What’s On In The Gold Coast This Weekend, Month And Beyond
Harmony Lee
Contributor | Urban List, Gold Coast, QLD
What a glorious start to the year we’ve had, and if this weekend is anything to go by, it’s just going to keep getting better. While there may be a shower or two expected, that certainly won’t dampen everything that’s happening on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri country.
From an epic annual surf festival to a vintage market soundtracked by a vinyl DJ, there’s a little something something to keep everyone happy. I’ve also gone the extra mile and popped a couple of zingers in the coming up section for those who like to plan ahead, so read on to find the best of what’s happening on our sunkissed stretch of city and sand over the next couple of weekends.
Jump to each section:
What's On Friday 9 January
Rock Out With Cosmic Psychos At Mo’s
Image Credit: Cosmic Psychos | Facebook
Aussie rock legends Cosmic Psychos have embarked on a mammoth tour and it’s finally the Gold Coast’s turn. They’ll be hitting Mo’s Desert Clubhouse for an evening of head banging, beer shaking fun that’s not to be missed.
Expect epic tunes from their latest album, I Really Like Beer, played alongside a special guest drummer. Kick start your Friday night and grab tickets while they’re still available.
Where: Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, 6/36 Central Dr, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
When: Friday 9 January, 7pm—11:30pm
Cost: $50 per adult online, $60 per adult at the door
Tickets and further information here.
What's On Saturday 10 January
Flick Through Vintage Goodness At Cherry Pickers
Image Credit: Cherry Pickers Market | Instagram
If your ideal Saturday starts with a coffee in one hand and a hanger in the other, Cherry Pickers Market has your name all over it. Returning to Miami Marketta for its first market of 2026, this vintage treasure trove is serving endless racks of pre-loved gems, local makers, and a vinyl DJ spinning all morning long.
Fuel up on snacks, coffee (or something stronger from the bar) and settle in for a seriously good rummage. Swing by from 10am to 2pm and consider your Saturday plans officially sorted.
Where: Miami Marketta, 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami QLD 4220
When: Saturday 10 January, 10am—2pm
Cost: Free entry
Click here for more info.
What's On Sunday 11 January
Hola Marketta! Is Back
Image Credit: Miami Marketta | Facebook
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 Chukale and Karaka Orchestra, alongside DJs spinning the latest Latin beats that’ll keep you moving and grooving.
Take a salsa lesson, browse enticing market stalls, and feast on Latin-inspired food and cocktails. With colour, and flavour at every turn, this is one fiesta you won’t want to miss.
Where: Miami Marketta, 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami QLD 4220
When: Sunday 11 January, 2pm—10pm
Cost: $24.25 per adult online, $35.45 per adult at the door, $13 per youth, children under 5yo free
More info and tickets here.
A Bluesy Barbecue At Mo’s
Image Credit: Marshall & The Fro | Facebook
Fire up your Sunday plans—The Blues BBQ is rolling into Mo’s Desert Clubhouse to celebrate the launch of Marshall & The Fro’s upcoming album Hillbilly Disco, and it’s shaping up to be a killer afternoon for the whole fam. Expect an all-ages session of blues-soaked goodness, with a cracking support lineup including Jollee, Boss Stomp and Josh Smith serving up swampy, garage-leaning riffs from 2pm.
There’ll be beers, BBQ vibes and live music aplenty, all wrapped up by 6pm so you can still be home at a reasonable hour. Grab tickets, grab your people and book out your Sunday for an afternoon of groovy, bluesy goodness.
Where: Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, 6/36 Central Dr, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
When: Sunday 11 January, 2pm—6pm
Cost: $23 per adult, $10 per youth, children under 5yo free
More info and tickets here.
What's On All Weekend
The Annual Burleigh Heads Single Fin Festival Is Back
That’s right, there’s a weekend of surfing and celebration ahead, so it might be time to clear that schedule. Expect live music, beverages aplenty and, of course, some truly magnificent performances in the water, all set against that iconic headland backdrop.
Local hotshots will be going head-to-head with some of sports best, all atop some trusty old single fin surfboards. Kicking off Friday evening and wrapping up Sunday afternoon, there’s more than enough time to get amongst the fun.
Where: Burleigh Point, John Laws Park, The Esplanade, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
When: Friday 9 January—Sunday 11 January
Cost: Free
Find out more here.
Visit A SWELL Sculpture-Winning Award At Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Image Credit: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary | Supplied
Visit the 2025 SWELL Sculpture Festival People’s Choice Award winner Dream Rider in its new forever home at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Crafted by local artist Mick Brown from 30 old surfboards and more than 400 hours of work, this striking wedge-tailed eagle sculpture is a powerful ode to sustainability and the impact of consumerism on our environment.
Now perched in the Wild Skies Precinct, it looks right at home among the Sanctuary’s conservation-focused surrounds. Bonus: if you’re planning a visit before 30 November, you can score $20 off full-price general admission—consider it your sign to go admire this seriously impressive artwork, and enjoy the sanctuary while you’re at it.
Where: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, 28 Tomewin St, Currumbin QLD 4223
When: The Sanctuary is open from 9am to 4pm every day
Cost: General admission price
For more information, click here.
The Sky Is The Limit At HOTA’s Whimsical New Children's Exhibition
Image Credit: HOTA / Supplied.
HOTA continues to wow their audience with the Children’s Gallery, and the new iteration ‘Cloudy with a Chance of Art’ is no exhibition. As you may have guessed, the exhibition features a lot of clouds, inviting viewers to look up and explore.
But it’s not just any gallery; this feature invites a playful, hands-on experience to its younger audience. Children can explore the Daydream Zone, play Art Detective or get creative with crafting stations.
Where: 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise, 4217.
When: Saturday 8 November—Sunday 1 February, 10am—4pm.
Cost: Free entry.
Find out more here.
Browse The Gold Coast’s Best Markets
One thing the Gold Coast continues to get right is the markets. Whether it's vintage threads, the best food, local produce and live music, they continue to meet the mark. 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
Be A Dancing Queen At The Mamma Mia Party
Calling all Mamma Mia fans—this is the party for you. The ultimate ABBA singalong is returning to Miami Marketta on Friday 16 January, inviting you to boogy, belt and live out your best movie-montage moment to all your favourite Mamma Mia hits.
Dress to impress (sequins encouraged), fuel up on Marketta eats, and prepare for a night of pop escapism. Tickets are moving fast, so channel your inner Dancing Queen and lock yours in before they disappear.
Where: Miami Marketta, 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami QLD 4220
When: Friday 16 January
Cost: $22 per adult
For tickets and info, click here.
Lobby Rack Sale Returns
As if I needed an excuse to pop in for breakfast—Lobby is back with another rack sale at its chic warehouse digs. Expect cool threads, vintage goodies, jewellery, and more, accompanied of course by Lobby’s killer beverages and nosh.
It’s become 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 morning?
Where: Lobby, 60 Currumbin Creek Rd, Currumbin Waters QLD 4223
When: Saturday 17 January, 8am—11am
Cost: Free entry
Find out more here.
La Clique Is Returning To HOTA In 2026
Image Credit: La Clique | Supplied
After a massive sold-out run in 2025, the internationally adored cabaret-circus show La Clique is making its way back to HOTA in 2026—and trust us, this encore season is going to be even bigger, bolder and more fabulous. Expect a fresh lineup of world-class performers alongside the cult-fave acts everyone lost their minds over last year, serving up a heady mix of high-octane acrobatics, seductive cabaret and laugh-til-you-snort comedy.
If you missed out the first time (or you’re ready for round two), consider this your sign to lock in a night of glitz and gasp-worthy spectacle.
Where: Lakeside Room, HOTA Central
When: 26 March to 19 April 2026
Cost: Tickets from $49
Click here for more info.
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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