April is upon us and we couldn’t be happier about it. We’re slowly making the adjustment from iced lattes to hot lattes (perhaps even a mocha?) and singlets to cardigans—and has anyone else stopped using their airconditioner in the evenings?
If you’re like us, then the cool change won’t chill your hunt for things to do this weekend, so here are our top picks for how to spend it, as well as the coming months on the Gold Coast.
Jump to each section:
What's On Saturday
What's On Sunday
What's On All Weekend
What's Coming Up In 2024
What's On Friday
Embrace Your Inner Picasso At This Funky Paint And Sip
Did someone order drinks with a side of disco? Embrace your inner Picasso this Friday night at Paint Juicy's Paint & Sip night. This vibrant paint and sip session isn't your standard—expect great tunes, a sprinkle of disco and good vibes all around.
BYO bevs and snacks and you'll be supplied with glasses, plates and everything you need to paint a masterpiece. You'll be guided step-by-step through the class by Paint Juicy's in-house artist and we guarantee your creative juices will flow as effortlessly as your BYO beverages. More details here.
What's On Saturday
Mo's Desert Clubhouse Is Hosting A Huge 'Frothy Festival'
Mo's is always one to host epic gigs and this weekend is certainly no different. Running from 7pm to late this Saturday night, Frothy Festival is bringing together surf rock talent across Queensland to host "the most frothed out, moshed out and legendary gig". Okay, we dig it. Expect Cosmic Vice, Mid Drift, Lipline and Daysick to hit the stage. Tickets available here.
Hit The Kingy Hotel For Holy Holy's Live Show
Much loved Aussie music group Holy Holy are hitting the Kingscliff Beach Hotel this Saturday night, for the launch of their fifth album Cellophane. With a plethora of gold and platinum recods under the belt and songs littered through Triple J's Hottest 100, there's no doubt Holy Holy is up there among Australia's best artists. Limited tickets remain for $56—more details here.
A Huge Immersive Italian Renaissance Exhibition Is Here
Image Credit: HOTA | Supplied
Since officially opening last Friday, HOTA Gallery has transformed into a jaw-dropping immersive exhibition, 'Italian Renaissance Alive' which deep dives into the Italian Renaissance and showcase never-before-seen artwork on the Gold Coast.
From the creators of the lauded 'Van Gogh Alive' exhibitions, this sensory arts experience covers the 14th to 17th centuries, showcasing masterpieces by Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Botticelli, Caravaggio, and more. Visitors will be immersed in the era's explosion of art, culture, architecture, sculpture, and literature. Witness iconic works like the Sistine Chapel, Mona Lisa, and Birth of Venus in a stunning digital multi-sensory gallery, accompanied by a powerful operatic musical score. More details here.
Pack The Akubra For This Luke Combs Tribute Show
Country music fans, you're in luck. Head to the Cooly Hotel this Saturday night for a live music show dedictaed to all things country music legend, Luke Combs. Ross Webb and band The Rusted Track will be playing all Combs' latest hits and it's set to be a bangin' night. More details and tickets here.
What's On Sunday
Spoil Your Doggo At The Dogs On The Green Market
Image Credit: Dogs on the Green | Supplied
Calling all dog lovers—prepare yourself for a cuteness overload as the next Dogs on the Green market returns in April. You’ll be able to meet your doggy cuddle quota while perusing over 70 different doggie market stalls—think accessories, clothing, and even rescue groups.
Whether you’re after treats for your doggo or treats for you, Dogs on the Green will have you sorted with plenty of food and coffee vans on site. The much-loved market—also celebrating its 5th birthday—is taking place at Benowa State Primary School on Sunday 21 April from 9am to 1pm. Entry is free, as is parking, and remember to bring along a leash for your furry friend. More details here.
Make Tracks To The Mountain For The Tamborine Country Market
Held on the third Sunday of every month, the Tamborine Community Country Market is as sweet as it sounds—expect handcrafted goodies, plants, homemade treats and great coffee. It's the perfect opportunity to buy unique gifts and soak up the country air. While you're there, check out Tamborine's burgeoning dining scene.
Get On Board This Morning Wellness Experience At Sea
Image Credit: YOT Club | Supplied
If you're anything like us and need a push to kickstart your mornings, this is for you. Wellness legends Therapy Fitness and lululemon have partnered with YOT Club to bring us the ultimate morning of health and wellness at sea. Onboard the YOT Club, the three-hour wellness event will be jam-packed with a Pilates fusion class with international fitness instructor Emma Masters—supported by a live DJ and live drummer, no less—a breathwork session, ice baths, brunch grazing boards, refreshing juices and, of course, a VIP goodie bag filled with at-home wellness treats.
The Therapy x YOT Club wellness event kicks off this Sunday, from 8am to 11am at the YOT Club in Main Beach. We can't think of a much better way to start our Sunday than on a boat, post-Pilates class with a juice in-hand. Just saying. Very limited tickets remain—snag your ticket here.
Hit Up The Crew For A Sunday Feast At Paloma
Image Credit: Paloma Wine Bar | Instagram
As if we didn't love Paloma Wine Bar in Burleigh enough already, they've just gone and added an incredible new offering. Every Sunday from 4pm to 8pm, Paloma will be hosting 'Roasted Sundays' with a weekly rotating Sunday Roast, Happy Hour drinks (4pm-6pm) and a vinyl DJ spinning jazz, soul, funk and disco tunes.
While the roast menu changes weekly, the first Roasted Sunday feast starred Porchetta, duck fat potatoes, BBQ greens and salsa verde—all for just $24. Other menu items will be available, as always, so you can still feast on Palomas finger-licking bread and butter. Keep up to date here.
What's On All Weekend
Check Out HOTA’s New Immersive Children's Exhibition
HOTA has recently launched an all-new interactive Children's Gallery exhibition, inspired by the work of nationally recognised artist Abdul Abdullah. Kingdom of Kindness will feature immersive digital projections, multimedia interactives, and creative hands-on activities, aiming to inspire play and activity for all ages. Find out more about the free exhibition here.
Get Your Cinema Fix At The Gold Coast Film Festival
Image Credit: GCFF | Supplied
Celebrating its 22nd year, Queensland’s most exciting celebration of cinema is back, from April 17 to 28 2024, with the Gold Coast Film Festival at its Gold Coast home, HOTA. The jam-packed line-up showcases 12 days and nights of film featuring world, Australian and Queensland premieres, exclusive preview screenings and filmmaking talent with an impressive line-up of exciting films, outdoor cinema, red carpet screenings, industry panels, filmmaker Q&As, and special events.
One of our Urban List favourites is SIPFEST, the Gold Coast’s premier short film competition. Showcasing 15 of the best short films from around Australia and Internationally, you're ableto vote for your favourite flicks and support up-and-coming filmmakers. More details here.
Take It Slow With Some Market Shopping This Weekend
Image Credit: HOTA Markets | Instagram
There is no better way to enjoy the weekend than to visit some local markets. With a wide range to choose from, the Gold Coast is filled with morning, midday, dusk and night markets and we certainly aren't complaining.
If you want food vans, live music, community stalls and fresh Gold Coast produce, take your pick from 24 of the best Gold Coast markets to visit this weekend. From food markets to car boot stalls to arts and crafts markets, we can almost guarantee there will be a top-notch market close to you.
What's Coming Up In 2024
Ocean-Inspired Festival FLOTSAM Will Be Kicking Off in May
Image Credit: Flotsam Festival | Supplied
The Gold Coast's signature surfing art and culture festival will be returning to the Southern Gold Coast shores for the third year in a row in May. This May, the twelve-day Flotsam Festival will star a visual tsunami of events and works from local and international artists, popping up all the way from Coolangatta to Burleigh Heads.
The festival showcases surf film and photography, celebrating the Gold Coast’s rich surf culture and history and bringing inspiration to local and international artists alike. A multi-venue arts trail will come to life as outdoor locations and venues will be activated with pop-up exhibitions, workshops, and events, serving as a place of community connection.There’ll be all sorts happening from the Wednesday 1 May to Sunday 12 May—for more details and to check out the full list of epic events, click here.
Head Up To Tambo For The Tamborine Mountain Arts Trail
Tamborine Mountain is set to burst into a symphony of colours, textures, and creativity as it welcomes the Tamborine Mountain Arts Trail from Saturday 4 May to Sunday 12 May. Over 60 artists works in 25+ locations showcase the talents of Scenic Rim Artists.
From painting to pottery, open-air sculptures to multimedia, leatherwork, jewellery, textiles, and more, this event will be an immersive experience for art enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. We recommend you make a weekend of it and soak up the crisp mountain air with an overnight stay at one of these lush Tamborine accommodation spots.
Gear Up For Truckloads Of Fun At Monster Machinery Day
Image Credit: City of Gold Coast | Supplied
Parents with machine-crazy kids (okay, so all kids), get ready for a colossal day out at Monster Machinery Day 2024. On Sunday 19 May, Broadwater Parklands will transform into a paradise for kids and families alike. With over 50 impressive machines on display, including trucks, tractors, and tippers, it's certainly a sight to behold.
Plus, live demonstrations, a super slide, rock climbing wall, giant sand pit, and mouth-watering food trucks will ensure the littles ones are kept busy. From prams to scooters, all modes of transportation are welcome as families explore a kilometer-long stretch of free activities. More details here.
A New Free Music Festival Is Hitting Southport
Sundown, a new pop-up music event that celebrates our homegrown musos will be hitting the Gold Coast on Saturday 25 May. Kicking off in Nerang Street, Southport from 2pm the live music line-up is locked in The Rions and Hope D headlining, plus some epic local acts including Buttered, Chutney, Jem Cassar-Daley and Lyric. Did we mention it’s all free and all-ages?
Once the music wraps up at 8:30pm, keep the good times going by venturing to one of Southport's many OG live music venues. More details here.
Underground Festival Returns For A Must-See Winter Art Party
Image Credit: HOTA Underground | Supplied
HOTA is bringing back Underground Festival for another year with a celebration of music, art and performance over three nights, from Thursday 6 to Saturday 8 June. The program promises to unlock secret adventures, hidden thrills and unique wonders and take visitors on a journey 'underground' in HOTA’s most intimate venues with something for everyone from true crime conversations to electronic music and magic.
Underground Festival comes to life with a line up of acclaimed artists, taking risks with new ideas as HOTA’s intimate venue spaces transform into an underground delight for those revellers looking for something new and different to explore and experience. More details here.
BIG CITY LIGHTS* Will Be Illuminating The Gold Coast In June
Image Credit: Big City Lights* | Supplied
Elvis: A Musical Revolution Is Coming To The Gold Coast In June
Image Credit: Elvis Musical | Supplied
Strap on your dancing shoes, because the latest Elvis extravaganza, officially greenlit by Elvis Presley Enterprises, is hitting the Gold Coast in a whirlwind of rock 'n' roll nostalgia. This sensational bio-musical delves into the life and melodies of the legendary Elvis Presley, taking you on a journey from his humble beginnings and his ultimate rise to the throne as 'The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll'.
Get ready to groove to all the chart-toppers you know and love at this iconic musical, hitting HOTA from Saturday 15 June to Sunday 21 July 2024. Featuring a star-studded Aussie cast, mind-blowing choreography, and hit after hit, this show guarantees you'll be head over heels. Queensland, this is your golden ticket because Elvis: A Musical Revolution isn't hitting Brisbane, so make tracks to the Gold Coast. Join the waitlist here.
Looking for more? Check out:
- Hit up some of the Gold Coast’s newest restaurant openings.
- 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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