Thankfully, we’ve made it through that frosty cold snap, and clear blue skies are back on the horizon—just the way we Gold Coasters like it. If you’re anything like us at Urban List, these glorious days and crisp, pink sunsets are calling for a weekend beyond the four walls.
And with a lineup like this, there’s absolutely no reason to stay in. Whether you’re spoiling your doggo at a huge dog market, checking out a sustainable eco-festival or taking the fam to a multicultural sunset festival, we’ve rounded up the best things to do on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country this weekend.
Between scouring our magnificent stretch of sand and city for your next best eats and drinks, we just might catch you out there.
Jump to each section:
What's On Saturday
What's On Sunday
What's On All Weekend
What's Coming Up
What's On Saturday 2 August
Spoil Your Doggo At This Huge Dog Market In Mudgeeraba
Image Credit: Paws at the Park | Supplied
Pup parents, mark your calendars—Queensland’s 'Best Doggie Day Out' (as voted by you), Paws at the Park, is turning 10 years old on Saturday 2 August and it’s set to be a tail-wagging good time. Held at the Mudgeeraba Showgrounds, this special birthday event brings together 100+ pup-centric stalls, live music, food trucks, competitions, and plenty of four-legged fun.
Whether your pooch is into off-leash adventures (yes, there are dedicated play areas for big and small dogs), gourmet treats, or strutting their stuff in doggie comps, there’s something for every kind of canine.
To celebrate a decade of doggy fun, this year brings a brand-new Golden Paws Giveaway; a treasure hunt where attendees can sniff out incredible prizes including a year of free vet visits from Pet Wellness Centre and more. Plus, it’s all for a good cause; Paws at the Park supports Animal Welfare League QLD and has already raised over $75K for the incredible charity.
Where: Mudgeeraba Showgrounds, Gold Coast
When: Saturday 2 August, from 9am to 2pm
Cost: Free entry, $5 parking donation
More details here.
Round Up The Fam For The Gold Coast Multicultural Sunset Festival
The Gold Coast Multicultural Sunset Festival is back this Saturday 2 August; this time, with a fresh new glow. For the first time ever, the festival will unfold at golden hour, bringing together community, culture and colour from 4pm to 8pm at Broadwater Parklands.
Expect a feast for the senses with multicultural food stalls, live performances, arts and crafts, market stalls, kids’ activities and much more. It’s free to attend, so bring the whole family and soak up the vibrant cultural vibes.
Where: Broadwater Parklands, Southport
When: Saturday 2 August, 4pm to 8pm
Cost: Free entry
More details here.
Soak Up Sunshine At This Tweed Picnic In The Park
Pack your picnic rug and head to Jack Evans Boat Harbour for a cruisy day in the sun on Saturday 2 August. From 9am, this winter community picnic brings together all the good stuff—live music, local markets, food trucks, kids activities and breezy water views.
Wander the market stalls, let the kids loose on the playground and jumping castle, and graze your way through a tasty lineup of food trucks. Whether you’re stopping by for a snack or settling in for the day, it’s the perfect excuse to relax by the water.
Where: Jack Evans Boat Harbour, Tweed Heads
When: Saturday 2 August, from 9am
Cost: Free entry
More details here.
Score Pre-Loved Outdoor Gear At This Buy, Swap And Sell Expo
If your gear cupboard is overflowing or you're on the lookout for your next adventure essential, this one’s for you. The Wild Earth Buy, Swap & Sell Outdoor Expo is hitting Burleigh this Saturday 2 August, and it’s your chance to score some serious second-hand outdoor gear, from hiking boots and backpacks to tents, sleeping bags, and more.
Whether you're selling your once-loved items or on the hunt for a new trail-ready setup, there’s something for every level of outdoor lover. While you browse, fuel up with a free snag courtesy of the Mudgeeraba Girl Guides and a hot coffee to kick off your morning. Note: Wild Earth is not the seller or retailer for this event.
Where: Wild Earth Burleigh, 25 Central Drive, Burleigh Heads
When: Saturday 2 August, 8am–12pm
Cost: Free, but registration is required. Sellers must register in advance
More details here.
Support The Gold Coast SUNS At Their Home Showdown With Richmond
The Gold Coast Suns are set to light up People First Stadium when they go head-to-head with Richmond this Saturday 2 August. Kick-off is at 4:10pm, but you’ll want to be there when gates open at 2:15pm to soak up the pre-game energy. Round up your crew, don your red, gold and blue, and get ready to roar for the SUNS as they bring the heat.
Where: People First Stadium, Gold Coast
When: Saturday 2 August, gates open 2:15pm, kick-off 4:10pm
Cost: Tickets via Ticketek
More details here.
What's On Sunday 3 August
Live Samba And Brazilian Beats Are Coming To Miami Marketta
Comunidade do Samba is bringing its electric Gold Coast debut to Miami Marketta on Sunday 3 August, and it’s set to be a full-blown celebration of Brazilian culture. Expect a high-energy night of live samba, Brazilian drumming, DJs spinning, art, dancing, and non-stop good vibes.
There’ll be surprises throughout the night, plus Miami Marketta’s legendary food and drink lineup with a Brazilian twist. Kids under 12 get in free, so bring the whole crew and get ready for a seriously fun Sunday.
Where: Miami Marketta, 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
When: Sunday 3 August, 4pm – 10pm
Cost: Tickets $30 online or $35 at the door (kids under 12 free)
More details here.
What's On All Weekend
Check Out All Things Sustainable At Botanical Bazaar's 10 Year Festival
Celebrate 10 years of all things eco at Botanical Bazaar, happening this Saturday and Sunday at the Nerang Country Paradise Parklands. Dive into a buzzing weekend packed with 100+ eco exhibitors, 24 presentations from celebrity gardeners and speakers, live music, 28 hands-on workshops, and guided garden walks.
Get inspired by experts sharing tips on tiny homes, bushfoods, composting, solar power, self-sufficiency, and of course, plants galore. Plus enjoy food trucks, a botantic art competition, a kids’ hub, and plenty of good vibes for the whole family.
Where: 231 Beaudesert Nerang Rd, Country Paradise Parklands, Nerang
When: Saturday 2 August (9am to 4pm) and Sunday 3 August (9am to 3pm)
Cost: Prices vary; up to $25 for a weekend pass
More details and tickets here.
A Women's Health Wellness Retreat Is Landing At JW Marriott
Wellness girlies, this one’s for you. If you’ve been craving a luxe reset with a side of Pilates, spa treatments and expert-led women’s health sessions, the Female Physio Co. Wellness Retreat is calling your name.
Running from Friday 1 to Sunday 3 August at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, this three-day holistic retreat is designed to support women at every stage of life. Think breathwork, floating sound healing, longevity nutrition workshops, personalised spa treatments (hello buccal facials and lymphatic drainage massage), Pilates on the terrace, myth-busting Q&As and so much more. Led by Women’s Health Physio Sarah Percy, the program blends fitness, education and total relaxation—plus you’ll be dining on chef-designed, nutrient-rich meals, including a dinner at Citrique.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa
When: Friday 1 to Sunday 3 August
Cost: From $1,199 per person (includes accommodation, meals, workshops, spa treatment + more)
More details here.
Cosy Up At Coomera Lodge's Pop-Up Igloo Winter Wonderland
Image Credit: Coomera Lodge | Supplied
Northern Gold Coasters, this one's for you—your dream of sipping wine in your own private bubble can become a reality. Coomera Lodge has brought back its much-loved cosy winter igloos for another year, and it’s a welcome win for the northern Gold Coast finally getting in on the cool-season action.
Currently running throughout winter until September, the riverside spot has transformed into a full-blown winter wonderland with cosy igloos perfect for your next hang with friends or date night. Each heated igloo comes with full table service, so you can kick back and enjoy Coomera Lodge’s full a la carte menu without ever having to leave your cocoon. There's no cost to book the igloos but bookings are essential and weekends fill fast, so round up the crew and lock in your winter hangout. More details here.
Browse The Gold Coast’s Best Markets
Sunshine, shopping, and some of the Gold Coast’s best bites—markets on our sun-kissed coastline continue to bring the vibes. Whether you're after vintage threads, local produce, live music or artisanal goods, there’s something for absolutely everyone. Check out our ultimate Gold Coast markets guide for the full wrap-up on where to go and what to eat. Happy strolling.
What's Coming Up
Ken Done Is Painting HOTA In Colour This Spring With A Vibrant New Exhibition
Image Credit: Ken Done | Supplied
Australia’s king of colour, Ken Done, is bringing his unmistakable style to HOTA with a bold new exhibition that’s bursting with joy, nostalgia and serious creative freedom. Ken Done: No Rules will take over HOTA Gallery from 13 September to 15 February 2026, showcasing his unmistakably Australian works from the ‘80s through to now, including exclusive pieces from his own collection.
Visitors can also enjoy a captivating animation of a selection of Done’s iconic paintings, offering a new and immersive way to experience his vibrant universe. In a celebration of art, fashion and collaboration, the exhibition also features a selection of dazzling garments from 'Done Zone', the 2023 collaborative collection between Ken Done and Australian fashion label 'Romance Was Born'.
When: Saturday 13 September to Sunday 15 February, 2026
Where: Gallery 1, HOTA
Cost: Ticket prices vary; up to $21
More details here.
Currumbin Crime Writers Festival Is Bringing Killer Stories To The Southern Gold Coast
Crime buffs and book lovers, this one’s for you. This August, the inaugural Currumbin Crime Writers Festival is bringing two days of storytelling, author talks and insider literary intel to the Southern Gold Coast.
From Friday 15 to Saturday 16 August, the festival will take over Currumbin with a stacked lineup of bestselling crime authors, true crime writers, publishers and agents. Expect Q&As, panels, writing workshops, signings, and a rare opportunity to get feedback on your own novel from some of the industry’s biggest names.
Catch appearances from the likes of Fiona McIntosh, JP Pomare, Dinuka McKenzie and Dr Caroline Graham, plus Rebecca Saunders (Head of Fiction at Hachette Australia), who’ll be part of an exclusive 'Industry Insights' panel and manuscript feedback session.
Where: Kinship Cafe, 766 Pacific Parade, Currumbin
When: Friday 15 to Saturday 16 August
More details and tickets here.
Sip, Dance And Celebrate The Cane Harvest At Husk’s Epic Annual Rum Festival
Image Credit: Husk Farm Distillery | Supplied
Sugarcane season is calling—Husk Rum Harvest Fest is back and set to light up the paddocks of Tumbulgum on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August. Hosted by Husk Farm Distillery, this once-a-year celebration marks the sugarcane harvest with a weekend full of live music, fresh cane juice cocktails, rum tastings, smoked feasts, and seriously good vibes.
Saturday brings the full festival energy with live blues bands, free rum masterclasses, cane juicing demos, the iconic Sugarcane Javelin comp, and the always-epic Cowboy Catwalk. Sunday is Community Day, perfect for families and chill seekers alike, with acoustic tunes, the Husk Mini Olympics, and plenty of green space to stretch out. Tickets are just $15 to $20 and include a welcome cocktail, tastings, and masterclass access, plys kids under 18 go free. Grab your crew and get in early, this one always sells out.
When: Saturday 23 to Sunday 24 August
Where: Husk Farm Distillery
Cost: Tickets from $15
More details here.
Looking for more? Check out:
- Hit up some of the Gold Coast’s best restaurants.
- Book the ultimate staycay at the Gold Coast’s best accommodation.
- Catch up on the Gold Coast food news you missed.
Not enough? Check out 50 free (or cheap) things to do on the Gold Coast.
Main image Credit: Burleigh Festival | Supplied
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