It’s a long weekend on the Gold Coast, which means we’re diving into holiday mode fast, ‘cause we all know it’ll be over before you can say “hells yeah”. While some of you will succumb to footy finals fever, for the rest of you, make the most of having an extra day off with the best things to do on the Gold Coast this weekend.
Aida, Griffith Opera On The Beach
Imagine a night at the theatre, except there’s a twist. You’re on the beach, an orchestra is playing, there are pop-up bars, sand between your toes and you’re eating alfresco African and Middle Eastern treats. Aida, Griffith Opera on the Beach is exactly that. Now entering its final few shows, a world-class Opera Australia performance like this doesn’t roll through town everyday. Trust us, this is one of the most mind-blowing things to do on the Gold Coast this Queen’s Birthday long weekend.
When: Thursday 21 to Saturday 30 September; 6:30pm
Where: Coolangatta Beach
Cost: Adults $35 (BYO beach throw) to $90 (seating provided)
HOBtoberfest At House Of Brews
Get your fine German-loving self down to House of Brews for a whole bunch of fun celebrations including beer tasting competitions, live bands, German eats, dress ups and games, telecast of the AFL and NRL finals and, of course, more beer!
When: Friday 29 September to Monday 2 October; 12pm ‘til late
Where: House of Brews, 17 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Spring Ice Cream Social At NightQuarter
Dessert lovers already know NightQuarter is the place to head if you have a sweet tooth. Kicking off the long weekend with the Spring Ice Cream Social, expect extra ice cream trucks rolling in and the special release of new bucket-list desserts. Think: Sweet Bliss Donuts’ Donut Cones (a crispy, sugar coated doughnut cone topped with homemade ice cream and your choice of drool-worthy toppings) and World Famous Funnel Cakes’ new ice cream Funnel Cones (these babies need to be seen to be believed). Throw on your stretchy pants and forego dinner, as you’ll want to try them all!
When: Friday 29 September; 4pm to 10pm
Where: NightQuarter, 1 Town Centre Drive, Helensvale
Food Truck Feast At Broadwater Parklands
Back for another round, GC’s food truck convoy will bee line to Broadwater Parklands for the Food Truck Feast. BYOPB—that’s bring your own picnic blanket (!) and kick back under the stars for this evening street food 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.
When: Friday 29 September; 5pm to 9pm
Where: Broadwater Parklands, Marine Parade, Southport
The Social Markets
With the onset of warmer nights, The Social Markets are back into regular monthly rotation. Hurrah! So, take your posse to Mermaid Beach Bowls Club for market stalls galore, pop-up bars and food vendors, live tunes by Felicity Lawless and DJ Elliott Ramsay, barefoot bowls under lights and a cheery crowd. Cheers to spring!
When: Saturday 30 September; 4pm to 9pm
Where: Mermaid Beach Bowls Club, Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
The Village Markets
Muse over local designers, shoulder sway to live musicians and dig your teeth into some delicious street food at Gold Coast’s bi-monthly Sunday ritual, The Village Markets. We can almost guarantee you’ll be walking away with an empty wallet with the likes of ceramics, home wares, bohemian threads and accessories, all-natural beauty products, babies wear so adorable your ovaries will burst, and oh so much more. This long weekend, TVM’s famous rack sale returns, so get in early to nab yourself some new-to-you outfits for spring.
When: Sunday 1 October; 8:30am to 1pm
Where: Burleigh Heads State School, 1750 Gold Coast Highway, Burleigh Heads
LC Sundays Vegan Market
Gold Coast’s favourite vegan market is back for the long weekend. Lovechild Place’s LC Sundays will bring the plant-loving vibes to October, again gathering together various vegan vendors selling treats that’ll make any foodie weak in the knees. Add to that, DJs tunes, animal product-free fashion threads and all the warm and fuzzy feels.
When: Sunday 1 October; 10am to 3pm
Where: 1/2436 Gold Coast Highway, Mermaid Beach
Central Park Food Truck Picnic
It wouldn’t be a long weekend on the Gold Coast without a food truck round up happening somewhere, now would it? A procession of your favourite meals on wheels are converging on Varsity Lake’s Central Park this Sunday with street eat options to satisfy the fussiest eaters, live music and activities for the ankle biters. This will be one of the best things to do on the Gold Coast this long weekend if you’re on a budget.
When: Sunday 1 October; 11am to 4pm
Where: Central Park, Assembly Drive, Varsity Lakes
Oktoberfest At Bine Craft Beer Bar
The team at Bine Craft Beer Bar is putting on a humdinger of a Sunday session to celebrate Oktoberfest. Get into the spirit with traditional lederhosen or dirndl fancy dress, chug back on Stone & Wood steins and soak up the evidence with German sausages and a pig on the spit. Live music with Nathan Fynn will kick things up a notch from 1:30pm. Prost!
Where: Bine Craft Beer Bar, Shop 1/28 Chairlift Avenue, Nobby Beach
When: Sunday 1 October, 12pm ‘til late
On the hunt for more things to do on the Gold Coast this Queen's Birthday long weekend? Try these beautiful road trips or camping spots all within reach of the Coast.
Image credit: Scott Belzner for Opera Australia
