We know we go on about the weather a lot but, winter. It’s been a real doozy.
Good news is, days are officially getting longer, peeps, which means you can squeeze more into them—#fact.
July has been brewed to perfection with the right amount of everything happening. So flick off the Uggs, get out from under that lap blanket (or is that just us?), and scoot your way over to some of the best things to do on the Gold Coast this month.
Gold Coast Marathon | July 2 and 3
Full props to Gold Coast pavement-pounders who’ve been in training for this monster challenge. A signature event on the calendar, the Gold Coast Marathon is now in its 38th year, thousands of locals together with elite competitors from around the world are expected to partake in the full and half marathons, plus the 10km, 5.7km, and junior dash. By the time you read this, entries will be closed, so you can join us in doing what we do best—cheering from the sidelines!
Independence Day Celebrations | July 3 and 4
Whether you have a token Yank in the ranks, have spent time touring the good ol’ US of A, or just have a deep appreciation for American nosh, head on down to any of the Gold Coast’s best American joints who’ll be flying the stars and stripes loud and proud in honour of Independence Day. Our pick? Decked out with red, white, and blue, Brooklyn Depot is celebrating early on Sunday, July 3 with specials including mini beer-battered corn dogs, bourbon-glazed beef brisket burgers, cherry and blueberry baked cheese cream cheese pie, and $10 Bloody A-Mary-ca cocktails.
British India at Soundlounge | July 8
One of the biggest musical acts to roll on through the Gold Coast this year, Melbourne indie rock band British India will be playing to an energetic crowd at Currumbin RSL’s Soundlounge. In town for one night only, tickets are on sale for $30, but act fast before they sell out.
Doggy and Human Bootcamp | July 9
This adorable doggy and human day out is raising much-needed funds and awareness for a far less adorable scenario—pets on death row. Hosted by Body Transformers and held at Varsity Lake’s Frascott Park between 10am—12pm, there will be market stalls and doggy treats, while the 45-minute workout for pooches and their humans will be cuteness overload, with money raised going directly to Deathrow Unchained Animal Rescue.
Gold Coast Suns vs. Brisbane Lions Home Game | July 9
In a clash that’s set to challenge loyalties, Queensland’s two AFL teams are coming head to head at Metricon Stadium on Saturday, July 9. Both teams are battling it out at the bottom end of the ladder, so it’s all the more reason to whip out the red and yellow, and cheer the Gold Coast Suns home to victory.
Food Truck Feast at Broadwater Parklands | July 10
Back for another round, GC’s food truck convoy will be bee lining to Broadwater Parklands on Sunday, July 10 between 11am and 3pm. BYOPB—that’s bring your own picnic blanket (!) and kick back in the winter sunshine for this day-time foodie feast. Basically, Gold Coast City Council has got school holidays sorted and are tossing that tired ol’ “there’s nothing to do” excuse squarely out the window. Check out the full calendar of kid’s activities on the website.
Regional Table Dinner at Rick Shores | July 10
Back in the game after a turbulent run-in with Mother Nature, Rick Shores is celebrating the best way they know how. Regional Table is a whimsical gastronomic event that’s bringing together five of the district’s finest restaurants and executive chefs, with Paper Daisy, The Long Apron, Spice Bar, Harvest, and Rick Shores all represented. Tickets are $175 per person with lucky guests being treated to five courses and wine pairings. Swoon.
The Borrowed Nursery Workshop at Warehouse No. 5 | July 14
What’s promised to be the first in a series of winter workshops at Burleigh’s brilliant share space Warehouse No.5, local green thumbs from The Borrowed Nursery will be sharing their plant-decorating skills via a Terrarium workshop. Tickets are $75 and will give you the tools and skills to craft your very own mini garden, plus a glass of red to get the creative juices flowing.
The Colour Run | July 17
We’ve watched these happy colour-smattered fun runs from a distance, but now Gold Coast, our turn has finally arrived! Held at Robina’s CBus Stadium, a couple thousand-strong crowd is expected to turn out for The Colour Run‘s 5km fun run that raises money for various charities. Expect tropical theming with palm trees, island vibes, smile-inducing music plus those awesome trademark colour throws. Tickets are on sale now.
Splendour in the Grass | July 22—24
Let’s treat this as a community announcement, or more so a painful reminder for those who didn’t act fast enough to secure tickets to this year’s sold out event. Without question one of the most epic music festivals in the country today, lucky groupies and bohos who are headed to Byron’s Splendour in the Grass will be swaying to the sounds of The Strokes, Flume, The Cure, Band of Horses, Violent Soho, and a shite load of other insane acts. All hope is not lost though, tickets are popping up on Gumtree and Facebook, but just be prepared to fork out for the privilege.
OZ Harvest Think.Eat.Save Free Lunch | July 25
We love this initiative by Gold Coast-based charity, OZ Harvest. To prove just how much food goes to waste at home, in stores, and at restaurants, local suppliers will be preparing a (delish!) free lunch with food that would’ve otherwise been tossed. All are invited to the lunch between 11:30am and 2:30pm at Surfers Paradise’s The 4217 complex. If you don’t already know, these guys are doing incredible things for the Coast’s underprivileged, by gathering up surplus but totally safe food stuffs from GC restaurants and stores, then distributing to those in need, while also encouraging us to consciously commit towards reducing waste.
Low ‘n’ Slow Burleigh BBQ Championships | July 30 and 31
Oh snap, we love ourselves a smokin’ good barbecue feast at the best of times! But take a two-day barbecue contest between some of the greatest Aussie teams in the biz, then slap it down in our beloved Burleigh, and Christmas will be coming in July—IRL. At the Low ‘n’ Slow BBQ Championships, cooking kicks off on Saturday and lasts for 20 hours (yep, that’s true commitment to the task), with five different meat categories to be handed to the judges on Sunday morning. And for us? There’ll be tastings available as well as live music, food trucks, and a BBQ-themed trade show. Yee-ha!
Christmas in July at D’arcy Arms | Throughout July
Need an excuse to pull out that ugly sweater you’ve kept stuffed away for a special occasion? Gold Coast’s fave Irish pub is getting into the wintery spirit with Christmas in July celebrations alllll month long. Pull up a chair by the fireplace and get cosy with D’arcy Arms’ $45 lunch and dinner special that’s overflowing with traditional roasts, Yorkshire puddings, roasted veggies, stuffing, gravy, and Chrissy pudding. Together with Christmas carols, decorations, and bon bons, this is the Coast’s best mid-year toast to Saint Nic.
Looking for more awesome things to do on the Gold Coast? We’ve got 33 ways to keep you busy in Burleigh.
Photo Credit: The Colour Run