What’s On In The Gold Coast This Weekend, Month And Beyond
Sophie Mulcahy
Contributor | Urban List
November is in full swing and the Gold Coast/Kombumerri Country calendar is heating up fast. From early festive vibes to classic coast happenings, this weekend is serving plenty of reasons to get out and make the most of it.
Whether you’re in the mood for some shopping or looking to rally the troops for a special event—we’ve got it all.
Jump to each section:
What's On Friday 21 November
Meet Santa Early At The Annual Christmas Twilight Market In Beenleigh
Image Credit: Beenleigh Christmas Twilight Market / Supplied
It’s never too early to start celebrating the holidays, and the Beenleigh Christmas Twilight Market agrees. Stroll the local markets to the soundtrack of a Christmas Choir, and be spoiled for choice with over 100 one-of-a-kind food, drink and artisanal options. While the little ones are occupied with animal farms, Santa visits and the bubble fairy, you can enjoy authentic poutine, fresh lemonade or homemade Christmas pudding.
Where: 1 Kent St, Beenleigh Town Square, Beenleigh, 4207
When: Friday 21 November, 5pm-9pm.
Cost: Free.
More info here.
What's On Saturday 22 November
Get Into The Christmas Spirit With Labrador’s Biggest Festival
Grab a picnic rug out of the wardrobe, charge your cameras and gather the fam for Labrador’s Christmas Carnival. This night is set up to be a lot of fun for the whole family, with super slides, bouncy castles, face painting and tea cup rides. Try out your singing skills with carol sing-alongs, or browse the food trucks while you wait for Santa’s arrival (hint, hint, look out for a fire truck). The best dressed will win a prize, so start planning your festive fit now.
Where: 114 Government Rd, Labrador, 4215.
When: Saturday 22 November, 4pm-8pm.
Cost: Free.
More info here.
Embrace Your Best Self In Burleigh With BraveFace and Cool2BeConcious
This Saturday morning, two mental health–focused brands—Cool 2Be Conscious and BraveFace—are teaming up for a soul-nourishing morning on Burleigh Hill. You can expect live music, yoga, breathwork, and ice baths, all centred around connection, mindfulness, and community.
So whether you’re rolling solo or bringing the whole crew, it’s a perfect way to reset, meet like-minded people, and just soak up some good vibes. Don't forget swimmers, a drink bottle, towel (and most importantly, an open mind). Plus, BraveFace will be adding a few surprise giveaways throughout the morning.
Where: Burleigh Hill, Burleigh Heads, 4220
When: Saturday 22 November, 6am-8am.
Cost: $19 pp
More info here.
Celebrate Ink Gin's 10th Birthday At Their Spritz & Glitz Party
Gold Coast's beloved Ink Gin is hitting double digits, and they want to celebrate with you. In true chaotic-sparkly fashion with Spritz & Glitz at Husk Farm Distillery, expect groovy tunes, free Ink Gin tastings, fairy floss and cocktails flowing from every direction.
Food-wise, they’re serving up smashed cheeseburgers, fries, freshly shucked oysters and all the salty snacks your disco heart desires. There’ll also be games, prizes, and plenty of spots on the lawn to sip, snack, and dance under the stars. Dress code? Disco Chic—think shine, glam, glitter and good vibes only.
Where: 1152 Dulguigan Rd, North Tumbulgum NSW, 2490
When: Saturday 22 November, 5pm til late.
Cost: Free
More info on their Instagram.
What's On Sunday 23 November
Search The G-Link For Santa And His Elves
For lucky little ones who catch the tram from Helensvale this Sunday, there might be a cheerful surprise on board. The Rudolph Express Tram will be parked at Platform Five, where you can get on and explore. There may or may not be face paint, just saying.
Where: Helensvale Station, Helensvale, 4212.
When: Sunday 23 November, 10am-12pm.
Cost: Free.
More info here.
Run Towards A Good Cause With Mo’s Desert Clubhouse
This Saturday, local business owners are lacing up for a cause that matters. Kim Ferguson, owner of Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, will run 50km from Cabarita to Burleigh Heads to raise funds for the UN World Food Programme, which continues delivering vital aid to children in the Middle East. She’ll be joined along the journey with local legends like Ola’s Supply Co and AJ from Revel Saunas, ending with a ‘We Made It’ party in El Ranchero’s Cocktail Garden. Expect live music, raffles, karma kegs and good vibes all around.
You can donate, cheer them on, or join part of the run. Entry to the afterparty is by donation, with proceeds going directly to the WFP. Community, compassion and cold beers—the perfect weekend combo.
Where: El Ranchero, 6/36 Central Dr, Burleigh Heads, 4220.
When: Sunday 23 November, 10:30am-3pm.
Cost: Dependent. More info here.
What's On All Weekend
Teleport To Mt Fuji At Shiro Gelato’s Mega Two-Day Event
Image Credit: Shiro Gelato & Snack / Supplied
Every matcha lover on the Gold Coast is familiar with Shiro Gelato & Snack, who are known for their authentic (and arguably, one of the best) Japanese gelato and drinks. This weekend, in collaboration with the Mt. Fuji region, Shiro is hosting a two-day event that brings Japanese culture to this side of Australia.
Showcasing their signature matcha range, they’ll also host rice and sake tastings alongside cultural workshops like mochi pounding, hojicha roasting, kimono fittings and more. So, if you missed out on the Jetstar sale earlier this year, experience a bit of Japan from home at this unmissable event.
Where: Shiro Gelato & Snack Southport, 50B Nerang St, Southport QLD 4215
When: Saturday 22 November & Sunday 23 November, 11am-4pm
Cost: Free.
Find out more and RSVP here.
Get Amongst Irish Culture At The Galway Seafood And Music Festival
Image Credit: D'Arcy Arms / Supplied.
This weekend, the Gold Coast’s oldest Irish pub, D’Arcy Arms, is hosting a festival celebrating incredible seafood and live music. Enough said, right? The two-day event will showcase a variety of seafood delights like fresh Pacific oysters, Moreton Bay baked bugs, Kilkenny beer-battered fish and chips and more. Alongside great food will be an even greater lineup, with Mark Butler, Salliana 7 and The Gathering. Entry is free but we’d recommend booking your spot ahead of time.
Where: 2923 Gold Coast Hwy, Surfers Paradise, 4217.
When: Saturday 22 November & Sunday 23 November, 12pm-8pm.
Cost: Free entry.
Find out more and RSVP 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.
Be The First To See Art, Colour and Community Collide With Morag Myerscough
Image Credit: Everybody NOW! / Supplied
The internationally acclaimed artist and designer is here from the UK, and it’s not just for better weather. Myerscough will join local Queenslanders in a celebration of creative exchanges, hosting public workshops and conversations at HOTA.
Known for her bright colours and vibrant patterns, Myerscough will host a variety of community events, working in collaboration to create a large-scale art project that will be unveiled on the Gold Coast in 2026. Get involved, and be there first.
When: Monday 17 November to Sunday 23 November
Cost: Free to attend.
More info on individual events here.
Ken Done Is Painting HOTA In Colour This Spring With A Vibrant New Exhibition
Image Credit: Ken Done | Supplied
Australia’s king of colour, Ken Done, is bringing his unmistakable style to HOTA with a bold new exhibition that’s bursting with joy, nostalgia and serious creative freedom. Ken Done: No Rules will take over HOTA Gallery from this Saturday 13 September to 15 February 2025, showcasing his unmistakably Australian works from the ‘80s through to now, including exclusive pieces from his own collection.
Visitors can also enjoy a captivating animation of a selection of Done’s iconic paintings, offering a new and immersive way to experience his vibrant universe. In a celebration of art, fashion and collaboration, the exhibition also features a selection of dazzling garments from 'Done Zone', the 2023 collaborative collection between Ken Done and Australian fashion label 'Romance Was Born'.
When: Saturday 13 September to Sunday 15 February, 2025
Where: Gallery 1, HOTA
Cost: Ticket prices vary; up to $21
More details here.
Step Inside The Upside-Down At House Down Under
Image Credit: House Down Under | Supplied
House Down Under has flipped the Gold Coast on its head, now open at Pacific Fair just in time for the spring school holidays. Australia’s first inverted house lets visitors wander ceilings, dance on furniture, and snap surreal photos in rooms like an upside-down bathroom, lounge, and kids’ play area.
With unlimited time inside and tips from friendly staff, it’s a fun, creative experience for families and friends alike. Tickets start at $19 per person, with kids under four free, making it a playful and affordable day out.
Where: Pacific Fair Shopping Centre, 32 Hooker Blvd, Broadbeach Waters
When: Saturdays & Sundays, 10am—6pm; weekdays, 12pm—6pm
Cost: $19 per person aged 4 years and older; under 4 years free
Click here for more information.
Browse The Gold Coast’s Best Markets
One thing the Gold Coast continues to get right is the markets. Whether its 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
Burn After Dark Returns To Three Blue Ducks For A Fiery Summer Edition
Image Credit: Three Blue Ducks | Supplied
After lighting up winter with their first iteration, Burn After Dark is back to turn up the heat with a summer festival edition on Friday 28 November. Inspired by desert nights and Moroccan magic, this Byron bash blends fire-cooked feasts, live music, and art under the stars at The Farm.
Expect a stand-up fire feast by the Ducks, snacks from The Smoking Camel, and performances from The Foxy Junes, DJ Monsieur Diop and Velvet Smoke Burlesque. With pop-up bars by Common People Brewing Co., Azteca Margaritas and Jilly Wines, it’s shaping up to be one seriously spicy summer night.
Where: Three Blue Ducks, 11 Ewingsdale Road Byron Bay, Ewingsdale NSW 2481
When: Friday 28 November, from 5pm
Cost: $90 per adult; $40 per child; children under 2 free
Click here for more information and to book.
Show Up And Get Inked For A Cause This November At Stingray
For one day only, Stingray is swapping beachy chill for buzzing needles and bold choices. In the last weekend of November, local tattoo legends Sean Henry, Matt O’Brian, and Victor Tepaa from Darkhorse Initiative are taking over with flash sheets featuring over 50 designs, priced at $100 or $200—a permanent way to back a good cause.
Every dollar goes straight to Movember in support of men’s health. To match the energy, Zeppelin Barbers will also be popping up for on-the-spot moustache and fade freshen-ups. No bookings required–just first in, first inked. Come for the mark, stay for the mayhem and feel good doing it.
Where: 7 Staghorn Avenue Surfers Paradise, 4217
When: Saturday, 29th November, 12pm-7pm.
Cost: Free entry.
More info here.
Welcome The Next Chapter Of Farm & Co
A beloved Tweed Coast fave has had a serious makeover, and you’re invited to be one of the first to experience Farm & Co 2.0. The much-loved farm venue is unveiling a brand-new café and dining menu, a dedicated kids’ playground, expanded outdoor seating, and a refreshed grab-and-go offering—so naturally, they’re throwing a big celebration. Expect pony rides, face-painting, entertainment, and a balloon twister keeping the kiddies busy while you ease into the afternoon.
Grown-ups score a spritzer on arrival plus a packed goodie bag featuring treats and discounts from local legends. There’ll also be lucky-door prizes up for grabs throughout the day. Live DJs will be soundtracking the event, the coal-fire BBQ will be slinging their signature BBQ boxes, and Wheel & Spoon will be on-site with artisanal gelato.
Where: 529 Cudgen Rd, Cudgen, NSW, 2487
When: Sunday 30 November, 11am-2pm.
Cost: Tickets start at $15 for adults, $5 for kids
More info on Instagram.
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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