What’s On In The Gold Coast This Weekend, Month And Beyond
Harmony Lee
Contributor | Urban List Gold Coast
With the joys of warmer weather comes the endless winds of spring and, despite howling gales never being my favourite, the whirling scent of jasmine is deliciously enticing, luring me out of bed to greet the morning sun. That, and the promise of a weekend jam-packed with fun, flavoursome, unique experiences right here in our precious little sun-kissed city.
From art installations and exhibitions to dance parties, froth festivals and shopping sprees, the people of the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country are absolutely spoilt for choice this weekend. Read on to decide how you’ll spend yours.
Jump to each section:
What's On Saturday 12 September
Snag Tickets For A Beer-y Good Festival
Image Credit: Crafted Beer Festival | Supplied
Beer lovers, rejoice—Crafted Beer Festival is back and bigger than ever, taking over Broadbeach’s Kurrawa Park this Saturday. This year’s frothy celebration boasts 50+ breweries and over 400 brews, alongside cideries, cocktails, wine, and a stacked foodie lineup dishing out everything from woodfired pizza to smoky BBQ.
Expect live music, table tennis comps, beer yoga, and plenty of games to keep the good times rolling. Tickets are nearly tapped out, so get in quick before they're gone.
Where: Kurrawa Park, 155 Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach
When: Saturday 12 September, from 11am
Cost: $65 per person
More info here.
Hunt For Bargains At The Lakewoods Annual Community Garage Sale
Saturday 12 September
The Lakewoods Annual Garage Sale is back this Saturday for its once-a-year community rummage, with residents throwing open their doors to buyers and bargain hunters from 6:30am. There'll be all sorts on offer and all proceeds go to LIVIN, a charity dedicated to raising awareness around mental health, so every dollar spent goes somewhere meaningful.
Plus, with a sausage sizzle and raffle prizes up for grabs throughout the morning, there's plenty of reason to linger and mingle with the community. Free to attend and running until 11:30am—bring cash, make some room in the boot of your car and get in early for the best picks.
Where: Lakewoods Estate, Casuarina Drive, Elanora
When: Saturday 12 September, 6:30am–11:30am
Cost: Free entry
Find out more here.
Flick Through Vintage Goodies At Cherry Pickers
Saturday 12 September
Image Credit: Cherry Pickers Market | Instagram
Why not kick off your Saturday with a coffee in one hand and a hanger in the other—Cherry Pickers Market is back and has your name all over it. This vintage treasure trove is taking over Miami Marketta all over again, serving up a plethora of pre-loved gems and locally made goods, all to seriously uplifting tunes to boot.
Fuel up on snacks, any beverage to suit your desire, and settle in for a satisfying rummage. Swing by from 10am to 2pm and consider your Saturday plans sorted.
Where: Miami Marketta, 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami QLD 4220
When: Saturday 12 September, 10am—2pm
Cost: Free entry
Click here for more info.
Celebrate The Newly Upgraded Paradise Point Playground This Saturday
Saturday 12 September
Paradise Point Parklands is throwing a free community event this Saturday to celebrate the reopening of its newly upgraded playground, and it's shaping up to be the perfect morning by the Broadwater. The play space has been transformed into a bigger, more inclusive area with an epic underwater-inspired design and large, blue structures that will keep the kids entertained for hours.
To mark the occasion there'll be free blue snow cones, bubble play, glitter tattoos, kids activities and a live DJ setting the mood for the morning. It runs from 10am to 1pm, with free entry, a waterfront setting and, of course, a brand new playground—the kids are going to love it.
Where: Paradise Point Parklands, The Esplanade, Paradise Point
When: Saturday 12 September, 10am—1pm
Cost: Free
Find out more here.
Catch Bag Raiders At Mondrian Ballroom
Saturday 12 September
Image Credit: Bag Raiders | Facebook
If you're looking for a reason to stay out late to boogie this Saturday night, Mondrian Gold Coast has just the event. Shimmy, Bowker and Ritchie Bull will warm up the room before none other than Bag Raiders step in to headline—and if you've seen them live before, you already know you need to be there.
The hotel's ballroom is getting a dramatic makeover as well, with an immersive installation creating an atmosphere that's almost as epic as the live acts themselves. Doors open at 6pm and the night runs until midnight—bring your people and get ready to dance.
Where: Mondrian Ballroom, Mondrian Gold Coast, Burleigh Heads
When: Saturday 12 September, 6pm—12am
Cost: $79 per person
Find out more and grab tickets here.
Watch The SUNS Take On The Magpies
Saturday 12 September
Our favourite AFLW team, the Gold Coast SUNS, are back at People First Stadium this Saturday for a round 5 clash against the Collingwood Magpies, and it’s set to be quite the clash. Few things in life beat an afternoon of footy with a side of hot chips and an iced cold beverage in hand.
Wear your colours, bring the noise and help the team make the most of their home ground advantage. Tickets start from $15—grab yours and get down to Carrara.
Where: People First Stadium, Nerang Broadbeach Rd, Carrara
When: Saturday 12 September, first bounce 2:35pm
Cost: From $15
For more info and tickets, click here.
What's On Sunday 13 September
Savour Some Free Live Tunes By The Beach
Sunday 13 September
Seaside Sounds is back again and, after last weeks epic session, it's clearly one worth mosying down south for. Expect another nostalgic afternoon of live tunes, with this week's genre being yacht rock favourites held at Roughton Park in Kirra.
It runs from 3pm to 6pm, giving you plenty of time to grab a bite beforehand and settle in for a lovely afternoon of live tunes by the water. Entry is free—just remember to bring along a picnic blanket and enjoy it.
Where: Roughton Park, Kirra
When: Sunday 13 September, 3pm—6pm
Cost: Free
Find out more here.
Head To Tedder Avenue For The Main Beach Street Festival
Sunday 13 September
Tedder Avenue in Main Beach is coming alive this Sunday with a free community street festival running all afternoon. There'll be a jam-packed main stage lineup featuring live music from Jamie Lamont and Goodrich Band, a runway show, dance performances, and an ABBA Girls tribute,
Away from the stage, you can expect roving performers, a kids zone, a car display and a photo booth keep the entertainment rolling, plus local cafes and restaurants along Tedder will be open with extended trading. Entry is free, so grab your family, grab your friends and head to Main Beach for a fun way to wrap up your Sunday.
Where: Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
When: Sunday 13 September, 1pm—6pm
Cost: Free
For more info, click here.
What's On All Weekend
SWELL Sculpture Festival Kicks Off This Weekend
Friday 11 September—Sunday 20 September
Image credit: Salute to the Sun by Patricia Piccini | Supplied
Queensland’s biggest outdoor art show returns this weekend as SWELL Sculpture Festival transforms Currumbin Beach into a 1.2km-long gallery of jaw-dropping creativity. From this Friday 11 September to Sunday 20 September, wander among more than 100 large-scale contemporary sculptures by 300 national and international artists, with each piece bringing its own story to life against the stunning coastal backdrop.
Alongside the artworks, expect sunrise yoga, silent discos, art parties, live music, kids’ activities and more, making this ten-day festival a true celebration of art and community. Whether you’re catching the sculptures at dawn, dusk, or under the stars, SWELL 2026 promises to be as inspiring as it is unmissable.
I highly recommend keeping a close eye on the festival program for all the fun, fascinating activities that you (and your little ones) can engage in over the coming weeks.
Where: Various locations at Currumbin Beach, around the Gold Coast and Murwillubah M|Arts Precinct
When: Friday 11 September—Sunday 20 September
Cost: Free
Click here for more information.
Kidchella Is Back
Saturday 12 September—Sunday 13 September
Image credit: Kidchella | Supplied
If the kids are in need of a weekend that's entirely about fun (and you need somewhere for them to let off some steam), then get excited because this two-day kids festival is taking over the Esplanade this weekend. Kidchella is bringing Ferris wheel rides, silent discos, a DJ dance party, skate workshops, beach rugby, a glam bar and an art studio, all right on the beachfront.
On Saturday night there'll be markets from 4pm, a beach cinema screening of SING and a fireworks finale to close out the evening, while Sunday keeps the party going with the same brilliant lineup of daytime activities from 10am to 4pm. So round up your little troops and throw on your most joyful festival outfits—this one is going to be mega.
Where: 2 Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
When: Saturday 12 September—Sunday 13 September, from 10am
Cost: Free
Find out more here.
Score Big Savings At The Harbour Town Get Outlet Sale
Thursday 10 September—Sunday 13 September
Image Credit: Harbour Town Premium Outlets | Supplied
Harbour Town Premium Outlets is bringing back its popular Get Outlet Sale this weekend, with four days of centre-wide savings across more than 240 stores. Shoppers who spend $200 or more can grab a Candy Bar Token Card to redeem at the Harbour Town Fountain for a chance to win a share of more than $8,000 in prizes, making the retail therapy feel even more exciting.
From Friday to Sunday, spending $20 or more at any Harbour Town Eats retailer from 3pm also scores you a free movie ticket—the more you spend, the more tickets you can collect. It’s the perfect excuse for a spring shopping spree without paying full price.
Where: Harbour Town Premium Outlets, 147-189 Brisbane Rd, Biggera Waters
When: Thursday 10 September—Sunday 13 September
Cost: Free entry
Find out more here.
Mamma Mia!
Friday 4 September–Sunday 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. Get your tickets here.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, Broadbeach
When: Friday 4 September–Sunday 20 September
Cost: From $72
Find out more and grab your tickets here.
Browse The Gold Coast’s Best Markets
All Weekend
Sunshine, shopping, and some of the Gold Coast’s best bites—markets on our sun-kissed coastline continue to bring the vibes. Whether you're after vintage threads, local produce, live music or artisanal goods, there’s something for absolutely everyone.
Check out our ultimate Gold Coast markets guide for the full wrap-up on where to go and what to eat. Happy strolling.
Where: Various locations
When: All weekend
Cost: Free entry
Find out more here.
After The Rain
Saturday 4 July—Sunday 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: Saturday 4 July—Sunday 27 September
Cost: Free
Find out more here.
Alcotraz
Friday 26 June—Saturday 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.
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.
What's Coming Up
Get A Sneak Peek Of The Gold Coast 500 At This Free Launch Event
Thursday 17 September
If, like us, the roar of the Gold Coast 500 already has you counting down the days, the free IGNITION launch event at The Star Gold Coast on Thursday 17 September is the perfect way to kick off the excitement early. From 5pm to 7:30pm, fans can get up close with Supercars drivers including Matt Payne and Cam Waters, watch live BMX and skate demos, jump in a racing simulator and get an exclusive first look at what's new for this year's event—including a brand new entertainment and live music precinct launching at Macintosh Island for race weekend.
The Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 itself runs Friday 23 October to Sunday 25 October on the streets of Surfers Paradise, and if IGNITION is anything to go by, this year's event is shaping up to be the biggest and most exciting yet. Free to attend and open to all ages—head to The Star on Thursday for a taste of what's to come.
Where: The Star Gold Coast, The Lawn Garden Kitchen & Bar, Broadbeach
When: Thursday 17 September, 5pm—7:30pm
Cost: Free
Find out more here.
Giant Glowing Frogs Are Hopping Over To The HOTA Lake
Saturday 19 September—Sunday 27 September
If you're looking for something a little different to add to the calendar, then the series of towering illuminated frog sculptures landing at the HOTA lakeside are calling your name. The Night Walkers installation features giant inflatable frogs representing endangered species from five different countries, each glowing with vibrant neon patterns that transform the lakeside into a magical after dark spectacle.
It's as thought-provoking as it is visually stunning, inviting visitors to reflect on biodiversity and the species that often go unnoticed until it's too late. Free to visit daily from 9am to 10pm, the kids will love it just as much as you.
Where: Lakeside Peninsula, HOTA, Surfers Paradise
When: Saturday 19 September—Sunday 27 September, 9am—10pm daily
Cost: Free
Find out more here.
Groundwater Country Music Festival
Friday 16 October–Sunday 18 October
Image credit: Groundwater Country Music Festival | Supplied
One of Australia's biggest country music festivals is heading back to the beach this spring. Groundwater Country Music Festival returns to Broadbeach this October, bringing three days of free live music, line dancing, food and beachside stages to the Gold Coast.
Leading the 2026 lineup is Australian country icon Kasey Chambers, joined by New Zealand star Kaylee Bell, The Wolfe Brothers, Beccy Cole, James Blundell, Kingswood, Lane Pittman, Hayley Jensen and more than 30 other Australian and international acts. Alongside the live performances, expect beachside line dancing, bluegrass breakfasts, country DJs and open-air sets just steps from the sand.
Where: Broadbeach, Gold Coast
When: Friday 16–Sunday 18 October
Cost: Free
Find out more here.
DINGO Music & Arts Festival
Thursday 8 October–Sunday 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: Thursday 8 October–Sunday 11 October
Find out more here.
Dine Under Candlelight At This French Riviera-Inspired Soirée
Friday 23 October
Transport yourself to the French Riviera without leaving Broadbeach at Sofitel Gold Coast’s next Riviera Soirée this October. Set beneath hundreds of flickering candles, the evening will pair a four-course menu by Executive Chef Yang Zhang with premium French wines, with each dish showcasing the best of Australian produce.
Think seasonal French-inspired fare, elegant surroundings and that lovely sense of occasion that makes a long dinner feel a little more special. Choose between the four-course menu or add the wine pairing for the full Riviera experience.
Where: Bistro on3, Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach
When: Friday 23 October, 5:30pm—8pm
Cost: $250 per person; $350 with wine pairing
To find out more and book, click here.
The Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 Is Coming Back To Surfers Paradise
Friday 23 October—Sunday 25 October
Image Credit: Gold Coast 500 | Supplied
The Gold Coast 500 is getting a serious shake-up this year, with the Supercars spectacle expanding into a city-wide festival of racing, music, entertainment and community experiences. Kicking things off on Friday 23 October is Track Club powered by Boost Mobile, where athlete and Young Australian of the Year Nedd Brockmann will lead 2,500 runners around the iconic Surfers Paradise street circuit.
Participants can tackle up to two laps alongside Brockmann, with $15 from every entry donated to Mobilise to help tackle homelessness across Australia. And that's just the beginning, with a whole host of new experiences set to pop up across the Gold Coast during race weekend.
Where: Surfers Paradise street circuit and various Gold Coast locations
When: Friday 23 October—Sunday 25 October
Cost: Track Club from $90 per adult; $45 per under 16; Gold Coast 500 tickets vary
Find out more and grab tickets here.
A Huge Halloween Weekend Event Is Coming To Burleigh Town Hotel
Friday 30 October—Saturday 31 October
Image Credit: Blue Music Services | Provided
If you're the kind of person who takes Halloween seriously and loves the dancefloor, clear the last weekend of October now. A two-night Halloween Weekender is heading to Burleigh Town Hotel with four of Australia's biggest party starters playing across both nights.
Friday 30 October brings Will Sparks and Little Fritter, while Saturday 31 October sees Lime Cordiale's rare DJ set and Touch Sensitive take over the dancefloor—so you know it's going to be quite the shindig. There are ticket options for each night or a double pass and dress-ups are strongly encouraged—sign up for the presale and get ready to party.
Where: Burleigh Town Hotel, Burleigh Heads
When: Friday 30 & Saturday 31 October, 8pm—12am
Cost: From $30 | 18+
Find out more and register for pre-sale 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.
A Brand New Roots And Reggae Festival Is Coming To The Gold Coast
Saturday 20 February 2027
Image Credit: Stan Walker | Supplied
Mark your calendars, people—Sound Collective, a brand new roots and reggae music festival, is making its debut at Broadwater Parklands in February and the lineup they've pulled together is seriously impressive. The likes of Maoli, Stan Walker, Katchafire, Arrested Development and SOJA will headline the absolutely stacked bill.
You can also expect sets from Aotearoa R&B trio A.R.T., Gold Coast nine-piece Bradamon Band, rising Sydney singer RIAH and more, with ten hours of music, food, fun and culture promised across the day. Pre-sale tickets drop Thursday 17 September with general public sales opening the following morning—for a lineup this good, you'd best grab tickets before they're gone.
Where: Broadwater Parklands, Marine Parade, Southport
When: Saturday 20 February 2027
Cost: Tickets start at $169.90
Find out more and grab 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
Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.
Editor's note: Urban List editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. Urban List has affiliate partnerships, and if you purchase something through the links in this article, we will earn a commission from those partners. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.
Jump to section
See more Urban List in Google Search.
