Thankfully, we’ve made it through that frosty cold snap, and clear blue skies are back on the horizon—just the way we Gold Coasters like it. If you’re anything like us at Urban List, these glorious days and crisp, pink sunsets are calling for a weekend beyond the four walls.
And with a lineup like this, there’s absolutely no reason to stay in. Whether you’re snapping Christmas in July photos with your doggo, browsing a morning market or letting the little ones loose at Kidchella, we’ve rounded up the best things to do on the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country this weekend.
Between scouring our magnificent stretch of sand and city for your next best eats and drinks, we just might catch you out there.
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 19 July
Make Tracks To Multicultural Market At Broadwater Parklands
Get ready to feast, dance and soak up all the cultural vibes—Broadwater Pavilion Markets is throwing a massive Multicultural Market this Saturday from 8am to 2pm at Broadwater Parklands.
Expect local food trucks slinging bites from around the globe, Brazilian dance performances, live music, market stalls and plenty more. It’s a colourful day out for the whole fam—fur babies included. More details here.
What's On Sunday 20 July
Snap A Doggie Photo With Santa At Paradise Point
Santa Paws is coming to town—this Sunday, bring your four-legged friend down to Paradise Point Parklands for a very festive morning of tail wags and free snaps with the big man in red.
From 8:30am to 11:30am, the City’s Animal Management team is hosting doggie Christmas in July, and every registered dog gets a free photo with Santa, plus a few goodies to keep them happy. New pup on the block? You can register your dog on the day, and if they’re under one year old, the rego is totally free. It’s a feel-good morning for fur babies and dog parents—more details here.
Paddle Out To Protect The Deep Sea This Sunday In Byron Bay
Image Credit: Michael Egan | Supplied
Grab your board, your mates, and your ocean-loving spirit—this Sunday 20 July, Surfrider Foundation Australia is hosting a peaceful paddle out at Main Beach, Byron Bay at 11:30am and you’re invited to make some waves for a cause.
Part of a national day of action, the event is one of many happening across Australia on Sunday calling for a global ban on deep sea mining—a destructive practice that threatens some of the most fragile, mysterious ecosystems in our ocean. Whether you’re a surfer, swimmer or just care about our blue backyard, this is your chance to stand (or float) in solidarity with the sea. More details here.
What's On All Weekend
Get Your Glitter On, Kidchella Is Taking Over Surfers Paradise This Weekend
Image Credit: Kidchella | Supplied
It’s time to let your tiny festival-goers loose—Kidchella is making its sparkly return to Surfers Paradise on 19 and 20 July, and the free two-day event is packed with enough fun to rival the real thing.
Expect mini dance parties with live DJs, a Coachella-inspired ferris wheel, silent discos, creative art stations, basketball and even skateboarding workshops with gear provided. Kids can glam up at the glitter bar, then burn off the sparkle on the basketball court or by dancing their hearts out. Best part? It’s all totally free. Just BYO energy, and maybe a basketball.
With food spots nearby and the iconic Surfers Paradise markets to stroll, you’ve got a full day out sorted. Kidchella is running from 10am to 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday, held underneath the Surfers Paradise Sign—more details here.
Step Back In Time At Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary's Jurassic July
Image Credit: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary | Supplied
Struggling to fill the weekends with non-boring activities for the little ones? We get it. Luckily for us, Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary has transformed into a prehistoric playground currently running only until this Sunday 2o July.
With school holidays in full swing, it's the perfect time to bring along your budding palaeontologists. Follow the Extinction Trail to encounter life-like dinosaurs, then get crafty with Dino-themed activities, including colouring in, kinetic sand, and hands-on fun with Dino figurines. Let the kids' imaginations run wild as they uncover a world where dinosaurs still roam—all included in your entry ticket. More details here.
Cosy Up At Coomera Lodge's Pop-Up Igloo Winter Wonderland
Image Credit: Coomera Lodge | Supplied
Northern Gold Coasters, this one's for you—your dream of sipping wine in your own private bubble can become a reality. Coomera Lodge has brought back its much-loved cosy winter igloos for another year, and it’s a welcome win for the northern Gold Coast finally getting in on the cool-season action.
Currently running throughout winter until September, the riverside spot has transformed into a full-blown winter wonderland with cosy igloos perfect for your next hang with friends or date night. Each heated igloo comes with full table service, so you can kick back and enjoy Coomera Lodge’s full a la carte menu without ever having to leave your cocoon. There's no cost to book the igloos but bookings are essential and weekends fill fast, so round up the crew and lock in your winter hangout. More details here.
Browse The Gold Coast’s Best Markets
Sunshine, shopping, and some of the Gold Coast’s best bites—markets on our sun-kissed coastline continue to bring the vibes. Whether you're after vintage threads, local produce, live music or artisanal goods, there’s something for absolutely everyone. 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
Australia’s Top Pizza Chefs Are Throwing A One-Night-Only Feast In Broadbeach
Australia’s best pizza is coming home—and you can eat it. For one night only, Broadbeach favourite Ciccio's Pizza & Gelato (which was recently awarded Best Pizza in Australia 2025) is throwing a one-night-only degustation feast on Tuesday 22 July, and it’s bringing together some of the biggest names in Australian pizza for an unforgettable feast.
You’ll be treated to next-level collaborative creations from four award-winning pizzaiolos, including Ciccio’s co-founder and Best Classic Pizza 2025 winner Emanuele Malara, Johnny Di Francesco of 400 Gradi, Paolo Gatto of Sydcily, and Gigi’s Daniel Giglio. Yeah, it's pretty huge.
The $150 ticket includes multiple courses of top-tier pizza with paired beverages, and intimate access to the chefs. With just 120 seats available across two sittings, you don't want to miss this one (trust us)—book here before it sells out.
Score Free Pilates Classes At Upstate’s New Palm Beach Studio
Image Credit: Upstate Pilates | Supplied
Victoria’s cult-fave fitness studio Upstate is officially landing in Palm Beach, and they're celebrating the launch with a full weekend of free Reformer Pilates. Running across Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 July, the launch party will show off Upstate’s biggest studio yet—complete with 29 beds, bold neon interiors, and the signature high-energy vibes they’re known for.
Expect sweat, strength, and feel-good tunes, all free for the taking. Post-launch, they're rolling out two juicy offers: a $59 unlimited 30-day intro pass, or an exclusive unlimited Reformer launch membership at $59 per week (with your first week free and 50% off the next three). Bookings are essential, so get in early—this one will fill fast.
Help Make A Difference At The Kelly Wilkinson Foundation Fundraiser Lunch
The Kelly Wilkinson Foundation is hosting its second annual fundraising lunch on Friday 1 August at Mercure Gold Coast Resort, raising funds to support children who are secondary victims of domestic violence. Held in honour of Kelly Wilkinson—a beloved mother, sister, and friend who tragically lost her life to domestic violence in 2021—the lunch will help provide practical and financial support to families and children tragically impacted by domestic violence.
Round up your crew—tickets are $180pp and include a two-course meal and drinks package. The long lunch runs from 11:30am to 3:30pm, and you can even score 10% off accommodation with your ticket. All funds raised will directly support the 18 children currently under the Foundation’s care, with hopes to expand this vital community support in its second year. More details and tickets available here.
Sip, Dance And Celebrate The Cane Harvest At Husk’s Epic Annual Rum Festival
Image Credit: Husk Farm Distillery | Supplied
Sugarcane season is calling—Husk Rum Harvest Fest is back and set to light up the paddocks of Tumbulgum on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August. Hosted by Husk Farm Distillery, this once-a-year celebration marks the sugarcane harvest with a weekend full of live music, fresh cane juice cocktails, rum tastings, smoked feasts, and seriously good vibes.
Saturday brings the full festival energy with live blues bands, rum masterclasses, cane juicing demos, the iconic Sugarcane Javelin comp, and the always-epic Cowboy Catwalk. Sunday is Community Day, perfect for families and chill seekers alike, with acoustic tunes, the Husk Mini Olympics, and plenty of green space to stretch out. Tickets are just $15 to $20 and include a welcome cocktail, tastings, and masterclass access, plys kids under 18 go free. Grab your crew and get in early, this one always sells out.
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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