SWF (Summer Weekend Festival) Seeks LTR with Landowner
Stubborn, playful, and a little loud. I’m just a SWF looking for a special someone with room to stretch out, soak up some sun, and dance like nobody’s watching. Must enjoy crowds, camping, and a sense of belonging so deep you’ll never want to leave. Exclusive relationships? Not my bag. Everybody’s welcome. Will a busload of my favourite friends show up unannounced? Absolutely. Expect it, in fact. You bring the field—I’ll bring the vibes. Serious collaborators only—no casual hookups…this time.
When I heard Rogue Fest wouldn’t be happening last year, I didn’t ask questions. I shrugged — disappointed, but assuming, “I guess they didn’t want to do it anymore.” That couldn’t be further from the truth.
Rogue does want to continue. It just needs a place to do it.
I sat with Arwen MacDonald, founder of Rogue Arts Festival, over afternoon beverages at the Gumboot Cafe. When she moved to the Sunshine Coast in 2009, it blew her mind that something like Rogue didn’t already exist.
So she built it — but not alone. The founding vibe?
“I’m thinking of doing this. You in?”
“F— yeah, let’s do this.”
And just like that, Rogue was born.
Since its debut in 2016, hundreds — if not thousands — of people have engaged with Rogue in some way. Including, I suspect, many behind the eyes that are reading this column right now. If you’ve ever danced in the rain, made soup for strangers, or just stumbled into a hug at the libation station — you’re part of it too. Rogue’s mission is simple but powerful: to increase the wellbeing of the Sunshine Coast through the arts. And if that mission resonates with you, now’s the time to step in.
This sassy SWF named Rogue is looking for you to hook her up. Know any single landowners? With a wink and a cock of one hip, this Rogue Arts Fest flashes a smile and beckons you to make the introduction.
What Rogue needs (aka the Dream Date Requirements) —
Land. Enough for a stage, parking, and camping — around three acres.
Sound-friendly zoning. Let’s just say, Rogue doesn’t whisper.
Proximity to a bus stop. Within a five-minute walk to ensure accessibility.
Rogue runs on radical inclusion. That’s why camping’s essential, and why a nearby bus stop isn’t just a perk — it’s the point.
Fresh out of fields? You can still be part of the mission:
Suggest leads for possible locations.
Donate money — Rogue lost its only revenue event but still pays artists.
Convince your rich uncle to buy a field near a bus stop.
Offer help — especially with fundraising or social media.
Contact Arwen at: [email protected].
And if you, like me, are landless and low on time but rich in Rogue memories — send them my way. I’ll share your stories throughout the year, one weird and wonderful tale at a time.
While Rogue looks for a field to call home, the Coast keeps on going. Here’s what’s on this week:
• Stay Rogue! Saturday, June 14 at 5 p.m.
Bring your DIY, homemade instruments to the Prancing Pony for an improvised live music jam on. No instrument? No problem! You’re still welcome to come join the fun.
• Sangha by the Sea: A Day of Mindfulness, Sunday, June 22
Join for a full day of peace and contemplation in a beautiful open-air forest temple. Participation is by donation. To learn more or RSVP, visit the contact page at sanghabythesea.org
• Pottery Prowl. Saturday and Sunday, July 5 and 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This self-guided studio tour stretches from Langdale to Earls Cove, with 18 studios and 21 potters taking part. Meet the artists, learn about their methods, and maybe even take home a piece or two. Several potters on the tour are right here in Roberts Creek.
More info: linktr.ee/potteryprowl
