What’s On In The Gold Coast This Weekend, Month And Beyond
Harmony Lee
Contributor | Urban List Gold Coast
The weather may be looking a little unpredictable, but that’s manageable when you’ve got a weekend that looks this fun. From a viral food festival to an after-dark event in Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and a doggy day out, there’s a little something-something for everyone.
Plus, most of what’s on offer is as easy on the purse as it is enjoyable, so get out there and lap up all that the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country has to offer. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your weekend.
Jump to each section:
What's On Friday 21 August
Boogie Your Way Into The Weekend At This ’80s Synth Event
Friday 21 August
Make your way to Miami Marketta this Friday evening to kick off your weekend with some seriously sweet, synth-heavy tunes. VOXNEON is a celebration of ’80s synth-pop that’ll have you moving and grooving in all the right ways.
Think Depeche Mode, Simple Minds, New Order, Duran Duran and many, many more, all played live with synthesizers, electric drums and keytars, alongside immersive, synchronised visuals. It’s a nostalgic night of big sounds and huge vibes that you won’t want to miss.
Where: Miami Marketta
When: Friday 21 August, from 6:30pm
Cost: $39 per adult
For more info and tickets, click here.
What's On Saturday 22 August
Grab Some Second Hand Goodies At The Lobby Rack Sale
Saturday 22 August
Image Credit: Lobby | Instagram
Lobby rack sales have fast become synonymous with epic, unique clothing, jewellery, accessories and other second hand finds. Combine that with top notch nosh, matcha and coffee, and you've got yourself a fabulous morning.
It’s quite the popular affair, so I suggest carpooling as parking can be tight, but it's definitely worth the battle. What better way is there to kick off your Saturday?
Where: Lobby, 60 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters
When: Saturday 22 August, 8am—11am
Cost: Free entry
Find out more here.
Get Wild With This Unique After-Dark Wellness Event
Saturday 22 August
If you’re looking for a truly unique experience this weekend, then look no further. WILDFLOW is a first-of-its-kind event on the Gold Coast, combining yoga, breathwork, meditation and sound healing with a banquet dinner, live music, a mini wellness market and more. And the best part?
It’s all taking place in the heart of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, where you’ll be guided through the sanctuary at night before settling in for an evening like no other. It’s almost sold out, so grab tickets before they’re gone—this is going to be a special one.
Where: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
When: Saturday 22 August, 5pm
Cost: $150 per adult
Find out more and grab tickets here.
Take Your Pooch Along To An Epic Doggy Day Out
Saturday 22 August
Image Credit: Paws at the Park | Supplied
Paws at the Park is back at Mudgeeraba Showgrounds this Saturday for an epic, tail-wagging day out in support of Animal Welfare League. There'll be more than 80 stalls, food, music, kids’ giveaways, a photo booth and free trackless train rides for the whole family, including, of course, your four-legged bestie.
The headline act is the K9 Superwall, where pups will put their best paws forward as they attempt to scale an ever-rising wall, with past competitors clearing heights of up to 3.5 metres. It’s free to attend, packed with wholesome fun and, best of all, every wag helps raise money for a very good cause.
Where: Mudgeeraba Showgrounds, 115 Mudgeeraba Rd, Worongary
When: Saturday 22 August, from 9am
Cost: Free entry
Find out more here.
Get Ready To Rummage Through An Epic Second Hand Clothing Market
Saturday 22 August
Warm up your fingers for some serious pre-loved clothing trawling because Dusty Rummage is back at Miami Marketta this Saturday morning. Expect fashion to suit every flavour, plus jewellery, accessories and more, alongside delicious coffee and tasty eats—'tis Marketta, after all.
There’ll be tunes playing and vibes aplenty, so grab your friends, bring some cash and get ready for a morning of feel-good shopping.
Where: Miami Marketta, 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
When: Saturday 22 August, 9am—1pm
Cost: Free entry
Find out more here.
Kick Back At This Wholesome Mini Music Festival In Currumbin Valley
Saturday 22 August
Ground Effect is back, bringing a world-class lineup of Aussie artists to the stunning Currumbin Valley for a mini musical festival like no other. With lush rainforest as the backdrop, this afternoon celebration blends live music, delicious food, art and community into one big wholesome experience.
This time around, you’ll be serenaded by an incredible line-up including Tim Sladden, Maddy May, The Seeding and Hein Cooper. Grab your people, tickets, and a picnic rug or two, and get ready to soak up this epic afternoon as the sun sets over the valley.
Where: Ground Currumbin, 6 Village Way, Currumbin Valley
When: Saturday 22 August, doors from 4pm
Cost: $40 per adult, $20 per child, free for under 8yo, plus special deals for group & family bookings
More details and tickets here.
What's On Sunday 23 August
Take The Family Along To A Free Afternoon Of Live Music In Helensvale
Sunday 23 August
Image Credit: Only Good Times Events Company | Facebook
Round up your family and friends, dust off the picnic rug and make your way to Buckler Park this Sunday for an easy-breezy afternoon of tunes and tasty eats. Twilight Tunes is serving up free live music from local band The Halsie Minor, plus a lineup of food trucks ready to handle dinner while you soak up those golden hour vibes.
It’s family-friendly, community-spirited, dog-friendly and tailor-made for sprawling on the grass as the sun dips and the sky turns pastel. Consider your Sunday wind-down officially sorted.
Where: Buckler Park, Laurel Dr, Helensvale
When: Sunday 23 August, 3pm—7pm
Cost: Free
Find out more here.
What's On All Weekend
Make Your Way To This Delicious Dessert Pop-Up
Friday 21 August—Sunday 23 August
Image Credit: dssrt. | Instagram
Dssrt., the Gold Coast’s viral dessert truck, is popping up at Pacific Fair this weekend and, if you’ve got a sweet tooth, it’s time to clear your plans and head straight there. For three days only, you can get your hands on their brand new trio of ice cream dessert tacos—think crispy waffle cone shells packed with ice cream and topped with your choice of salted caramel, Biscoff or dssrt.’s viral Matilda cake.
Plus, it’s your last chance to sink your teeth into a full slice of the much-loved Matilda cake, smothered in rich Belgian chocolate—the very dessert that shot dssrt. to fame in the first place. Safe to say, you’ll want to get there early to guarantee a slice.
Where: Offline, Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, Broadbeach
When: Friday 21 August—Sunday 23 August, 12pm—5pm
Cost: Prices vary
Find out more here.
Southern Realm Festival
Saturday 22 August—Sunday 23 August
Step back in time this weekend as the Southern Realm Festival descends on Boonah Showgrounds for a full medieval takeover. Watch armoured warriors go head-to-head, catch jousting tournaments and horseback archery, and explore market stalls stacked with handcrafted treasures you won't find anywhere else.
There's also plenty to get hands-on with, from historical crafts and combat techniques to family-friendly medieval games, plus horses, knights and feasts from the tavern to complete the fantasy. You can nab day tickets or a weekend pass here.
Where: Boonah Showgrounds, Boonah
When: 8am to 4pm, Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August
Cost: From $17.50
Find out more here.
Get Ready To Feast At The Viral Food Festival
Friday 21 August—Sunday 23 August
Get ready, foodies—the Viral Food Festival is bringing all your online cravings to life at the Gold Coast Turf Club this weekend. From cheeseburger spring rolls and rainbow toasties to Disney churros dupes, Dubai chocolate strawberries and scoopable cookie dough, over 50 trending eats are landing at the one spot for three delicious days.
Beyond the epic eats, you’ll find market stalls, kids’ rides, live music and roving entertainment, so you'll have a few different ways to work off the food coma. With tickets just $5 online, this is the viral moment you’ll want to be part of.
Where: Gold Coast Turf Club, Racecourse Dr, Bundall
When: Friday 21 August—Sunday 23 August
Cost: $5 per ticket online, $7 per ticket at the door
Click here for more information and tickets.
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
Palette X Pipit
Wednesday 9 September
Image credit: Rhiannon Taylor | Supplied
Two of the region's most acclaimed chefs are joining forces for one night only. Palette Restaurant will welcome Ben Devlin of Pipit for an exclusive six-course collaboration celebrating the produce of the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers.
Hosted by Palette's executive chef Dayan Hartill-Law and Devlin, the dinner will showcase hyper-local ingredients sourced from regional farmers, fishers and artisan producers, with dishes shaped by both chefs' shared focus on seasonality and sustainability. Guests can also upgrade their evening with a Gyotaku fish-printing masterclass led by Devlin before heading behind the scenes into Palette's kitchen via HOTA's signature Art Lift.
Where: Ground floor HOTA Gallery, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
When: Wednesday 9 September
Cost: From $290 per person
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. 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: Friday 4 September–Sunday 20 September
Cost: From $72
Find out more and grab your tickets 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.
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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