What’s On In The Gold Coast This Weekend, Month And Beyond
Harmony Lee
Contributor | Urban List, Gold Coast, QLD
Ready for a weekend of sunshine and world class entertainment? Well, I certainly am. This weekend on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri country is shaping up to be both physically and metaphorically hot, with no rain on the radar and an absolutely stacked social calendar.
I’m talking global music heavyweights, red carpet screen royalty and plenty of homegrown legends in between. Clear your schedule, charge your phone and get ready for a weekend that’s equally as star studded as it is sun soaked.
Jump to each section:
What's On Friday 6 February
Turn Up The Heat At Mo’s Summer Sizzler
If your idea of a perfect Friday night involves loud guitars, sweaty mosh pits and a snag in hand, Mo’s Desert Clubhouse has you covered. Summer Sizzler is bringing the chaos with Friends With The Enemy, Global Asset and Heatstroke delivering a punk blow-out that’s equal parts rowdy and ridiculous.
Get there early for a pre-show sausage sizzle flipped by the band legends themselves, plus local market stalls and other feeds to line the stomach before things get wild. It’s guaranteed to be hot, loud and just the right amount of silly, so grab tickets before they're gone.
Where: Mo's Desert Clubhouse, 6/36 Central Dr, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220
When: Friday 6 February, from 7pm
Cost: $15 per adult
To find out more and book tickets, click here.
Catch A Glimpse Of Your Favourite Stars At The AACTA Awards
Image Credit: Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts | Facebook
Swap your Friday night drinks for a dose of glitz and glamour, because the AACTA Awards are rolling into HOTA with full red carpet fanfare. Australia’s biggest names in film, television and online storytelling will be out in force as the industry’s top talent is celebrated in one seriously star-studded ceremony.
While the main event is officially at capacity, you can still soak up the atmosphere at the Live By The Lake viewing event, which includes red carpet access and the after party. It’s your chance to witness a little slice of Aussie screen history right here on the Gold Coast.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
When: Friday 6 February
Cost: Prices vary
Find out more and get tickets here.
What's On Saturday 7 February
Laneway Festival Is Landing On The Gold Coast
Image Credit: Laneway Festival | Supplied
Laneway Festival is officially blowing out 21 candles and celebrating with its very first Gold Coast edition this Saturday. Taking over Southport Sharks, the beloved indie-leaning fest is bringing its signature stage-hopping chaos, just with a salty breeze and a new coastal postcode.
The lineup is stacked to the rafters, led by pop phenomenon Chappell Roan alongside heavy hitters like Wolf Alice, PinkPantheress, Lucy Dacus and Alex G, plus a solid crew of rising local and international talent. Consider your entire Saturday sorted—just remember comfy shoes, sunscreen and a strategic snack break will be key to making it from gates to encore.
Where: Southport Sharks, Corner Olsen and, Musgrave Ave, Southport QLD 4215
When: Saturday 7 February
Find out more here.
Discover Your Dream Job At The AACTA Screen Careers Expo
If you’ve ever daydreamed about working behind the scenes in film, TV or even gaming, this is your sign. The AACTA Screen Careers Expo is taking over HOTA on Saturday, bringing together leading studios, educators and industry pros ready to spill the tea on how to break into the biz.
Expect practical advice, insider insights, emerging tech and genuine networking opportunities that go way beyond a LinkedIn connection. Whether you’re a student, career changer or just screen-obsessed, this is where creative futures get their start.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
When: Saturday 7 February
To find out more and register, click here.
Celebrate Aotearoa At The Gold Coast Kiwi Festival
Southport is set to come alive this Saturday with the sounds and spirit of Aotearoa at the Gold Coast’s very first Kiwi Festival, a heartfelt tribute to Waitangi Day. Expect an afternoon rolling into evening of powerful kapa haka, Polynesian dance and live music, with performances spanning traditional Māori storytelling through to smooth RnB and reggae.
Standouts include youth kapa haka group Te Puna Mataatahi, Pacific dance from Heilani Polynesian School of Arts and a high-energy finale from Kiwi Groove. It’s a beautiful excuse to connect and soak up the mana of New Zealand culture.
Where: CSi Club, 154A Scarborough St, Southport QLD 4215
When: Saturday 7 February, from 3pm
Cost: Free
Find out more here.
What's On Sunday 8 February
Grab Your Crew For A Free Afternoon Of Live Music In Helensvale
Round up the crew, dust off the picnic rug and make your way to Buckler Park this Sunday for an easy-breezy afternoon of tunes and tasty eats. Twilight Tunes is serving up free live music from crowd favourite Andy V, plus a lineup of food trucks ready to handle dinner while you soak up those golden hour vibes.
It’s family-friendly, community-spirited and tailor-made for sprawling on the grass as the sun dips and the sky turns pastel. Consider your Sunday wind-down officially sorted.
Where: Buckler Park, Laurel Dr, Helensvale QLD 4212
When: Sunday 8 February, 4pm—8pm
Cost: Free
Find out more here.
What's On All Weekend
Plan Your Next Escape At The Gold Coast Caravan & Outdoor Expo
Image Credit: Caravanning Queensland | Supplied
If your 2026 mood board is anything like mine and includes more road trips and fewer inboxes, then clear your calendar from Friday 6 February to Sunday 8 February. The Let’s Go Gold Coast Caravan and Outdoor Expo is rolling into People First Stadium with more than 100 RV and outdoor lifestyle brands, from decked-out motorhomes to off-grid gadgets you didn’t know you needed.
Expect expert talks, towing masterclasses, major prize giveaways and plenty of family-friendly fun, plus the chance to compare setups side-by-side before locking in a show deal. This might just be your sign to start planning the Easter getaway, winter escape or full lap of Australia you’ve been dreaming about.
Where: People First Stadium, 296 Nerang Broadbeach Rd, Carrara QLD 4211
When: Friday 6 February to Sunday 8 February
Cost: $17 per adult (or $19 at the gate), $15 per concession (or $17 at the gate), school age children free
Find out more and grab tickets here.
Rub Shoulders With Screen Royalty At The AACTA Festival
Aside from the headline awards nights, the AACTA Festival is serving up a full weekend of screen-lover goodness at HOTA. Think premieres, special screenings, outdoor events and fascinating talks with some of the biggest names in the industry, including the likes of Baz Luhrmann, Sarah Snook and Dacre Montgomery.
It’s a rare chance to hear directly from the creatives shaping what we watch, all against the lakeside backdrop of HOTA. Whether you’re a film buff, pop culture tragic or aspiring filmmaker, this festival is basically your golden ticket into Australia’s screen scene.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
When: Wednesday 4 February to Sunday 8 February
Find out more and register for events 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
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
Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.