What’s On In The Gold Coast This Weekend, Month And Beyond
Harmony Lee
Contributor | Urban List, Gold Coast, QLD
I feel like we all knew the weekends were going to heat up with the weather, but I wasn’t expecting it to happen quite this fast. There’s a lot going on this weekend, and one of my favourite things is that most events wrap up around a very human hour—family-friendly, and also friendly to anyone who values sleep.
After a few too many winter weekends that ran into the early hours, this spring feels busy, yet refreshed (read: well-rested), and the Gold Coast seems to be too, so we can enjoy the bounty of events, still get a decent night’s rest, and maybe even dash off for an early morning swim. There’s more happening than you could poke a stick at, so read on and start planning your weekend on Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country without sacrificing a wink of shut-eye.
Jump to each section:
- What's On Thursday
- What's On Friday
- What's On Saturday
- What's On Sunday
- What's On All Weekend
- What's Coming Up
What's On Thursday 9 October
Mo’s 6th Birthday Bender Begins With Testeagles 25 Year Tour
Gold Coast’s grungy creative hub and live music warehouse, Mo’s Desert Clubhouse is turning six. And to mark the milestone, they’re throwing a four-day bender of epic entertainment. Having almost all of their previous birthday shenanigans, I’m predicting that it’ll be equal parts raucous and wholesome.
To open the celebration, head along to this epic Testeagles gig which nods to a 25-year history and gives serious 2000 nostalgia. Supported by Gold Coast legends Hammers, it’s a cheeky midweeky to get amongst.
Where: Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, 6/36 Central Dr, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
When: Thursday 9 October, 7pm ‘til late
Cost: $69 for admission, or $105 with a 4-Day Bender Pass
Tickets and more information here.
What's On Friday 10 October
A Blooming Special Spring Long Lunch At JW Marriott
Spring is officially in bloom at JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa, where elegance meets indulgence at their JW Garden Party Long Lunch. Set among the lush surrounds of the resort's new Lagoon Gallery, this chic afternoon affair features couture fashion by Sonia Stradiotto, live entertainment by musical trio SoulCutz, and a decadent three-course menu with premium sips, plus the opportunity to win some truly special prizes.
Hosted by Bronte Langbroek and raising funds for the Gold Coast Community Fund, it’s the perfect excuse to don your finest florals and celebrate the season in style. Glamour and a whole lot of garden-party magic, all in the name of community fundraising—this long lunch is not to be missed.
Where: JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa,
When: Friday 10 October, 12:00pm–3:30pm
Cost: $209 per person
Head to JW Marriott Gold Coast's website to book your seat.
Celebrate Mo’s 6th Birthday With Sycco’s Headliner Show
On national tour, Sycco’s new EP Home Is Where Zorb Is hits Mo’s Desert Clubhouse as one of their 13 shows across Australia. This is the follow-up from Sycco’s award-winning debut LP, Zorb. Think psychedelic pop performance that’ll likely end up in the heaving crowd by the end of the set.
If a turn up for happy hour at 4pm and dance into the weekend from 7pm sounds like your jam, then the second night of Mo’s birthday celebrations is right up your alley.
Where: Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, 6/36 Central Dr, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
When: Friday 10 October, 7pm ‘til late
Cost: $30 for admission, or $105 with a 4-Day Bender Pass
Tickets and more information here.
Celebrate Creativity & Connection At ArtBeat Festival
Gold Coast Health’s much-loved ArtBeat Festival is back this Friday, inviting the community to come together to celebrate creativity and open conversations around mental health. Set in the parklands behind Gold Coast University Hospital, this uplifting event will feature live music, food trucks, community stalls, giveaways and a showcase of artistic works.
Running alongside Queensland Mental Health Week, ArtBeat is all about connection and breaking down stigma through self-expression. Bring your friends, grab a bite and experience the power of art and community in action.
Where: Gold Coast University Hospital Parklands, 1 Hospital Blvd, Southport QLD 4215
When: Friday October 10, from 11am—2pm
Cost: Free
Click here for more information.
The Big Tease Soirée Returns To Miami Marketta
The glittering queens of tease are back as the Australian Burlesque Festival brings The Big Tease Soirée to Miami Marketta this Friday evening. Celebrating 16 fabulous years of feathers, sparkles, glamour and unapologetic allure, this dazzling showcase promises vintage-inspired cabaret, modern burlesque artistry and plenty of cheeky charm.
Expect shimmering costumes, world-class performers and an electric atmosphere that’s both seductive and spectacular. This one-night event is sure to have you utterly bewitched, but be quick—tickets are almost gone.
Where: Miami Marketta, 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami QLD 4220
When: Friday 10 October, from 7:30pm
Cost: $61.45 per person
Click here for more information and tickets.
What's On Saturday 11 October
Raise A Stein At Burleigh Brewing’s Frothtoberfest
Image Credit: Burleigh Brewing Company | Supplied
Dust off the lederhosen, because Burleigh Brewing is transforming its taphouse into the Gold Coast’s biggest German beer hall for Frothtoberfest this Saturday. Expect steins of authentic German-style brews, hearty eats, a three-piece German band and plenty of Oktoberfest games to keep the energy high, plus you can bring the kids along for free.
Head brewer Brennan Fielding knows a thing or two about tradition, having trained under brewmasters whose lineage goes back to the world’s oldest operating brewery, Weihenstephan in Munich (dating all the way back to the year 1040). With that pedigree behind the taps, you can trust every pour will be the real deal.
Where: Burleigh Brewing, 2 Ern Harley Dr, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
When: Saturday 11 October, from 12pm—9pm
Cost: $30 per adult; children under 18 years free
More information and tickets here.
Lenny’s Laneway Thrifting Market Returns
Lenny’s Laneway Thrifting Market is hitting Mudgeeraba once again in a collaboration between Gold Coast legends, Old Soul Vintage and pizza-slinging favourites, Lenny’s Pizzeria & Bar. Off the back of the last market's success, the pair are pulling together a mix of stalls, food, beverages and fun that’s promising to be even bigger and better than before.
Retail therapy and community charm with a side of deliciousness, all to the beat of some DJ spun tunes? Yes, we’ll absolutely see you there.
Where: Lenny’s Pizzeria & Bar, 5/58 Railway St, Mudgeeraba QLD 4213
When: Saturday 11 October, 3pm—6pm
Cost: Free
For more information, click here.
A Family-Friendly All-Day Music Festival To Celebrate Mo’s 6th Birthday
This is the dazzling ‘come one, come all’ main event of Mo’s Desert Clubhouse’s multi-day birthday bender. A lairy carpark and warehouse activation, prepare to be amazed and come fancy dress (the theme’s carnival-inspired). Expect mind-bending trickery and hilarious antics, plus there’ll be games, prizes and food trucks galore.
The day’s showstopping lineup features Gold Coast’s own Selve off the back of their sophomore 2025 album, Breaking Into Heaven. As well as heavy psych rock local legends, Rinser. With eight live acts playing on the day, the lot’s impressively headlined by none other than The Delta Riggs. Get in quick, and bring the little ones 2-6pm (under 5s free), for an epic event to mark 6 epic years.
Where: Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, 6/36 Central Dr, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
When: Saturday 11 October, 2pm ‘til late
Cost: $23 for under 18s (under 5s free), $43 general admission or $105 with a 4-Day Bender Pass
Tickets and more information here.
A Day At Bay Street Worth Heading South For
This Saturday, Strange Days Store is turning into a time capsule with BAYSTOCK—a free-flowing celebration of all things vintage and vibey. Expect tarot readings, flower workshops, shag fringe cuts, market stalls, live tunes, and psychedelic DJ sets that’ll have you floating through the day in true Woodstock spirit.
Don your best 70’s outfit— there’s a $100 voucher for best-dressed—and sip something delicious from Sun Devil Drinks Co. while you browse the groovy wares. Plus, the neighbours are also getting involved, with Rob Roy Deli & Drinks serving up steak donburi and live music at Badlands Vinyl. It’s going to be the ultimate way to spend your Saturday.
Where: Strange Days Store, 28/30 Bay St, Tweed Heads NSW 2485
When: Saturday 11 October, from 10am NSW time
Cost: Free
For more information, click here.
Oktoberfest At Commercial Hotel Boonah
Image Credit: Commercial Hotel Boonah | Supplied
Oktoberfest is rolling into the Scenic Rim, with the Commercial Hotel Boonah hosting a one-day Bavarian bash this Saturday that's worth jumping in the car for. Expect steins overflowing with Boonah Brewing Co. craft beers, aka nectar of the Gods (including a limited-edition Märzen ale), bratwursts sizzling on the grill, and plenty of thigh-slapping and sing-along tunes from a live traditional three-piece German oompah band.
The festivities will spill from the beer garden to the car park, transforming the venue into a lively mini Munich, minus the airfare. Gather your mates, dust off your dirndls and get ready to prost the day away, Scenic Rim-style.
Where: Commercial Hotel Boonah, 39 High St, Boonah QLD 4310
When: Saturday 11 October
Cost: Free
Click here for more information.
Enjoy A Free Day Out At The Chirn Park Street Festival
The beloved Chirn Park Street Festival is back this Saturday, bringing community spirit and good vibes to the heart of the northern Gold Coast. Expect a jam-packed day of live music, roving performers, kids’ entertainment, local eats, and pop-up bars, plus plenty of market stalls—there’ll be something for everyone.
With stilt walkers, fire performers, and all-ages fun, it’s the perfect excuse to spend a sunny Saturday soaking up the Chirn Park charm. Best part? It’s totally free.
Where: Chirn Park, Turpin Rd, Labrador QLD 4215
When: Saturday 11 October, 3pm—9pm
Cost: Free
Click here for further information.
Oktoberfest In The Gardens Is Back
Image Credit: Oktoberfest In The Gardens | Facebook
Australia’s biggest and perhaps most iconic Oktoberfest celebration is back, and it’s bringing the froth to Broadwater Parklands this Saturday. Recently named as one of the top five Oktoberfests in the world, this Bavarian-style blowout promises authentic German beers, bratwursts, pretzels, silent discos and wild stage comps galore.
Expect steins, lederhosen, roving performers, a Berhain-inspired rave cave and pure festive chaos from 1pm to 9pm. Dust off your dirndl and get ready to get sipping.
Where: Broadwater Parklands South Lawn, Marine Parade, Southport QLD 4215
When: Saturday 11 October, from 1pm
Cost: $69.60 per person
More info here.
Celebrate Diwali Under The Stars In Pimpama
Get ready for an unforgettable night of light, colour and community as the 3rd Annual Diwali Festival returns this Saturday evening. Expect a feast for the senses with dance performances, live music and irresistible food trucks serving flavours of India and beyond.
As the sun sets, the celebration will crescendo into a spectacular fireworks display that will light up the sky above Pimpama State Primary College. Everyone’s invited to come together for this heartwarming night that truly captures the spirit of Diwali—joy, connection, and a sprinkle of magic.
Where: Pimpama State Primary College
When: Saturday 11 October, from 5pm
Cost: Free
Click here for more info.
A Chilli, Beer & Sausage Fest Is Hitting The Gold Coast
This Saturday, get ready for a charity-focused festival with a bang as Chilli Festivals Australia hosts their Aussie version of Oktoberfest—a tongue-in-cheek community day where puns and purpose collide. Expect a sizzling lineup of gourmet snags, fiery chilli stalls, craft beers, eating comps and food trucks galore, plus entertainment for the whole family.
From sausage tosses and chilli challenges to raffles and the famously cheeky wet-shirt comp, it’s a day that’s equal parts deliciousness and fun. Best of all, every bite and belly laugh helps raise funds for Prostate Cancer Research and Rural Aid—proof that doing good can be seriously tasty.
Where: 44 Boyd St, Bilinga QLD 4225
When: Saturday 11 October, 12pm—5pm
Cost: $2 per person
Find out more here.
What's On Sunday 12 October
Mo’s 6th Birthday Closing Show With King Parrot
The cheeky metal heads from King Parrot bring their Australiana punk to the stage at Mo’s. Expect a high-energy show and blaring vocals sure to wake you up, even if you’ve danced your way through every one of Mo’s birthday shenanigans.
They’ve supported Pantera across 43 shows in North America and already performed across 36 gigs in Europe. Now, revel in the brilliance that is their new record “A Young Person’s Guide to King Parrot.”
Where: Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, 6/36 Central Dr, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
When: Sunday 12 October, 2pm ‘til late
Cost: $43 general admission or $105 with a 4-Day Bender Pass
Tickets and more information here.
What's On All Weekend
Theatre In The Name Of Love At HOTA
From the streets of Brisbane to the stage at HOTA, Trent Dalton’s Love Stories is being brought to life in an unmissable three-day season this October. Adapted by Tim McGarry, the production captures the highs, lows and everything in between of real-life love stories shared with Dalton by strangers he met along his journey.
Equal parts moving, funny and deeply human, this is theatre that celebrates the universal rollercoaster of love in all its forms. Catch it from Thursday 9 October to Saturday 11 October and book quickly—it’s bound to sell out.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
When: Thursday 9 October to Saturday 11 October
Cost: $89 per adult; $79 per student, pensioner & senior
More info and tickets here.
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 this Saturday 13 September to 15 February 2025, 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, 2025
Where: Gallery 1, HOTA
Cost: Ticket prices vary; up to $21
More details here.
Step Inside The Upside-Down at House Down Under
Image Credit: House Down Under | Supplied
House Down Under has flipped the Gold Coast on its head, now open at Pacific Fair just in time for the spring school holidays. Australia’s first inverted house lets visitors wander ceilings, dance on furniture, and snap surreal photos in rooms like an upside-down bathroom, lounge, and kids’ play area.
With unlimited time inside and tips from friendly staff, it’s a fun, creative experience for families and friends alike. Tickets start at $19 per person, with kids under four free, making it a playful and affordable day out.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, 32 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters
When: Saturdays & Sundays, 10am—6pm; weekdays, 12pm—6pm
Cost: $19 per person aged 4 years and older; under 4 years free
Click here for more information.
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
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 are more artist announcements to come.
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: Various locations across Broadbeach
When: Friday 17 to Sunday 19 October
Cost: Free
More info here.
Monster Jam Is Roaring Into The Gold Coast
Image Credit: Monster Jam | Supplied
Monster Jam is back and bigger than ever, rolling into the Gold Coast this October with jaw-dropping stunts, freestyle madness, and a fleet of 12,000-pound trucks that defy the laws of physics.
Making their Australian debut this year are Sparkle Smash (yes, a six-tonne unicorn) and JCB DIGatron, alongside fan-faves like Megalodon, Grave Digger, and Marvel-themed beasts including Spider-Man, Thor, Black Panther and Iron Man. Plus, don’t miss the ultimate sibling rivalry when world champs Adam and Ryan Anderson go head-to-head in Grave Digger and Son-uva Digger.
Keen to get closer to the action? The Monster Jam Pit Party is the pre-show you’ll want to hit, with truck selfies, driver meet-and-greets and plenty of family-friendly fun before the engines rev.
Where: Cbus Super Stadium, Centreline Place, Robina
When: Saturday 18 October, Pit Party 9am–12pm | Monster Jam 1pm & 7pm
Cost: From $45 per person
More info and tickets here.
Entertainment For The 2025 Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 Has Been Announced
Image Credit: Gold Coast 500 | Supplied
The Gold Coast 500 is back, and this year might just be the biggest one to date. From 24–26 October, rev heads and music lovers alike can enjoy high-octane Supercars racing by day and world-class, multi-award-winning live acts by night, all in the heart of Surfers Paradise.
Grammy and Brit Award alumni Groove Armada headline Saturday night, while Australian DJ duo The Stafford Brothers and Brooke Evers kick things off on Friday, turning the Boost HQ zone into a festival-style party. It’s the ultimate mix of speed and beats you won’t want to miss.
Where: Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
When: Friday 24 October to Sunday 26 October
Cost: Various ticketing prices and packages
For more information, click here.
Halloween Fun At Sanctuary Cove
Image Credit: Sanctuary Cove Marine Village | Supplied
Sanctuary Cove is set to cast its spell this Halloween with a spooktacular evening of free family fun at The Marine Village. The kids can take on a trick-or-treat trail, tackling six themed challenges—from cursed ring toss to graveyard golf—for a sweet stash of prizes.
As the sun sets, DJ Chadd’s Halloween dance party will keep everyone grooving with games, face painting, dance-offs and costume contests galore. Hours of free entertainment for the little ones and fun for adults, too—this is one Halloween haunt worth popping in your calendar.
Where: Sanctuary Cove Marine Village, 4601 Masthead Way, Hope Island QLD 4212
When: Friday 31 October, 4pm–7pm
Cost: Free
For more information and registration, click 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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