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

Well, well, well, what a stunning few days the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country is serving up this weekend. With so much going on, you’re either going to need some elite-level planning to fit it all in, or a very thorough pros-and-cons list to decide which events make the cut.

For me, I’m working backwards from the NRLW Grand Final, plotting my route to maximise food (and drinks, let’s be honest), boogying and fun from Friday clock-off to Sunday kickoff. There’s a little something-something for everyone—families included—and the added bonus of a public holiday to help recover from all the indulgence. Grab your pen and read on to plan your perfect weekend.

Jump to each section:

• What's On Friday​
• What's On Saturday
• What's On Sunday
• What's On All Weekend
• What's Coming Up

What's On Friday 2 October

Dance The Afternoon Away At Overtone Festival

Friday 2 October

Image Credit: Overtone Festival | Facebook

If you’re looking to kick off your weekend with a serious boogie, Overtone Festival is bringing an epic lineup of local and international electronic talent to Southport. Spread across three outdoor stages, expect premium sound, creative stage design and a full day of DJs and live acts, including Richie Hawtin, Two Shell, 6 Sense, Mikalah Watego and more. 

Gates open from 1pm, with private charter buses running across the Gold Coast to make getting there and back a little easier. And because one party is apparently never enough, there’s also a cheeky after-party kicking off at Elsewhere once the festival wraps.

Where: Musgrave Park, Southport QLD
When: Friday 2 October, gates open at 1pm
Cost: $244.90 per final release ticket
Find out more and grab tickets here.

See Lady Blackbird And Electric Fields Live For Free

Friday 2 October

Image Credit: Electric Fields Music | Facebook

Kick off Bleach Festival with an incredible double bill of soul and electronic music at HOTA. Internationally acclaimed British-American singer Lady Blackbird will bring her powerhouse vocals and jazz-infused soul to the stage, while Australian duo Electric Fields will blend incredible singing with electronic soundscapes.

It’s set to be a beautiful evening of storytelling and seriously impressive live music—and the best part is, it’s completely free. Just make sure you nab a ticket in advance, as registration is still required.

Where: HOTA Outdoor Stage, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
When: Friday 2 October, 6pm
Cost: Free (ticket registration still required)
For more information and to register, click here.

What's On Saturday 3 October

A Morning Of Second Hand Shopping At Miami Marketta

Saturday 3 October

Image Credit: Love Me Again Market GC | Instagram

It’s that time again, people. If your ideal Saturday morning involves a coffee in hand and a rummage for second hand gems, the Love Me Again Market at Miami Marketta has your name written all over it. From 8am to midday, there'll be stalls packed with pre-loved clothing and accessories, from designer labels to everyday favourites and everything in between.

Fuel your shop with coffee, matcha, pastries and more, all soundtracked with good tunes and great energy. Entry is free and all you need is your market bag (and a little dosh) for all the treasures you’re bound to take home.

Where: Miami Marketta, 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
When: Saturday 3 October, 8am—12pm
Cost: Free entry
Click here for more info.

Nobby's Is Turning Up The Heat With A Street Fiesta

Saturday 3 October

Image Credit: Nobby's Street Fiesta | Instagram

Nobby’s Street Fiesta is back this Saturday with a sizzling program of Latin-inspired fun that's not to be missed. Expect live bands, flamenco and samba performances, fire shows, stilt walkers, kids’ activities and even free Latin dance lessons to get you moving and grooving.

Of course, this epic street party will be community-focused, with local restaurants and pop-ups dishing out Latin flavours and craft drinks straight to the street. A family-friendly, free celebration that’s guaranteed to bring the spice in more ways than one, so make your way to Nobby’s this weekend.

Where: Nobby Beach QLD
When: Saturday 3 October, 4pm—8pm
Cost: Free
More information here.

Dance And Sing Along To SIX60 And Sub-Tribe At HOTA

Saturday 3 October

SIX60 are returning to HOTA’s Outdoor Stage this Saturday for the first time in seven years, bringing their signature blend of roots, soul and dubstep to Bleach Festival. Joining the New Zealand powerhouse is seven-piece dub-fusion outfit Sub-Tribe, who’ll kick things off with their feel-good mix of roots, reggae and hip-hop. 

Expect a high-energy evening celebrating the sounds of Aotearoa, with plenty of big anthems, grooves and reasons to get up and dance. Best of all, it’s an all-ages affair, so rally the crew and settle in for a fabulous, fun night of live music.

Where: HOTA Outdoor Stage, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
When: Saturday 3 October, from 6pm
Cost: $89 per ticket
For more info and tickets, click here.

What's On Sunday 4 October

Catch The NRLW & NRL Final

Sunday 4 October

It's the biggest day on the rugby league calendar this Sunday, with not one but two grand finals going down at Accor Stadium in Sydney, and the Gold Coast has plenty of great spots to watch both. The NRLW Grand Final kicks things off in the afternoon with the Sydney Roosters taking on the Brisbane Broncos, before the NRL Grand Final follows at 6:30pm with the Sydney Roosters facing the Newcastle Knights.

Whether you're a die-hard fan or just in it for the atmosphere, pull up a stool at one of the Coast's best spots to watch—Waxy's Irish Pub, Kirra Beach House, Burleigh Town Hotel, Balter Brewery, Coomera Lodge Hotel, Pig 'n' Whistle, Crafty's Sports Bar, Southport Sharks, and Sporting Globe all make for a cracking grand final venue. Get there early, settle in with a cold one and get ready for an afternoon of spectacular footy.

Where: Various venues across the Gold Coast
When: Sunday 4 October, from 3pm (NRL Grand Final kick-off 6:30pm)

What's On All Weekend

BLEACH* Festival Kicks Off

Thursday 1 October—Sunday 11 October

Image Credit: BLEACH* | Supplied

The Gold Coast's premier arts and cultural festival, BLEACH* is kicking off this weekend, and bringing with it a whole lot of art and entertainment. For 11 days and nights, HOTA will be taken over entirely by music, large-scale performance, dance, theatre and immersive art installations, with the festival's biggest footprint yet spanning both indoors and out across the precinct.

Highlights include a monumental dawn performance involving a giant suspended block of ice, 100 giant jellyfish puppets descending on the parklands and a whole lot more in between. Whether you're after a free afternoon in the sun or a ticketed evening of world-class performance, there truly is something here for everyone—check the full program and get your tickets sorted before you miss out.

Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
When: Thursday 1 October—Sunday 11 October
Cost: Mix of free and ticketed events
Find the full program and tickets here.

The World-Class Burleigh 5,000 Is Taking Over Burleigh This Weekend

Friday 2 October—Sunday 4 October

Get excited, one of Burleigh's biggest ocean sporting weekends of the year is here, with the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series bringing three days of incredible ocean racing, live music, food trucks and family fun to the sand. The world's best Ironmen, Ironwomen and surf sport athletes will be battling it out and providing world-class sporting entertainment metres from the shore across all three days.

Beyond the racing there’s live music keeping the beachside festival atmosphere well and truly alive, the Gold Coast Suns heading down on Saturday, a community ocean swim on Sunday morning, and food trucks serving up tasty eats all weekend long. Free to attend and running across the whole weekend—pack the sunscreen and head to Burleigh.

Where: Burleigh Heads Beach
When: Friday 2 October—Sunday 4 October
Cost: Free
Find out more here.

Head To Byron For This Gorgeous Champagne Pop-Up At Raes

Friday 2 October—Sunday 4 October

Image Credit: Raes on Wategos | Supplied

If a spontaneous road trip in on the cards this weekend, Raes on Wategos has just the event worth popping in your car for. The iconic hotel's Cellar Bar is hosting a Perrier-Jouët and Flower Bar Co takeover from Friday to Sunday, with every glass of Perrier-Jouët Champagne coming with a complimentary yellow rose stem and every bottle accompanied by a beautiful posy.

The pour list alone will have you racing down south, spanning Belle Epoque vintages going back to 2002, with some available by the glass and rarer bottles available for those wanting to make a proper occasion of it. Flowers, bubbles and beautiful Byron Bay—it doesn't get much better.

Where: Raes Cellar Bar, 6-8 Marine Parade, Byron Bay
When: Friday 2 October—Sunday 4 October, from 12pm
Cost: Prices vary
Find out more about Cellar Bar 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.

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

The Sea Is Calling Your Name For A Holistic Weekend Retreat

Thursday 22 October—Sunday 25 October

Image credit: Sea Sea Hotel | Supplied

One of TIME World’s Greatest Places 2026, the Sea Sea Hotel in New South Wales’ breathtaking Crescent Head, is hosting a heavenly weekend retreat from 22 October through to 25 October. It’s hosted at Sea Sea, a beautifully reimagined 1970s beach motel, and has in store a weekend that will truly set you up to reset, recharge and shake off anything that might be weighing you down. You can fly solo or bring along a special someone to share the experience with.

Your retreat includes three nights' accommodation in a private room, a guided headland hike, daily yoga/pilates classes, a martini masterclass, a sound bath experience, and includes breakfast, lunch and dinner for every day of the retreat at the Sea Sea Kitchen led by Milan-born chef Sarah Bregaglio. Plus, you’re covered on the wine and beer front, too.

The rooms themselves are something to look forward to—fully open to the surrounding landscape with stone floors, large sliding doors, warm interiors and kitted out with vintage furnishings and original artwork.

When: 22 October to 25 October
Where: Sea Sea Hotel, 30-34 Pacific Street, Crescent Head, NSW
Cost: From $2,600
Make a reservation 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.

Raise A Stein At Burleigh Brewing’s Frothtoberfest

Saturday 17 October

Dust off the lederhosen—Burleigh Brewing is transforming its taphouse into an authentic Oktoberfest experience on Saturday 17 October for Frothtoberfest, and it sounds like an absolute ripper of a day. Eight German beers will be flowing on tap, a traditional keg-tapping ceremony will set the tone and themed games and live German music will keep the energy up throughout—plus early bird tickets include a limited-edition half-litre stein to keep, and your choice of beer to fill it. 

The food lineup is equally serious, with salty pretzels from Byron Bay Pretzels, sizzling sausages from Berlin Bangers and more from Benny's Kitchen all on the menu. And if you're wondering about the credentials behind the beer, head brewmaster Brennan Fielding trained under mentors from Weihenstephan—the world's oldest operating brewery—so you can trust that the pours will be the real deal.

Where: Burleigh Brewing, 2 Ern Harley Dr, Burleigh Heads QLD
When: Saturday 17 October
Cost: $35 early bird; $210 for a group of six
For more information and tickets, click here.

The Kalbar Hay Bale Trail And Country Day Are Coming Up

Saturday 17 October

Image Credit: Kalbar Hay Bale Trail | Facebook

If you've never made the drive out to Kalbar for the Hay Bale Trail, I'm going to need you to add it to the calendar right now. Every year, the Scenic Rim township unleashes its creativity—and its very best hay puns—on enormous bales dotted around the district, with past creations including Mick-hay and Min-hay Mouse, Slink-hay and an entire jail constructed from hay bales, which is frankly genius. 

It all culminates in Kalbar Country Day on Saturday 17 October, with more than 140 market stalls, live music, bush poets, vintage tractors and the fiercely contested Junior and Senior Carrot Throwing Competitions—because this is, proudly, the carrot capital of Australia. Plus, early risers can score the famous gold coin breakfast for the first 350 through the gate, so set that alarm.

Where: George Street, Kalbar
When: Saturday 17 October, 7am—2pm
Cost: Free entry
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.

Tamborine Mountain Will Be Overrun By Scarecrows This Halloween Weekend

Friday 30 October—Sunday 1 November

Image Credit: Tamborine Mountain Scarecrow Festival | Supplied

Every spring, Tamborine Mountain does something gloriously unhinged—it fills with hundreds of scarecrows. Locals, families, schools and businesses go all out creating everything from charmingly traditional straw figures to sculptures that are clever, colourful and completely off the rails, and the whole mountain becomes one big outdoor treasure hunt via the Spot the Scarecrow Discovery Trail. 

There's a competitive streak running through it too, with categories including creative, traditional, celebrity and the brilliantly named first time in field, all building to the coveted best in show. Honestly, it's one of those events that sounds a little odd until you're there and having the absolute time of your life.

Where: Tamborine Mountain
When: Friday 30 October—Sunday 1 November
Cost: $12 per general admission, $7 per under 12; VIP & Family Passes available 
Find out more and secure 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.

A Massive Jumping Castle Is Bouncing To The Gold Coast

7–8 November

Image credit: The Big Bounce | Supplied

The world’s largest touring inflatable event is bouncing into Australia with a supersized day out for all ages. Landing on the Gold Coast this November, the inflatable theme park has a lot of ground to cover (over 1,500 square metres to be exact) with different zones including a space-themed attraction featuring moon crater ball pits and a sports arena filled with slam dunk opportunities. Three-hour sessions cater to juniors, bigger kids and adults, with tickets from $40. 

You'll find it in Main Beach with sessions now available to book here.

Where: Doug Jennings Park, Main Beach
When: Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November
Cost: From $40
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.

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

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