As we roll into the first weekend of winter, the Gold Coast is turning up the heat with an epic lineup of feel-good festivals, live music, family fun, and meaningful moments. Whether you're cruising into nostalgia at a retro car night, dancing to country legends in the hinterland, or kicking off your Sunday with fresh finds at a brand-new farmers market, this weekend is serving something for every kind of vibe.
From outdoor adventures with the kids to after-dark laughs, we’ve rounded up the best ways to make your weekend one to remember. So grab your friends, family, or that special someone—let’s dive into what’s on this weekend on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country.
Jump to each section:
What's On Saturday
What's On Sunday
What's On All Weekend
What's Coming Up
What's On Saturday 31 May
Catch SeaFire’s Explosive Fireworks Spectacle Across Four Gold Coast Locations
Image Credit: SeaFire | Supplied
SeaFire is back with a bang this Saturday 31 May, and this year, it's going to be viewable across four locations simultaneously. For the first time ever, the much-loved international fireworks competition will be able to be seen from Surfers Paradise Foreshore, Kurrawa Beach in Broadbeach, Broadwater Parklands, and HOTA Parklands.
The free 18-minute show kicks off at 7pm sharp, featuring dazzling displays from Belgium, the USA, and a grand Aussie finale. This family-friendly event is not to be missed; get more details here.
Get Boot-Scootin’ At Legends Of Country Festival
Calling all country fans—Woodstock Farm is going full Nashville this weekend with the inaugural Legends Of Country festival. Set in the lush Gold Coast hinterland, this all-day celebration brings together Aussie icons Lee Kernaghan, Troy Cassar-Daley, Casey Barnes, and Sara Storer, plus Nashville acts and rising stars like Wesley Deane, Briana Dinsdale, and the Rusty Pickups.
Expect a rustic backdrop, cracking sets, and plenty of sing-alongs—plus food trucks and a wholesome community vibe. Even better? It all supports youth empowerment initiatives through the Youth Enterprise Trust. Good music for a great cause? Sign us up. For more info and tickets, click 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 is returning to the Gold Coast this 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 Boulevard 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 arrive.
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.
Get Your Hands Dirty With Green Day Out
Looking for a weekend activity that’s fun, free and good for the planet? NaturallyGC’s Green Day Out is the perfect pick for families who love the outdoors. Join the crew as they work together to plant a whopping 10,000 native trees—no digging needed (the holes are prepped and ready), so even the little ones can get involved.
After planting, enjoy a hands-on wildlife encounter and a free sausage sizzle to reward your efforts. It’s a feel-good morning out that blends nature, learning and quality time with the kids—just bring your sunhat and your weekend spirit. Register here.
Cruise Into Nostalgia At Country Paradise Parklands Night Markets
Retro rides, live music, food trucks, and a golden-hour atmosphere? Yes please. Country Paradise Parklands is revving up for another edition of Retro Cruise Night, and it’s all about old-school charm and chill Saturday vibes.
From 4pm to 8pm, show off your wheels (or just admire the ones on display), feast on local food truck fare, and browse eclectic market stalls under the stars. With live tunes on stage, an outdoor bar flowing, and free entry for all, this family-friendly hangout is a no-brainer for a relaxed night out with a retro twist.
Round Up Your Crew For Titans Vs Storm At Cbus Super Stadium
Grab your scarf and rally the crew, footy night is here. The Gold Coast Titans are facing off against the mighty Melbourne Storm for Round 13 of the NRL season, and it’s going to be a blockbuster clash under the lights.
Whether you're a die-hard fan or just in it for the atmosphere (and stadium snacks), this is your sign to get amongst the action and back the home team. For more info and to secure a seat, click here.
Laugh Out Loud With Peter James At Comedy Underground
Saturday nights at HOTA’s Comedy Underground are always a good time, but this week, things are dialled up with the return of Peter James, one of Australia’s fastest-rising comedy stars. Back for his seventh consecutive year, he’s bringing a brand-new show that’s punchy, theatrical, and razor-sharp.
Winner of Best Comedy (Weekly) at the 2023 Adelaide Fringe, James delivers 90 minutes of hilarity that cuts deep in all the right ways. Curated by the comedy legends at Based Comedy, and set in HOTA’s intimate Basement venue, this is your one-night-only chance to see one of the country’s funniest minds at the top of his game. For more information and tickets, click here.
What's On Sunday 1 June
Get Your Wholesome Sunday Fix At The Robina Farmers Market Open Day
There’s a new Sunday staple in town—The Robina Farmers Market is making its debut with a wholesome open day that’s all about fresh produce, local vibes, and a strong sense of community. Running from 6am to 11am, this family-friendly market is set to become a regular fixture on your Gold Coast market rotation, offering a relaxed and delicious start to your Sunday.
Expect seasonal produce, artisan goods, and delish local eats alongside live music, breakfast bites, and free face painting for the little ones. It’s all about supporting small business and bringing the neighbourhood together, one coffee, croissant and chat at a time. More details here.
Get Your Groove On To Homegrown Talent At Sounds Like Gold Festival
Catch the Gold Coast’s best and brightest at Sounds Like Gold, a massive free all-ages live music festival hitting HOTA this Sunday as part of WONDER Festival. From dreamy indie to sunshine-soaked rock, the lineup is stacked with Gold Coast Music Awards winners and internationally acclaimed local talent.
Held on HOTA's Outdoor Stage from 3pm, acts include Hollow Coves, JK-47, Girl and Girl, Beckah Amani, and more—plus interactive activities, food trucks and family-friendly vibes all afternoon and evening. It’s a golden celebration of the Gold Coast’s music scene, so round up the crew, grab a picnic blanket and get amongst it.
What's On All Weekend
Turn Back Time At Australia's Largest Nostalgia Festival
Clear your calendar and dust off your dancing shoes—Cooly Rocks On is back from Wednesday 4 to Sunday 8 June, transforming Coolangatta into a retro-fuelled, rock ‘n’ roll wonderland for five epic days of nostalgia. Think: Elvis impersonators, vintage fashion, swing dancing, and over 1000 classic cars lining the beachfront.
This year’s festival is next level, with crowd favourites like the Show'N'Shine—one of Australia’s biggest showcases of pre-’79 classic cars—sprawling across nearly two kilomtres. Music lovers, you’re also in for a treat with international Elvis tribute stars hitting the stage across various nights, competing . Expect free live music all weekend—from ABBA and Dusty Springfield tributes to rockabilly royalty.
Other top events include the Don’t miss the Saturday Night Car Cruise, Moonlight Swing Dance, or Kustomville’s hot rods and lowbrow art. Wrap it all up with the Elvis Karaoke After Party and end your weekend with a mic drop.
Whether you're a pin-up enthusiast, car tragic, rock ‘n’ roll die-hard or just here for a hit of good old-fashioned fun, Cooly Rocks On is the Gold Coast’s ultimate winter festival throwback—and it’s only getting bigger.
Pack The Picnic Basket, Scenic Rim Eat Local Month Is Kicking Off
Image Credit: Scenic Rim Eat Local Month | Supplied
Scenic Rim Eat Local Month is officially back, and the Eastern Weekend Explorer is the perfect way to kick things off. From Friday 30 May to Sunday 1 June, the lush foodie regions of Tamborine Mountain, Beechmont and Canungra are throwing open their farm gates and cellar doors.
Expect hands-on experiences, winery tastings, paddock-to-plate dining, distillery tours, and markets galore—all set against ancient rainforests and postcard-perfect views. Whether you're sipping local gin, sampling cheese, or picking your own produce, it’s a weekend escape worth savouring.
Wonder Festival Launches This Weekend At HOTA With A Sky-High Masterpiece
Heads up, Gold Coast—literally. Wonder Festival returns to HOTA this weekend and it’s bringing the most jaw-dropping installation the precinct has ever seen. CLOUD PLAY by globally renowned artist Patrick Shearn (of Poetic Kinetics fame) will take flight over HOTA’s Outdoor Stage from Saturday 31 May, launching a six-week festival of outdoor art, performance, and imagination.
This mammoth 530sqm kinetic sculpture made up of tens of thousands of ribbons dances on the breeze and is filled with community messages from locals, then lights up in a mesmerising glow-show by night. Yep, IKONIX is bringing the tech wizardry with lights that react to real-time wind data.
This is just the start—Wonder 2025 kicks off with three weeks of free and ticketed events including live music, food pop-ups, family fun, queer shows, First Nations storytelling experiences, and a one-night-only concert spectacular celebrating Baz Luhrmann’s iconic soundtracks. More details here.
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
Get Fabulous at Wunderbar, A One-Night-Only Fabulous Celebration At HOTA
Image Credit: The Huxleys | Supplied
Wunderbar is hitting the HOTA Outdoor Stage for one glittering, high-energy night on Friday 6 June. As part of Wonder Festival, this glamorous after-dark celebration of queer art and culture is set to dazzle with performances from stars including Natalie Bassingthwaighte, The Huxleys, and a stellar lineup of DJs, drag, dance, and performance art. Produced by GOLDYs and presented by Experience Gold Coast, the 18+ event runs from 6pm to 10pm, with tickets just $30. Strictly no BYO—just bring your sparkle and dancefloor crew. More details and booking 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 will be making waves on the Gold Coast with an incredible blend of surf, film, art, and live music across Burleigh Heads, HOTA, and Mondrian Gold Coast (opening June 2025). Curated by legendary surf filmmaker Taylor Steele, the eight-day festival will be packed with epic surf flicks, world premieres, art installations, live tunes, artist talks, and beachside sessions that will showcase surf culture beyond the break.
The highlight? A community surf comp on Burleigh Headland where locals can go board-to-board with legends Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson, and Rob Machado in a fun, no-pressure format. Burleigh Hill will transform into a buzzing hub with live music, food trucks, and a pop-up beach bar.
Over at HOTA, Steele will be hosting an intimate filmmaking masterclass and launching an art exhibit featuring works by Otis Carey and David Bromley. Then it’s three nights of surf cinema, live gigs, and special guest Q&As at the Mondrian to close it all out.
Whether you're into boards or the big screen, this is a week you won’t want to miss. 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.
Feast On Street Food Under The Stars At The HOTA Hawker Night Markets
Image Credit: HOTA Markets | Supplied
The HOTA Night Markets are back this July, and we can't wait for this feast for the senses. Originally scheduled for Friday 7 June, the HOTA Hawker Night Markets will now be returning on Saturday 12 July from 4pm to 9pm. You can wander through over 150 gourmet stalls slinging everything from steamy dumplings to crispy banh mi under a sky of glowing lanterns. Additionally, with HOTA's Wonder Festival 2025 and Luminara lighting up the precinct the same night, it's going to be on seriously delicious evening.
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.
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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