With perfect autumn weather and a packed lineup of events, this weekend on the Gold Coast is all about good vibes, great food, and unforgettable moments. Whether you're looking for family-friendly fun, live music under the stars, or a glamorous night out, there’s something for everyone.
From the high-energy beats of Blues on Broadbeach to the laid-back charm of the Mudgeeraba Street Party, we’ve rounded up the best ways to make the most of your weekend. So grab your friends, family, or that special someone—it’s time to get out and explore.
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 Saturday 17 May
Shop Local At The Broadwater Pavilion Market
Looking for Saturday plans with chill vibes and local flair? The Broadwater Pavilion Market is popping up in the lush Broadwater Parklands this weekend and it's the perfect excuse to get outdoors. Running from 8am to 2pm, this bi-monthly market is packed with artisan goodies, local eats from food trucks, and sweet tunes from live performers.
There's a dedicated kids’ zone with face painting and crafts, plus it’s pet-friendly, so bring the fur babies and your picnic rug for a relaxed morning by the water.
Let the Kids Get Hands-On With Reptiles At NaturallyGC Kids
Got curious kiddos? NaturallyGC’s Reptile Workshop is giving little legends aged 4 to 12 years old a chance to get up close with snakes, lizards, and turtles. It’s fun, interactive and completely free, with expert presenters guiding kids through the role reptiles play in the ecosystem.
Held indoors (bonus: no weather worries), it runs from 10am to 11am and spots are limited, so it’s probably best to register now. For more information, click here.
Sing The Night Away At Miami Marketta’s Hamilton: The Musical Party
Calling all musical theatre tragics—it’s your time to shine. Miami Marketta is hosting a massive Hamilton Tribute Party this Saturday night, and it’s going to be non-stop, in the best way. Held on Saturday 17 May from 8pm, expect DJs spinning Hamilton bangers alongside Broadway faves and feel-good pop anthems, plus themed fun that'll have you living your main character moment.
Get your crew together and prepare to dance and sing your heart out. Costumes are highly encouraged. Get tickets here.
Get Fancy For A Good Cause At The Behind The Mask Charity Gala
If black-tie sparkle is more your Saturday vibe, don’t miss the Behind the Mask Charity Gala at HOTA. This masquerade ball is bringing the glitz with live performances from the Royal Australian Navy Band, speed painting by Brad Blaze, and jaw-dropping magic from Aimon Kong.
Tickets are $190 per person and include a decadent three-course dinner, a four-hour drinks package, and a whole lot of good karma—funds raised go to PTSD Resurrected Inc, a local mental health charity. It’s elegance with a purpose, from 6pm until late. More info here.
Gather The Gals For Six-Tricks Distilling Co.’s Women Of Substance Cocktail Luncheon
Rescheduled and reimagined, the Women of Substance Luncheon offers an elegant afternoon of connection, conversation and celebration. Set within the stylish surrounds of Six-Tricks Distilling Co., guests will enjoy a signature cocktail on arrival, a generous grazing table, and a curated selection of roving canapés and sweet treats.
With live acoustic music, guest speakers and a few light-hearted touches—including raffle prizes—it’s a relaxed yet meaningful event aimed at bringing women together in the name of shared strength and good cocktails, of course. For more information and to book, click here.
Experience A Bit Of Laughter Therapy At HOTA’s Comedy Underground
Sure, Comedy Underground runs every Saturday, but no two nights are ever the same. With a rotating lineup of sharp-witted stand-ups, touring headliners, and rising stars from across the country (and beyond), it’s a guaranteed hit of hilarity to wrap up your week.
Curated by the comedy pros at Based Comedy and set in HOTA’s intimate Basement venue, expect 90 minutes of fast-paced, joy-inducing stand-up that’s equal parts cheeky and cathartic. A weekly dose of laughs never sounded so good.
What's On Sunday 18 May
Celebrate Local Spirit At The 17th Annual Mudgeeraba Street Party
The Mudgeeraba Street Party is rolling into town for its 17th year, and with over 100 stalls and activities planned, it’s shaping up to be a proper celebration of community spirit. There’ll be live music, roving performers, art displays, wildlife encounters, and plenty of kid-friendly fun like face painting and inflatable games.
The street parade is always a highlight—think colourful costumes, school groups, and throwback heritage vibes from the Gold Coast Hinterland Museum crew. With market stalls, local eats, and free activities all day long, this street party’s got ‘Sunday well spent’ written all over it.
Soak Up Waterside Vibes at the Hope Island Marina Markets
Spend your Sunday browsing the Hope Island Marina Markets, where boutique stalls line the boardwalk of the Hope Island Shopping Centre. It’s artisan charm with a luxury twist—think handmade jewellery, curated crafts, and lush homewares.
Grab a coffee, meander past the yachts, and settle in for a cruisy morning by the water.
Rock Out With Supergroove Live At Miami Marketta
Legendary Kiwi band Supergroove is lighting up the stage at Miami Marketta this Sunday as part of their Phenomenon Tour. It’s been two decades since they last hit Aussie shores, and this reunion tour is pure nostalgia.
With special guests Troy Kingi, Rubi Du and DJ King Kapisi in tow, expect an explosive set of funky bangers. Doors open at 6pm and this one's going to sell fast, so click here to grab tickets.
What's On All Weekend
Blues On Broadbeach Is Back With A Stellar Lineup
Image Credit: Blues on Broadbeach | Supplied
Blues on Broadbeach is back for its 24th year, and the 2025 lineup is bringing the heat. Spanning four days and multiple outdoor stages, this iconic free festival turns Broadbeach into a coastal blues haven—think street parties, soul-soaked sets, and the kind of energy only a beachfront crowd can deliver.
Catch 130+ free (yes, FREE) performances from The Cruel Sea, DIESEL, Eli Paperboy Reed, The Harlem Gospel Travelers and a seriously stacked lineup of local legends and international headliners. Bonus: Jimmy Barnes is playing a one-off Soul Deep show at Kurrawa Park on Sunday (this one is ticketed, so jump quick and grab them here if you're keen).
Whether you're a die-hard blues fan or just vibing the idea of live music by the beach, this is one of the Gold Coast’s biggest weekends of the year—don’t miss it.
Walk Among the Stars at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s Astra Lumina
Only recently opened, Astra Lumina has started out with a big bang—pun intended. The illuminated 1.5km night-time walk will have you feeling over the moon—literally. Located in the bushland of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, journey across nine remarkable light shows inspired by the stars, ending with a photo booth to capture the memory. Whether you’re planning a romantic date night or a family-friendly adventure, tickets are currently on sale for $35 from every Wednesday to Saturday. More details here.
What's Coming Up
Splash Into Luxury At The Sanctuary Cove Boat Show
Image Credit: SCIBS | Supplied
Running from Friday 23 May to Sunday 25 May, the Southern Hemisphere’s most glamorous boating event returns, with hundreds of boats flocking to the luxe waterside vibes for the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show. Dive into the action with exclusive VIP experiences, the latest marine tech and family-friendly fun all wrapped up in one epic lifestyle festival.
If you’re a seasoned sailor, or just looking for a reason to put your feet up and graze on gourmet food with live entertainment while looking out onto a sparkling lagoon pool—this is one unforgettable weekend. Book ahead here.
Rev Your Engine, A $20 Million Supercar Takeover Is Hitting Broadbeach
Image Credit: The Sunset Run | Supplied
Buckle up—Australia’s most luxurious supercar event is hitting Broadbeach in high gear. Now in its fourth year, The Sunset Run returns to the Gold Coast on Saturday 31 May, with the highlight being the Oracle Boulevard shutdown for a jaw-dropping showcase of $20 million worth of exotic cars.
Expect head-turners like Ferraris, McLarens, and a newly launched Rolls-Royce making its first public appearance, after its global reveal at the Sanctuary Cove Boat Show. The Oracle Boulebard shutdown will run from approx. 11:40am to 2:30pm and you don't want to be late—in previous years, crowds have started gathering before the cars have arrived. As the luxury convoy sets out across the Gold Coast, the real engine behind the Sunset Run is to drive purpose as it raises funds for Make-A-Wish Foundation. If you're looking to register your car in this premier event you can apply here and check out general information here.
Feast On Street Food Under The Stars At The HOTA Hawker Night Markets
Image Credit: HOTA Markets | Supplied
The HOTA Night Markets are returning this June, and we can't wait for this feast for the senses. From 4pm to 9pm on Saturday 7 June, wander through over 150 gourmet stalls slinging everything from steamy dumplings to crispy banh mi under a sky of glowing lanterns.
Inspired by the bustling hawker markets of South-East Asia, expect live local music, roving street performers, fire tricks and buzzing night market vibes, set against the dreamy backdrop of the Evandale Lake. Entry is free, so just bring along your appetite (and maybe a spare tote bag for all your take-home goodies) and let the street food adventure begin. You can register for your free ticket here and check out more details here.
The Mega Solento Surf Festival Hits The Gold Coast This June
Image Credit: Solento Surf Festival | Supplied
From 7 to 14 June, the Solento Surf Festival is bringing a full week of waves, film, art, and live music to Burleigh Heads, Mondrian Gold Coast (opening May 2025), and HOTA. Curated by legendary surf filmmaker Taylor Steele, the festival will feature epic surf flicks, world premieres, artist talks, a beachside surf comp, pop-up bars, live tunes, and more.
Kick off the good vibes with a community surf contest on Burleigh Headland, where locals can go board-to-board with the pros. It's all about surf culture, storytelling, and slowing down to soak it all in. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind celebration of coastal creativity. Find all the info you need here.
Crack A Cold One At Stone & Wood’s Festival Of The Stone This June
Image Credit: Festival of the Stone | Supplied
Things are warming up in Byron Bay this winter as Festival of the Stone returns on Saturday 14 June. Hosted by Stone & Wood, this epic night blends fresh brews, live tunes, and community spirit. The star of the show? The 2025 Stone Beer, a bold, limited-edition winter release brewed the old-school way with hot stones and select Aussie malts, giving it a rich, smoky caramel flavour.
Pair your pint with live sets from homegrown legends like Old Mervs, Josh Pyke, The Belair Lip Bombs, dust, FELONY, and strayfold. Even better, all proceeds go to support Byron’s Fletcher Street Cottage. Good beer, great music, and a worthy cause—what more could you want? Early tickets are on sale now.
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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