It looks like the weather is clearing, the sun will make an appearance, and the weekend is set to be absolutely humming with frolicsome things to do. The vibe of mid-August? Apparently, lots of dancing, live music, and wholesome community fun, and I for one am absolutely here for it.
From high-energy electric evenings to jazzy afternoons, celebratory half-price coffees and a big ol' street party, my weekend is shaping up to be jam-packed with all sorts of goodness, and yours can be, too. Read on for everything happening this weekend on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country.
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 22 August
Peking Duk Are Bringing The Heat To Miami Marketta
Australian electronic music icons, Peking Duk are hitting the Gold Coast for an evening of high vibes and sweaty dancing you won't want to miss. From their much-loved hits, one of which recently earned a spot in Triple J's Hottest 100 Australian Songs list, to their infectious energy, seeing this duo live is always a good time.
And where better to see them than Miami Marketta, with food stalls aplenty to wet your whistle before you boogie down. Tickets are selling out quickly, so grab them while you can and start your weekend off right.
Where: Miami Marketta, 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami QLD 4220
When: Friday 22 August, from 5pm
Cost: $68 per person
More information and tickets here.
Paresthesia Returns To Mo's For A High-Energy Evening
Get ready, Gold Coast—Paresthesia is back, and it’s bringing serious heat to Mo’s Desert Clubhouse. Sydney heavy-hitters Banno and Eva Charley are co-headlining with high-octane sets guaranteed to light up the dance floor.
They’ll be joined by BladeXC, fresh from a killer run of local shows, plus local duo Deck Heads making their debut. Expect an electric night of unreleased tracks, big drops and nonstop energy.
Where: Mo's Desert Clubhouse, 6/36 Central Dr, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
When: Friday 22 August, from 6:30pm
Cost: $35 per person
More information and tickets here.
What's On Saturday 23 August
Celebrate A Year Of HOME Currumbin
Image Credit: HOME Currumbin | Instagram
HOME Currumbin is turning one, and they’re throwing an epic day-long birthday bash to celebrate. From sunrise, expect killer half-price coffee, birthday cake by the slice, breakfast specials, live tunes and face painting to kick things off right.
By lunch, the vibes ramp up with Balter beers, smoked meats and DJs spinning into the afternoon before the official after party at the Balter Taproom. It’s set to be a full day of good food, good music and good people—aka the ultimate HOME-style celebration.
Where: HOME Currumbin, 4a/42 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters QLD 4223
When: Saturday 23 August, 5am to 11am, 11:30am to 3pm
More details here.
A Wholesome Afternoon Of Music In Currumbin Valley
The Ground Effect is back, bringing a world-class lineup of Australian folk, funk, blues and world music to the stunning Currumbin Valley. With lush greenery as the backdrop, this afternoon celebration blends live music, local food, art installations and community vibes into one wholesome experience.
Families and friends can relax on picnic blankets, explore artisan stalls, and soak up soulful sounds as the sun sets over the valley. It’s a day designed for connection and creativity in the heart of nature.
Where: Ground Currumbin, 6 Village Way, Currumbin Valley QLD 4223
When: Saturday 23 August, gates open at 3pm
Cost: $33 per adult, $15 per child, plus special deals for group & family bookings
More details and tickets here.
What's On Sunday 24 August
A Latin Culture Celebration At Miami Marketta
Hola Marketta! is bringing a full-blown Latin fiesta to the Gold Coast with live music, tasty eats, sizzling dance moves and good vibes. Expect fiery performances from live Latin bands like Sabor and Las Aguas, alongside DJs spinning salsa, timba and bachata beats that’ll keep you moving.
Take a salsa lesson, browse enticing market stalls, and feast on Latin-inspired food and cocktails. With colour, flavour and rhythm at every turn, this is one fiesta you won’t want to miss.
Where: Miami Marketta, 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami QLD 4220
When: Sunday 24 August, 2pm to 10pm
Cost: $25 per adult online, $35 per adult at the door, $13 per youth, children under 5yo free
More info and tickets here.
An Afternoon Of Y2K Glory For A Good Cause At Mo's
Step back into the glory days of the Y2K era at the This Is Growing Up Festival, landing at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse this Sunday. Expect a throwback-fuelled afternoon with local artists covering all your fave 2000s anthems, plus curated market stalls bringing the nostalgia full circle.
It’s all about celebrating the past while backing the future, with proceeds going towards venue upgrades to keep the beloved Mo’s thriving as Burleigh’s ultimate creative hub. This is your chance to relive the golden age of low-rise jeans and pop-punk playlists.
Where: Mo's Desert Clubhouse, 6/36 Central Dr, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
When: Sunday 24 August, from 1pm
Cost: $25 per adult online, $30 per adult at the door
More info and tickets here.
The Chevron Island Street Party Is Back
The annual It’s ON ChevrON Street Party is back, and with it comes an afternoon of community, beats and eats that you won't want to miss. Thomas Drive will come alive with live music, market stalls and exciting performances, while local restaurants dish up the best of Chevron Island.
Nestled between Surfers Paradise and HOTA, this riverside hub will transform into a buzzing cultural playground for one day only. Gather your friends and soak up the sunshine and sounds of this free community celebration.
Where: Thomas Drive, Chevron Island QLD 4217
When: Sunday 24 August, 12pm to 4pm
More info here.
Get Jazzy At The Murbah Arts Precinct
Spend your Sunday afternoon bopping and swaying to smooth live jazz at the Murwillumbah Arts Precinct. With free entry, delicious Ammazza pizza and snacks, plus the café and bar open, it’s the perfect way to wind down the weekend.
Every Sunday throughout August, the precinct transforms into a laidback hub of music and good vibes—guaranteed fun, guaranteed groove. You could even make a day of it and hit up some of the area's best restaurants while you're there.
Where: Murwillumbah Arts Precinct, 105 Wollumbin St, Murwillumbah NSW 2484
When: Sunday 24 August, 12pm to 4pm
Cost: Free
More details here.
What's On All Weekend
Sip, Dance And Celebrate The Cane Harvest At Husk’s Epic Annual Rum Festival
Image Credit: Husk Farm Distillery | Supplied
Sugarcane season is calling—Husk Rum Harvest Fest is back and set to light up the paddocks of Tumbulgum over Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August. Hosted by Husk Farm Distillery, this once-a-year celebration marks the sugarcane harvest with a weekend full of live music, fresh cane juice cocktails, rum tastings, smoked feasts, and seriously good vibes.
Saturday brings the full festival energy with live blues bands, free rum masterclasses, cane juicing demos, the iconic Sugarcane Javelin comp, and the always-epic Cowboy Catwalk. Sunday is Community Day, perfect for families and chill seekers alike, with acoustic tunes, the Husk Mini Olympics, and plenty of green space to stretch out.
Tickets are just $15 to $20 and include a welcome cocktail, tastings, and masterclass access, plus kids under 18 go free. Grab your crew and get in early; this one always sells out.
When: Saturday 23 to Sunday 24 August
Where: Husk Farm Distillery
Cost: Tickets from $15
More details here.
The Biggest Women's-Only Fitness Event Returns To The Gold Coast
Image Credit: The Butterfly Effect | Supplied
Over this Saturday August 23 and Sunday 24, the Gold Coast will welcome back The Butterfly Effect, Australia’s largest women’s-only functional fitness event, with 2,000 athletes and 7,000 spectators set to gather for two days of teamwork, strength, and empowerment.
Founded in 2015 to raise awareness for eating disorders and challenge narrow beauty ideals, the competition has grown into an international movement celebrating what women’s bodies can do—not how they look. This year introduces a new Masters Division for women 35+ and promises an electric atmosphere of support and community, with a side of serious grit.
Where: Gold Coast Performance Centre, 1 Sports Dr, Runaway Bay QLD 4216
When: Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 August, from 8am
Cost: $15 for 1 day, $25 for 2 per adult, children 15 years and under free
More information and tickets here.
Cosy Up At Coomera Lodge's Pop-Up Igloo Winter Wonderland
Image Credit: Coomera Lodge | Supplied
Northern Gold Coasters, this one's for you—your dream of sipping wine in your own private bubble can become a reality. Coomera Lodge has brought back its much-loved cosy winter igloos for another year, and it’s a welcome win for the northern Gold Coast finally getting in on the cool-season action.
Currently running throughout winter until September, the riverside spot has transformed into a full-blown winter wonderland with cosy igloos perfect for your next hang with friends or date night. Each heated igloo comes with full table service, so you can kick back and enjoy Coomera Lodge’s full a la carte menu without ever having to leave your cocoon. There's no cost to book the igloos but bookings are essential and weekends fill fast, so round up the crew and lock in your winter hangout. More details here.
Browse The Gold Coast’s Best Markets
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.
What's Coming Up
Sunset Social Club's Winter Soirée At Love Street
A breezy Friday evening filled with live music, DJs, and art to kickstart the weekend? Count us in. Sunset Social Club is hosting a Winter Soirée at Love Street Store’s sweet digs—an artistic evening fuelled by eclectic tunes, tasty drinks, and a cosy community vibe.
Make new friends, explore local talent, and dance into the dark. Tickets are selling fast, so grab yours and join the fun.
Where: Love Street, 1 Churchill St, Coolangatta QLD 4225
When: Friday 29 August, 5pm until late
Cost: $20 per adult
More information and tickets.
Score The Opportunity To Test Drive A Porsche Macan
This August 31, Porsche Centre Gold Coast is bringing the Macan Winter Lodge to luxury Byron hotel, The Brooklet, and it’s your chance to get behind the wheel of the all-electric Macan. Take a 45-minute test drive through scenic, winding roads and experience the performance, luxury, and comfort of Porsche engineering.
Exclusive deposit contribution offers are up for grabs as well on new, demonstrator, and service loan Macan Electric models. With only limited spots available, it’s first in, best dressed—book now to secure your spot.
Where: The Brooklet, 841 Fernleigh Rd, Brooklet NSW 2479
When: Sunday 31 August
Cost: Free
Register your interest.
Ken Done Is Painting HOTA In Colour This Spring With A Vibrant New Exhibition
Image Credit: Ken Done | Supplied
Australia’s king of colour, Ken Done, is bringing his unmistakable style to HOTA with a bold new exhibition that’s bursting with joy, nostalgia and serious creative freedom. Ken Done: No Rules will take over HOTA Gallery from 13 September to 15 February 2026, showcasing his unmistakably Australian works from the ‘80s through to now, including exclusive pieces from his own collection.
Visitors can also enjoy a captivating animation of a selection of Done’s iconic paintings, offering a new and immersive way to experience his vibrant universe. In a celebration of art, fashion and collaboration, the exhibition also features a selection of dazzling garments from 'Done Zone', the 2023 collaborative collection between Ken Done and Australian fashion label 'Romance Was Born'.
When: Saturday 13 September to Sunday 15 February, 2026
Where: Gallery 1, HOTA
Cost: Ticket prices vary; up to $21
More details here.
Groundwater Country Music Festival Is Back With A Seriously Stacked Line-Up
Image Credit: Groundwater Country Music Festival | Mackenzie Sweetnam
The Gold Coast’s favourite beachside country bash, Groundwater Country Music Festival, has turned the volume up with a huge second wave of artists for its October 17–19 takeover. ARIA-winner Casey Barnes will hit the stage twice—once with his full band and again for a special solo set—while US alt-country queen Nikki Lane makes her first Aussie appearance in over a decade.
Pop powerhouse turned country star Amy Sheppard also joins the bill, alongside Vincent Neil Emerson, The Pleasures, Duncan Toombs, Hayley Jensen and more. They’ll join an already star-studded first announcement featuring Troy Cassar-Daley, Sara Berki, Jackson Dean and Shane Smith & The Saints. Plus, there's more artist announcements coming...
This year’s festival is expanding across even more Broadbeach venues, bringing over 40 acts to streetside stages, balcony gigs, bustling bars and beachfront parks. Best part? It’s totally free to attend—just bring your boots and your cowboy hat.
Where: Varying locations in Broadbeach
When: Friday 17 to Sunday 19 October
Cost: Free
More info 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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