What’s On In The Gold Coast This Weekend, Month And Beyond
Harmony Lee
Contributor | Urban List Gold Coast
Well, the rain is back, but before you write off the weekend entirely, it's worth knowing that a good chunk of what's on this weekend is blissfully undercover. From night markets and comedy shows to a reggaetón dancefloor and a pyjama party at Harbour Town, there's no shortage of ways to have a great time without getting soggy.
Pull on a jacket, grab an umbrella just in case, and let's make the most of it. Here's everything you need to know to make the most of your weekend on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri country.
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What's On Friday 19 June
Velvet
A sultry night is in your future if you nab yourself a spot at Velvet: Mondrian Gold Coast’s new after-dark experience fuelled by soaring saxophones and Moët Hennessy.
Welcomed with a glass of champagne on arrival, the evening features three live jazz sets, headlined by acclaimed vocalist Ashleigh Denning who will perform with a five piece live band. You’ll also be privy to an exclusive cocktail menu inspired by the great jazz lounges of the world and a shared dining experience with the likes of tuna tartare, frito misto, and a chocolate and toffee-inspired dessert cart rolling through the room. Bookings are essential—make yours here.
When: 6:30pm to 11pm, Friday 19 June
Where: LiTO, 3 First Ave, Burleigh Heads
Cost: $296 for a two person table, $444 for a three person table, $592 for a four person table
Find out more here.
What's On Saturday 20 June
SeaFire
Gold Coast’s epic fireworks competition is lighting up Surfers Paradise this Saturday night for its fifteenth year—and you don’t want to miss it. Team Canada, Poland and our very own Aussies will be letting the sparks fly so oohs and aahs are basically a guarantee. You can check out our full guide to SeaFire 2026 here.
Line Dancing at Dreamworld Night Market
Boot scoot on down to the Dreamworld Night Market for line dancing with the legends at Western Stomp Co. Whether you’ve never kicked up your heels or consider yourself a certified country bumpkin, you can expect easy-to-follow moves and bangin’ tunes.
There are a few sessions available, including a beginner line dancing lesson, improv and an hour purely for requests. All that stomping is sure to work up a thirst, so rest assured knowing there’s a licensed bar on hand and food trucks to grab a bite.
When: 5:30pm to 8:30pm, Saturday 20 June
Where: 1 Dreamworld Parkway, Gold Coast
Cost: Free for Dreamworld Passholders and kids, $2 for everyone else
Find out more and grab your tickets here.
The Michael Jackson HIStory Show
Image credit: The Michael Jackson HIStory Show | Supplied
Why go to the cinema to see The King of Pop’s story when you can experience it on stage? This internationally acclaimed concert production and large-scale live tribute is coming to The Star for one epic night only.
The Michael Jackson HIStory Show celebrates the music, artistic legacy and global impact of Michael Jackson featuring his chart-topping music and iconic moves. The show stars Garth Field who is widely regarded as one of the world’s leading Michael Jackson impersonators, alongside a cast of elite dancers and an incredible live band. Tickets are moving faster than a smooth criminal, so don’t miss out—grab yours here.
Where: The Star Gold Coast
When: 8pm Saturday 20 June
Cost: From $59.50
Find out more here.
What's On Sunday 21 June
Fashion Thrift Society
Your new fave vintage gem is waiting to be found at Gold Coast’s biggest fashion market—returning for one day of thrifty finds. There are over 100 stalls to explore with literally thousands of unique pieces. Plus, it’s not just preloved on the cards with independent brands and small businesses also hawking their wares, food trucks to keep you fueled, and DJs on deck. Tickets start at $15 for first entry and then get cheaper as the day goes on—grab yours here.
When: 10am to 3pm Saturday 20 June
Where: Gold Coast Turf Club
Cost: $15 for first entry
Find out more here.
What's On All Weekend
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
Lock In A Night At This Prison-Inspired Cocktail Experience
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.
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.
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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