chai, and explore ethical market stalls.
- ☑️ Family-Friendly Fun: Features a dedicated Dharma Kids Zone (ages 5–13), with free entry for everyone under 18.
Event Details & Tickets
No prior knowledge of Buddhism or meditation is needed—visitors are encouraged to simply come enjoy the music, sample the food, or bring their dog for a blessing. Organisers have also reduced ticket prices this year to help with cost-of-living pressures:
- When: Friday 11 – Sunday 13 September 2026
- Where: Chenrezig Institute, 33 Monks Rd, Eudlo QLD (approx. 1 hour north of Brisbane / 45 mins south of Noosa)
- Day Pass: $50 (Includes 1 meal)
- 3-Day Pass: $125 (Includes 3 meals)
- Kids & Teens (Under 18): FREE
To grab tickets or view the full program schedule, visit: Chenrezig Institute Big Love Festival.
