FESTIVAL AND EVENTS

Events To Be Seen At

Are you a passionate sports fan, fun-loving foodie, lover of live music or cultural connoisseur? There’s an enticing event line-up to entertain everyone on the beautiful Gold Coast!

One of the most sought-after events on the Gold Coast’s social and sporting calendar jumps out of the gates in January when The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival gallops into town. Whether you’re a filly or fella frocking up for fashions on the field, front and centre of the action at Surfers Paradise Beach as horses gallop down the golden sands for the renowned Barrier Draw, or indulging in beers or bubbles trackside – it’s an occasion where everyone can win.

Check out fresh and exciting cinematic screenings at the annual Gold Coast Film Festival. Every year, this celebrated program of star-studded premieres and pop-up events earns rave reviews from serious movie buffs seeking an up-close encounter with film fame.

Choose your own cultural adventure at BLEACH, the Gold Coast’s beloved annual fringe festival. Experience the Coast’s incredible creativity and culture, through an 11-day program jam packed with an eclectic mix of events, performances and workshops that span the whole city. Immersive experiences and unexpected performance spaces are a signature twist. The program encompasses all forms of expression including dance, theatre, music, visual arts, installations, plays, concerts, workshops, First Nations culture, storytelling, community celebrations and discussions.

In September, take a barefoot sandy stroll amidst astonishing 3D works of art at the SWELL Sculpture Festival. Discover awe-inspiring creations emerging from the beautiful natural environment along the pristine Currumbin coastline. The program offers a range of unique experiences including guided twilight walks through the artworks, live music, comedy, masterclasses, artist led workshops and other interactive offerings.

Sporting Events

Feel the edge-of-your seat excitement as you get up-close to the action and cheer on your sporting heroes as they battle it out for glory and gold.

Heritage Bank Stadium, which has hosted international music icons like Harry Styles and Guns n’ Roses on their Australian tours, is the Gold Coast’s home of Aussie Rules football. Mark your diaries for a date with footy fever, as the Gold Coast Suns AFL and AFLW teams battle it out for a place in footy finals. Or if Rugby League is more your scene, come and feel the electrifying atmosphere as the mighty Gold Coast Titans take on the competition at the Cbus Super Stadium in Robina.

Hit the road running in July at the Gold Coast Marathon, when professional athletes and amateur running enthusiasts gather to test their endurance alongside the city’s surf beaches and beautiful Broadwater.

Biennially in November, the Gold Coast plays proud host to the Pan Pacific Masters Games. This premier multi-sport event sees some of the world’s best mature athletes competing across more than 40 sporting disciplines, from taekwondo and tenpin bowling, to dragon boating and dance sport.

For plenty of high-octane action, strap in for the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500, when the streets of Surfers Paradise are transformed into a world-class street circuit for an action-packed three-days of mad motorsports each October.

Snapper Rocks, the world’s most famous right-hand sandy point break annually hosts the Gold Coast Pro. The surfing competition kicks off the World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series, attracting thousands of spectators and featuring some of the world’s best surfers.

Music Festivals

From high-energy stage spectaculars to symphonies under the stars, the Gold Coast pumps out a captivating playlist of live music events.

Each May, find your rhythm at Blues on Broadbeach, one of Australia’s largest free music festivals. This soulful, four-day event features an incredible lineup of international and home-grown artists performing on multiple indoor and outdoor stages across this chic coastal precinct.

In June each year, Cooly Rocks On, Australia’s largest rock ‘n roll and nostalgia festival swings into the beachside suburb of Coolangatta for five action-packed days. Celebrate the music, motors and lifestyle of yesteryear, with lots of free, family-friendly fun to be had, as well as ticketed events.

Welcome warmer weather and take in a musical breath of fresh air at SPRINGTIME. With a stage set on a world class beach, this free music and arts festival features an exciting lineup of contemporary music where you can enjoy the sand beneath your feet and ocean breeze in your hair. This three-day, all-age festival also features a VAN’S Skate Plaza, an interactive performance installation, plus more to guarantee good times for all.

Or whip out your cowboy boots and prepare to party country-style at Groundwater Country Music Festival. This free, three-day festival rounds up some of the finest acts in the industry, for a fun-filled weekend of live music performances throughout the parks, streets and venues of beautiful Broadbeach.

Specialty Events

Along with a sizzling line-up of sporting and musical entertainment, the Gold Coast boasts an action-packed calendar of specialty events catering for everyone from lovers of art to crafters of beer.

One of the most thrilling additions to the calendar is the Pacific Airshow Gold Coast, with the inaugural event launching in 2023. The skies over Surfers Paradise will come alive with a three-day festival of heart-pumping choreographed aerial displays, breathtaking aviation stunts and plenty of family-friendly entertainment.

Or raise a glass and cheers to beer! The Gold Coast’s sunny disposition and warm climate make it an ideal spot to sip on an icy cold brew. Lovers of liquid gold gather annually at Kurrawa Park in Broadbeach for the Crafted Beer and Cider Festival, where over 300 different drops from all over Australia are on offer from over 50 of Australia’s best brewers. Satisfy your senses with gourmet food trucks, awesome live music by major acts and the beautiful beachside location- making this two-day celebration of beer a firm favourite on the Gold Coast events calendar.

For water-craft lovers, you won’t want to miss the most glamorous and immersive boating lifestyle event in the Southern Hemisphere. Featuring superyachts, the latest and greatest boating tech and plenty of family fun, the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is a boating blockbuster.

Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre Spotlight

Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre is the Gold Coast’s premier event venue. The award-winning masterpiece presents outstanding facilities, first-class service and exquisite culinary catering. The Centre hosts renowned national and international conferences, exhibitions, concerts, sporting events and more, where every seat is the best in the house. Many of these events and concerts are also open to the general public including the annual SupaNova Comic-Con and Gaming Convention, and numerous concerts from artists such as Keith Urban, Guy Sebastian and Delta Goodrem.

As Australia’s largest regional convention centre, the venue offers flexible function rooms and space where it counts, including a main arena, four large exhibition halls, and a range of meeting rooms to cater from 10 up to 6000 guests. Situated centrally in Broadbeach, the Centre is within walking distance to tourism hotspots, five-star accommodation, premium shopping facilities and convenient public transport.

The Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre was designed with accessibility in mind, with facilities and spaces designed to ensure open, safe and inclusive access for all visitors. Tram and bus services provide convenient public transport access to within 150 metres of the entrance. Catch the G:Link light rail to Broadbeach North Station. The platform has wheelchair accessible entries and exits and signalled pedestrian crossings. Taxis can be organised at the Centre’s reception desk, or by using courtesy phones located in the foyer. Alternatively, for those arriving by car, accessible parking bays are available on-site.

Accessible lifts with braille buttons and audio announcements service all floors, and guide, hearing and assistance dogs are welcome throughout the venue. A mobile hearing augmentation system is installed at the Centre. Hearing loop belt packs are available for visitors with hearing aids, and Auslan interpreters can be sourced for guests attending conferences. The Centre also boasts dedicated sensory rooms for visitors with sensory processing difficulties.

Accessibility

As accessibility of the festivals and events listed in this audio guide may vary significantly from year to year and venue to venue, please contact the event organiser directly for the latest information and updates. The friendly staff at the Gold Coast’s two accredited visitor information centres are also able to assist with event enquiries. You can find these centres in the Domestic Arrivals Terminal at the Gold Coast Airport, and towards the beach end of iconic Cavill Mall in Surfers Paradise.

Companion cards are accepted at a wide range of event venues on the Gold Coast, offering free carer entry to people with lifelong disabilities in possession of a Companion Card issued by any state or territory within Australia. Please search ‘Queensland Companion Card’ to find out more about obtaining or using a Companion Card, including an online directory of participating businesses on the Gold Coast.

Public transport services most major sporting and event venues, and taxi and ride-share services are widely available across the Gold Coast. To check timetables and plan your journey please visit translink.com.au or call 13 12 30.

Accessible parking and toilet facilities are fairly standard features at almost all major venues. Designated seating for wheelchair users and people with limited mobility is offered at many ticketed events.