What’s On In The Gold Coast This Weekend, Month And Beyond

Rain, hail or shine, Gold Coast is pulling out all the stops this July. From film and food festivals to country music showdowns and even ocean swim community events, the energy will be pumping and you won't want to miss a thing. 

Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your weekend on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri country.

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 11 July

Save The Waves Film Festival

Where: Tom Atkin Hall, 433 Golden Four Dr, Tugun QLD 4224
When: 7pm to 10pm, Saturday 11 July
Cost: $15
Find out more here.

Lasso Country Music Festival

Image credit: Lasso Country Music Festival | Facebook

Come hang your hat at Distillery Road Market for the festival's biggest year yet. USA headliner Drake Milligan joins a star-studded lineup of Aussie talent like The Wet Whistles, Austin Mackay and Tyla Rodrigues. With a decent lineup of bustling food trucks, artisan markets and dancefloor bursting with linedancers, come get amongst this widely anticipated event. 

Where: Distillery Road Market, 124 Distillery Rd, Eagleby QLD 4207
When: 2pm - 10.30pm Saturday 11 July 2026
Cost: Under 5 free, 5 - 17 $49, 18+ $79
Find out more here and get tickets here.

Cherry Pickers Market

What's On Sunday 12 July

Swim For A Cure

Palm Beach's dazzling foreshore will transform into a community hub this Sunday. Raising funds for cancer researchers, Cure Cancer, the event kicks off at 7.45am for registration, a mini-docoseries viewing at 8.15am and an open water swim from 8.30am. 

Open water swimmer, Madi Armstrong is at the helm, while keen swimmers can choose from a 750 metre or 1500 metre splash. 

Where: Palm Beach Parklands, 945 Gold Coast Hwy, Palm Beach QLD 4221
When: 7.45am registration, Sunday 11 July
Cost: $50, or free for spectators
Find out more here.

Foodie Fiesta At Damien Leeding Park

It's the night market that lights up Oxenford's iconic lake. Foodie Fiesta brings one of the best family and dog-friendly events to the Northern Gold Coast. With a fenced dog exercise area, bike and scooter friendly paths and live music on the agenda, make this a serious contender for your weekend ender. Local food vendors, dessert perfectors and creators have dinner and just because purchases sorted. 

Where: Damien Leeding Memorial Park, Oxenford
When: 4pm - 10pm, Sunday 12 July
Cost: Free 
Find out more here.

What's On All Weekend

After The Rain

4 July to 27 September

Image credit: After The Rain | Joe Ruckli

A powerful First Nations triennial has transformed the first two levels of HOTA into a showcase of resilience and intergenerational cultural legacies. The free exhibition by artistic director and acclaimed Girramay/Yidinji/Kuku-Yalanji artist Tony Albert features newly commissioned works of leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, with 10 installations to check out.

“After the Rain positions the creative brilliance of First Nations artists at the centre of national  conversation, offering a restorative and forward-looking exploration of Country and culture,” said Albert. “After  the rain, the land is cleansed, seeds begin to sprout, and new life emerges. I am excited to  welcome visitors to the HOTA to celebrate the strength and beauty of what is flourishing.”

The exhibition was developed by the National Gallery of Australia and will tour the country, with Gold Coast serving as its first stop and will run for three months.

Where: Gallery 2 and 3, HOTA
When: 4 July to 27 September
Cost: Free
Find out more here.

SURFACE Festival

1 to 19 July

Image credit: SURFACE Festival | Supplied

Miami and its neighbours will transform into a vibrant hub of public art, community events and live music this July thanks to the return of SURFACE Festival. Now one of the most distinctive cultural events on the Gold Coast calendar, the sixth edition of the festival invites you to set your sights on powerful murals and outdoor exhibitions—all without dropping a cent.

The beloved Fenceline Exhibition is back, showcasing hundreds of artworks over 5km of residential front yards. There are also 50+ murals featured in a trail across Miami, Burleigh Heads and Nobbys Beach—including a large-scale takeover by artist KnivesXOnly that celebrates rescue animals, responsible pet ownership and the power of giving back. Check out the full program and trail maps here. 

Where: Various locations in Miami
When: 1 to 19 July
Find out more here.

Dinomania

27 June to 19 July

Image credit: Dinomania | Supplied

The crocodiles aren’t the only ones with giant teeth at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary these school holidays. Dinomania is taking over, with life-size animatronic dinosaurs roaring through the Jurassic Lawn.

Embark on the immersive trail and you’ll uncover prehistoric creatures, from baby dinos to towering reptiles. There will be shows and meet-and-greets running daily at 10:15am and 12:30pm, dino face painting from 9am, and Jurassic-themed craft stations for more hands-on fun. Plus, when you complete the Dinomania Explorer Trail, you’ll get a free ice cream at Sanctuary Cafe.

Dinomania is included in the regular Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary day passes (or free for members), so make a day of it and meet the rest of the animals that call the Sanctuary home—including their new red panda, Shardul. Even the Currumbin train will be leaning into the prehistoric action and will be themed for a Jurassic journey through the park. 

Where: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
When: 27 June to 19 July
Cost: Single day pass from $50
Find out more here.

Christmas In July at D’Arcy Arms Irish Pub

1–31 July

Image credit: D'Arcy Arms | Supplied

Follow the sound of merry bells this July to Gold Coast’s historic Irish pub, which is transforming into a festive wonderland where the roasts are hearty and the fire is roaring. 

Christmas in July at D’Arcy Arms is centred around a two-course festive feast, featuring roast turkey, pork and ham with vegetables, stuffing, Yorkshire pudding and gravy, plus cranberry and apple sauce. For dessert, you’re looking at a decadent triple chocolate brownie pudding with raspberry coulis, vanilla ice cream and shaved dark chocolate on top—heightened by the twinkling lights and tinsel adorning the pub. The feast is available every day in July but pre-bookings are essential so make yours by giving them a buzz at 07 5592 0882 between 9am to 5pm, or emailing info@darcyarms.com.au.

Where: D’Arcy Arms Irish Pub
When: July 2026
Cost: $55 per adult and $27.50 per child.
Find out more here.

Check Out HOTA's Major New Chinese Contemporary Art Exhibition

18 April—11 October

Image Credit: HOTA | Supplied

HOTA is welcoming a major new exhibition this weekend, bringing works from the internationally renowned White Rabbit Collection to the Gold Coast. 'This Moment' gathers 35 artworks from 25 leading contemporary Chinese artists, offering a powerful snapshot of creativity, culture and change across 21st-century China.

Spanning large-scale installations, video, photography, painting and sculpture, the exhibition explores themes of identity, history and transformation through bold, experimental works. It's a rare opportunity to experience one of the world’s most significant collections of contemporary Chinese art, with a public program of talks, tours and workshops adding further depth for those wanting to dive deeper. 

And if you're anything like us, you'll want to take your tastebuds on a journey too; Palette has unveiled its 12th exhibition tasting menu curated by Executive Chef, Dayan Hartill-Law, with impressive dishes that utilise the techniques, ingredients and flavours of China, Taiwan and Hong Kong.

Where: HOTA Gallery, Surfers Paradise
When: 18 April–11 October, 10am to 4pm daily
Cost: Free
To find more, click here.

Immerse Yourself In The Awe-Inspiring Works Of Aka Sorbie: Saltwater Heart

Saturday 7 March–Sunday 16 August 

Grab the family and step into a brilliant world of colour, culture and storytelling at Aka Sorbie: Saltwater Heart, a new Children’s Gallery exhibition at HOTA. Created by acclaimed First Nations artist Lisa Sorbie Martin—known to family as Aka (grandmother)—the immersive space brings memories of her Torres Strait childhood to life through bold patterns, ocean-inspired artworks and interactive play. 

Kids can explore coral-filled undersea scenes, build cubbies in the island hut, discover patterns in nature and get creative at Aka’s art table. Designed to bring freshwater and saltwater people together, it’s a beautiful opportunity for families to connect with First Nations culture while sparking curiosity and imagination.

Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
When: Saturday 7 March–Sunday 16 August
Cost: Free entry
Find out more here.

What's Coming Up

Alcotraz

26 June—31 October

Image credit: Alcotraz | Supplied

While we don’t normally suggest ending up behind bars on your next night out, Gold Coast's new and immersive cocktail experience invites you to do just that. Inspired by Hollywood’s greatest prison stories, Alcotraz gives you an inmate number and orange jumpsuit to pop on before ushering you into a speakeasy-style cell block for the evening. It’s part role-play/part bar, as crooked guards and bootlegging accomplices whisk you into the world while pouring signature cocktails like the dangerously smooth Conspiracy (premium mezcal, burnt coconut tequila, pineapple and a hint of cinnamon) or the Crime of Passion (passionfruit liqueur, strawberry puree, lime, cranberry and orange). Tickets are $65 and you can grab yours here.

Where: 29 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
When: From 26 June to 31 October
Cost: $65 per person
For more info and tickets, head here.

Celestial Nights

24 July, 31 July and 7 August

Image credit: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort | Supplied

This curated dining experience will have you seeing stars—literally. InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort is teaming up with Gold Coast Astronomy to transform the resort’s Fountain Terrace into an open-air observatory where you can wine, dine and be dazzled by the wonders of the galaxy. It’s fine dining meets astronomy across three very special nights, taking advantage of Gold Coast’s clear winter skies.

You’ll be welcomed with a signature Celestial Nights cocktail before taking a seat at the long table for a multi-course menu by 2026 Chef of the Year, Hamish Watt. Naturally, your dinner will draw inspiration from the cosmos like the Stellar Veil pairing creamy Byron Bay burrata with pomegranate and beetroot, the Ember Meridian which is a char-grilled sirloin reflecting the warmth and intensity of distant stars and Halley’s Comet for dessert: an elegant rum and vanilla panna cotta designed to leave a lasting impression. You’ll also have access to professional-grade telescopes as you embark on a guided celestial exploration between courses, as your local guide points out constellations, planets and seasonal celestial highlights. 

Each night is capped at 54 guests so make sure to save your seat here. 

Where: InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort
When: Friday 24 July, Friday 31 July and Friday 7 August 2026, from 6pm
Cost: $159 per guest
Find out more here.

Heathers The Musical

30 July–9 August

Image credit: Heathers the Musical | HOTA

Wickedly funny and incredibly catchy, Heathers the Musical is coming in hot direct from London and New York. Based on the iconic movie starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater, this deliciously dark show has it all: high school politics, passionate romance, and a killer soundtrack (literally). 

Whether you’re already a fan or know nothing about Westerberg High, Heathers is a cult classic for a reason so don’t miss out when it lands at HOTA this year. 

Where: HOTA
When: 30 July to 9 August
Cost: From $79.90
Find out more and grab your tickets here.

Mamma Mia!

4–20 September

Image credit: Mamma Mia! | Supplied

It’s been 25 years since Mamma Mia! first made its debut in London’s West End. Since then, over 70 million people across the globe have delighted in the heartwarming story and infectious ABBA hits—and Gold Coast is up next.

The iconic shows will be bringing the groove to The Star for a limited season this September featuring an all-Australian cast and your favourite tunes like Dancing Queen, SOS and Mamma Mia (duh). If you’ve never seen Mamma Mia! live on stage, trust us—it’s one you don’t want to miss. Plus, until 11:50am on Saturday 20 June, all tickets are $72 so snap ‘em up now here. 

Where: The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach
When: 4 to 20 September
Cost: From $72
Find out more and grab your tickets here.

DINGO Music & Arts Festival

8–11 October

Image credit: Hiatus Kaiyote | Supplied

A brand new music and arts festival is happening across four days in the Northern Rivers, anchored by modern jazz and the rhythm of Bangalow. The hand-picked lineup includes internationally acclaimed musicians like three-time Grammy nominees Hiatus Kaiyote, London’s acclaimed Kokoroko, legendary Philadelphia selector Rich Medina, and celebrated DJ Coco Maria. They will be joined by Aussie artists, DJs and talent in the world of jazz, soul, hip hop, electronic music and contemporary club culture.

Off the stage, DINGO will present in-conversation events, performance art and workshops, as well as a Guinness World Record attempt to create The Smallest Jazz Club In The World. The festival will take place across various venues with both ticketed and free events on the cards, plus after-parties and secret venues yet to be announced. Pre-sale tickets drop Monday 13 July or you can grab general tickets on sale Wednesday 15 July.

Where: Various venues across Bangalow and Byron Bay, NSW
When: 8 to 11 October
Find out more here.

Rolling Sets

Saturday 28 November

Image credit: Rolling Sets | Facebook

Pop across the border this November for Rolling Sets: a coastal festival bringing together live music, surf, skate and beach culture. After their successful debut in Tweed Heads last summer, they’re keeping the good times rolling (get it) with a fully stacked lineup featuring some of Australia’s most exciting artists. 

Leading the charge are Ocean Alley and Royel Otis, who will be joined by the likes of G Flip, Violent Soho, The Rions, Old Mervs, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers, and plenty more. If last year is anything to go by, tickets will absolutely sell out so make sure you snap ‘em up before they’re gone here.

Where: Ebenezer Park, Tweed Heads
When: Saturday 28 November
Cost: From $199.95
Find out more 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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