With perfect autumn weather and a packed lineup of events, this weekend on the Gold Coast is all about good vibes, great food, and wholesome moments. Whether you're looking for family-friendly fun, live music under the stars, or a glamorous night out, there’s something for everyone.
From the boot scootin' beats of Luke Combs to the luxurious vibes of the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show, we’ve rounded up the best ways to make the most of your weekend. So grab your friends, family, or that special someone—it’s time to get out and explore.
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 24 May
Get Boot Scootin' At Hound & Stag's Luke Combs Tribute Show
Missed out on Luke Combs tickets? Don’t worry; The ultimate Luke Combs tribute show is rolling into the Gold Coast for one night only on Saturday 24 May at Hound & Stag Brewing Co in Arundel. Performed by Ross Webb & The Rusted Track, the high-energy tribute will belt out all the hits from Hurricane to The Kind of Love We Make. The fun kicks off with a line dancing session at 6pm, before the show starts at 8pm and rolls late into the night—boots and singalongs highly encouraged. More details here.
Sing Your Heart Out At This Ultimate Dolly Parton Tribute Show
Celebrate the queen of country at DOLLY: I Will Always Love You, a powerhouse tribute starring Brooke McMullen, live at The Star Gold Coast on Saturday 24 May from 8pm. With dazzling vocals, stunning costumes and a full live band, this high-energy show features all the classics—Jolene, 9 to 5 and more. Tickets range from $59 to $79 and promise an unforgettable night of sing-alongs, sequins, and all things Dolly. More details here.
What's On Sunday 25 May
Help Raise Vital Funds For Animals In Need At The Final RSPCA Million Paws Walk
Grab the leash and bring your furry friend along for the final RSPCA Million Paws Walk, taking place this Sunday morning from 8:30am to 1pm at Fisherman's Lawn at Broadwater Parklands in Southport. Expect a wholesome morning of shoreline strolls, tasty food trucks, market stalls, live entertainment, and plenty of games and competitions for both pups and their humans. With adult tickets from $15 and children from $9, it’s your last chance to be part of this iconic event and support the RSPCA’s vital work for animals in need. More details here.
Chef Stefano Rosi Brings Modern Italian Flavours To A Pop-Up Long Lunch In Mudgeeraba
Experience an exclusive Sunday lunch pop-up this Sunday 25 May, featuring seven shared courses crafted by Stefano Rosi, owner of Rosi Dining, former Head Chef at Restaurant Labart, and former chef at some Melbourne’s top restaurants. So yes, he knows his stuff. Hosted in collaboration with Lenny Pizzeria & Bar in Mudgeeraba, Stefano's contemporary Italian-inspired menu will be paired perfectly with selections from Adlib Wine and handcrafted cocktails by Noah Fletcher.
While we won't reveal the whole menu, some of the top dishes include lasagna with Wagyu ragu and wild mushrooms, smoked eggplant with baked ricotta and apple pie sundae with miso caramel. It’s all about exceptional food, local talent, and good company right in the heart of downtown Mudgeeraba. The share-style menu is $80 and dietary needs can be accommodated with notice. Bookings here.
Round Up Your Crew For HOME Currumbin's Sunday Session With Bar Evelyn And Cadillac Supper Club
We love a local collaboration and it doesn't get much better than a collab between powerhouses HOME Currumbin, Bar Evelyn and Cadillac Supper Club. Running this Sunday 25 May from 2pm to 6:30pm, you can expect an afternoon of seriously exceptional wood-fired food by HOME's Nic Phillip and Nick Stanton from Bar Evelyn and Cadillac Supper Club, accompanied by tunes by DJ Ondre Davis. It's walk in's only—you'll want to round up your crew for this one. Stay up to date via HOME's Instagram here.
Get Your Wholesome Sunday Fix At The HOTA Famers Markets
One of the Gold Coast’s biggest and most popular weekly farmers’ markets, HOTA Farmers Market truly is a gourmand’s paradise, set against the backdrop of the stunning Evandale lake. Running every Sunday from 6am to 11:30am, with a huge plethora of stallholders dishing up an amazing array of artisan brekkies and farm-fresh food, it’s the perfect place for your weekly shop. We personally cannot get enough of the epic crispy buckwheat Mio Wraps which have a line every Sunday. If you want your house stocked with fresh, healthy food, this is where you should be heading this weekend.
What's On All Weekend
Splash Into Luxury At The Sanctuary Cove Boat Show
Image Credit: SCIBS | Supplied
Running from Thursday 22 May to Sunday 25 May, the Southern Hemisphere’s most glamorous boating event returns, with hundreds of boats flocking to the luxe waterside vibes for the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show. Dive into the action with exclusive VIP experiences, the latest marine tech and family-friendly fun all wrapped up in one epic lifestyle festival.
If you’re a seasoned sailor, or just looking for a reason to put your feet up and graze on gourmet food with live entertainment while looking out onto a sparkling lagoon pool—this is one unforgettable weekend. Book ahead here.
Catch All The Action Of The World's Fastest Obstacle Course At The 100M OCR World Series by YOHKA
Image Credit: YOHKA | Supplied
Running all weekend from Friday 23 May to Sunday 25 May, the Gold Coast is playing host to the 100M OCR World Series by YOHKA, a cutting-edge urban fitness sport making waves as a new Olympic sport. Set against the stunning backdrop of Kurrawa Beach, this event features the world’s fastest 100m obstacle race—soon to be part of the Modern Pentathlon at the LA 2028 Olympics.
Fans will get the chance to see Ninja Warrior champions Olivia Vivian and Saxon Johnstone, plus rising stars in the sport. Beyond the thrilling races, enjoy DJs, food trucks, and unique activities like an ice bath activation. You can participate by yourself, as a team or just come along to check out the action—get more details here.
Walk Among the Stars at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s Astra Lumina
Only recently opened, Astra Lumina has started out with a big bang—pun intended. The illuminated 1.5km night-time walk will have you feeling over the moon—literally. Located in the bushland of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, journey across nine remarkable light shows inspired by the stars, ending with a photo booth to capture the memory. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night or a family-friendly adventure, tickets are currently on sale for $35 from every Wednesday to Saturday. More details here.
What's Coming Up
Catch SeaFire’s Explosive Fireworks Spectacle Across Four Gold Coast Locations
Image Credit: SeaFire | Supplied
SeaFire is back with a bang on Saturday 31 May—but this year, it's going to be viewable across four locations simultaneously. For the first time ever, the much-loved international fireworks competition will be able to be seen from Surfers Paradise Foreshore, Kurrawa Beach in Broadbeach, Broadwater Parklands, and HOTA Parklands. The free 18-minute show kicks off at 7pm sharp, featuring dazzling displays from Belgium, the USA, and a grand Aussie finale. This family-friendly event is not to be missed; get more details here.
Rev Your Engine, A $20 Million Supercar Takeover Is Hitting Broadbeach
Image Credit: The Sunset Run | Supplied
Buckle up—Australia’s most luxurious supercar event is hitting Broadbeach in high gear. Now in its fourth year, The Sunset Run returns to the Gold Coast on Saturday 31 May, with the highlight being the Oracle Boulevard shutdown for a jaw-dropping showcase of $20 million worth of exotic cars.
Expect head-turners like Ferraris, McLarens, and a newly launched Rolls-Royce making its first public appearance, after its global reveal at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show. The Oracle Boulebard shutdown will run from approx. 11:40am to 2:30pm and you don't want to be late—in previous years, crowds have started gathering before the cars have arrived. As the luxury convoy sets out across the Gold Coast, the real engine behind the Sunset Run is to drive purpose as it raises funds for Make-A-Wish Foundation. If you're looking to register your car in this premier event you can apply here and check out general information here.
Get Fabulous at Wunderbar, A One-Night-Only Fabulous Celebration At HOTA
Image Credit: The Huxleys | Supplied
Wunderbar is hitting the HOTA Outdoor Stage for one glittering, high-energy night on Friday 6 June. As part of Wonder Festival, this glamorous after-dark celebration of queer art and culture is set to dazzle with performances from stars including Natalie Bassingthwaighte, The Huxleys, and a stellar lineup of DJs, drag, dance, and performance art. Produced by GOLDYs and presented by Experience Gold Coast, the 18+ event runs from 6pm to 10pm, with tickets just $30. Strictly no BYO—just bring your sparkle and dancefloor crew. More details and booking here.
Feast On Street Food Under The Stars At The HOTA Hawker Night Markets
Image Credit: HOTA Markets | Supplied
The HOTA Night Markets are returning this June, and we can't wait for this feast for the senses. From 4pm to 9pm on Saturday 7 June, wander through over 150 gourmet stalls slinging everything from steamy dumplings to crispy banh mi under a sky of glowing lanterns.
Inspired by the bustling hawker markets of South-East Asia, expect live local music, roving street performers, fire tricks and buzzing night market vibes, set against the dreamy backdrop of the Evandale Lake. Entry is free, so just bring along your appetite (and maybe a spare tote bag for all your take-home goodies) and let the street food adventure begin. You can register for your free ticket here and check out more details here.
The Mega Solento Surf Festival Hits The Gold Coast This June
Image Credit: Solento Surf Festival | Supplied
From 7 to 14 June, the Solento Surf Festival is bringing a full week of waves, film, art, and live music to Burleigh Heads, Mondrian Gold Coast (opening May 2025), and HOTA. Curated by legendary surf filmmaker Taylor Steele, the festival will feature epic surf flicks, world premieres, artist talks, a beachside surf comp, pop-up bars, live tunes, and more.
Kick off the good vibes with a community surf contest on Burleigh Headland, where locals can go board-to-board with the pros. It's all about surf culture, storytelling, and slowing down to soak it all in. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind celebration of coastal creativity. Find all the info you need here.
Crack A Cold One At Stone & Wood’s Festival Of The Stone This June
Image Credit: Festival of the Stone | Supplied
Things are warming up in Byron Bay this winter as Festival of the Stone returns on Saturday 14 June. Hosted by Stone & Wood, this epic night blends fresh brews, live tunes, and community spirit. The star of the show? The 2025 Stone Beer, a bold, limited-edition winter release brewed the old-school way with hot stones and select Aussie malts, giving it a rich, smoky caramel flavour.
Pair your pint with live sets from homegrown legends like Old Mervs, Josh Pyke, The Belair Lip Bombs, dust, FELONY, and strayfold. Even better, all proceeds go to support Byron’s Fletcher Street Cottage. Good beer, great music, and a worthy cause—what more could you want? Early tickets are on sale now.
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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