What’s On In The Gold Coast This Weekend, Month And Beyond
Harmony Lee
Contributor | Urban List, Gold Coast, QLD
It’s officially the last weekend of 2025 so shake off that food coma and make it count. Whether you’re after some live music, art to fill your culture cup, or a final market run of the year, there’s a little something-something for everyone to sink their teeth into.
So, grab your people and read on to plan yet another fabulous weekend on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri country.
Jump to each section:
What's Open New Year's Day
If you want to celebrate the New Year minus the crowds and claustrophobic raves, then look no further. We've crafted a master list of what's open New Year's Day on the GC so you can kick off 2026 with gusto, while everyone else is busy nursing their hangovers.
What's On All Weekend
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
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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