Spring has finally sprung and we are so ready for it. See you later UGG boots, jumpers and chilly mornings, hello beach weather, outdoor activities and longer days.
The Gold Coast absolutely thrives in spring, with a whole host of truly awesome events—from beer and cider festivals, to foodie fests and exclusive dinners, to live music and photography exhibitions. Diaries at the ready; here are the best things to do on the Gold Coast this September.
Suave At The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub
Broadbeach’s glittering new performance venue, The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub, has been wowing audiences since launching its debut show, SUAVE. Bringing insanely talented international stars right to our backyard, expect an exciting mix of acrobatics, aerials, cabaret and burlesque that will transport you to a golden era of theatre. Our pick of the best things to do on the Gold Coast this September, if you can’t make the show, head in after 11pm on Friday or Saturday nights to experience The Birdcage and the Coast’s coolest new club night.
When: Wednesday through Saturday, various times
Where: Corner Surf Parade and Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
Cost: Tickets start at $98 and include entry to The Club post show
For more information, click here.
Crafted Beer And Cider Festival
If, like us, you love nothing more than downing a cold one in the gorgeous sunshine, then you’ll want to head to the third annual Crafted Beer & Cider Festival on Saturday 7 September. The one-day festival is a true celebration of that glorious amber liquid gold with a whopping 40 breweries on site, including local faves Balter, Black Hops, Burleigh Brewing and Lost Palms Brewing Co. Is this the world’s easiest pub crawl or what? Not into beer? No worries, there’s also a range of thirst-quenching ciders on offer too. And, of course, no good brew can be enjoyed without some quality tucker, so they’ve got you sorted with food trucks aplenty plus sweet live music, comedy, beer yoga and good vibes guaranteed. If you’re on the hunt for one of the best Gold Coast events happening this September, stop the search.
When: Saturday 7 September; 12pm to 8:30pm
Where: Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach
Cost: $45 per person
For more information, click here.
Sample Food Festival
Foodies you’re in for a serious treat this September, when you jump in your car and head to Bangalow for the Sample Food Festival. This one-day event celebrates the diverse and rich produce, chefs and artisans the Northern Rivers and Byron Shire are renowned for. Expect $5 and $10 tasting places from the menus of leading local restaurants including Harvest Newrybar, Raes on Wategoes, Barrio and La Casita, as well as over 100 market stalls and pop-up bars, plus celebrity chefs (including Matt Moran), live music, kids activities and cooking demos. Go hungry, because you’ll want to try one of everything.
When: Saturday 7 September, 8am till 4pm
Where: Bangalow Showgrounds, 1 Market Street, Bangalow
Cost: $5 per person, kids are free
For more information, click here.
Main Beach Spring Flower Festival
Spring has officially sprung and to celebrate, an awesome flower festival is taking over the Gold Coast this September. Main Beach’s Tedder Avenue will be adorned with floral art and installations and blooming with free entertainment, botanical workshops and stalls, along with a garden bar and live music stage, while all restaurants will be overflowing with festival energy, special themed menus and drinks.
When: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September; 9am till 6pm
Where: Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
Cost: Free
For more information, click here
The Twilight Table On Oracle Boulevard
Promising to be the foodie’s occasion of the season, The Twilight Table will see the fairy lit streetscape of Oracle Boulevard transformed once again, with one spectacular long table seating 200 guests. Showcasing cuisine from five of the Gold Coast’s top restaurants, including Mamasan Kitchen + Bar and Social Eating House, lucky diners will be treated to a five-course feast with matched wines, all while being serenaded by live music under the stars.
When: Sunday 8 September; 4pm to 8pm
Where: Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Cost: $199 per person (includes five-courses and matched wine)
For more information, click here.
Suntory Whisky Night At Oi Izakaya
If you’re yet to check out Oi Izakaya, Burleigh’s new tucked away Japanese eatery and bar, this is as good an excuse as any. Hosting their first whisky night, together with Suntory whisky; snack on tasty noms off the menu, while you sample and learn all about the Suntory range and how it’s evolved to be one of the most popular brands in the world.
When: Sunday 8 September; 5pm to 7pm
Where: Oi Izakaya, 4/30 James Street, Burleigh Heads
Cost: $79 per person or $150 for two
For more information, click here.
Collective Minds Exhibition By LIVIN At Robina Town Centre
It’s Wellness Month on Urban List, which is why we want you to know about this important Gold Coast event. In collaboration with not-for-profit local (and now international) charity LIVIN, Collective Minds is a multi-artist photography exhibition that depicts mental health through the photographer’s lens. The showcase aims to support LIVIN’s vital work around breaking the stigma and opening up the conversation around mental health. Coinciding with R U OK? Day on September 12, all featured artworks will be available to purchase via a silent online auction.
When: Thursday 12 September to Sunday 13 October
Where: Collective Minds Gallery, Robina Town Centre (opposite Peter Alexander)
Cost: Free (artworks available for purchase)
For more information, click here.
SWELL Sculpture Festival
September is also bringing the goods with the return of much-loved SWELL Sculpture Festival. An annual affair run over 10 days, catch local and international sculpture designers, creatives and artworks scattered across the glorious Currumbin foreshore. Unique experiences such as guided twilight walks, chats with the artists, an outdoor cinema, masterclasses, a photography competition judged by Sean Scott and various kids’ activities are sure to tickle your fancy.
When: Friday 13 to Sunday 22 September; various times
Where: Currumbin Foreshore
Cost: Free entry
For more information, click here.
The Green Lion Vegan Pub Food Pop-Up At Burleigh Pavilion
Gold Coast eateries are dishing the vegan love like never before, with Burleigh Pavilion next to announce a fabulous plant-based pop-up event. Pub classics from Sydney’s popular The Green Lion will see a 100% plant-based bistro pub night where you can devour your favourite greasy, cheesy, smoky and fishy pub classics without animal products or impact. The Green Lion team recreate the tastes and textures commonly found in animal-based ingredients through a range of unique and interesting ingredients and substitute recipes. Think: vegan-friendly cheeseburgers, prawn and calamari, loaded poutine, mac and cheese balls, chocolate brownies and more.
When: Thursday 19 September; 6pm and 8pm seatings
Where: Burleigh Pavilion, 3/43 Goodwin Terrace, Burleigh Heads
Cost: $55 per person + BF (banquet menu, drinks additional)
For more information, click here.
Beyond Thunderdome: Mo’s Relaunch Party
If anyone deserves a vigorous pat on the back this year, it’s the three-person team at Burleigh’s grungy live music and creative space, Mo’s Desert Clubhouse. These legends fought with every last fibre of their beings to remain in their much-loved warehouse oasis, and after two long years their fight for freedom has finally been won. They’re now here for the long haul, and we couldn’t be prouder of their perseverance. Celebrate at the Beyond Thunderdome Party, with a relaunch of an overhauled Mo’s, complete with a new bar, and two stages with bands rocking out from 3pm until late—certain to be one of the most memorable things to do on the Gold Coast this September.
When: Saturday 21 September; 3pm to 11:30pm
Where: Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, 6/36 Central Drive, Burleigh Heads
Cost: $25-$30 per person
For more information, click here.
Palmy Fest
We love a community shindig as much as the next person, which is why we’re marking our diary for September’s first ever Palmy Fest. This once-underdog suburb is now one of the most sought-after addresses in town, so we predict the positive civic vibes will be flowing. Popping up at Palm Beach’s Rotary Park, gather the crew and bring your picnic rug for local live music on the main stage, market and food stalls and a Jungle Lane novelty zone for the ankle biters.
When: Sunday 22 September; 10:30am to 5pm
Where: Rotary Park, Sarawak Avenue, Palm Beach
Cost: Free
For more information, click here.
Looking for more things to do on the Gold Coast this September? Check out these top local markets.
Image Credit: SWELL Festival