What’s On Gold Coast | Summer 2023-2024
Summer is here, and there is so much to see and do. Add these must-attend events to your calendar and get set for a tonne of summer fun.
FEATURED EVENT | Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic | Saturday December 30 and Sunday December 31 at The Star, Broadbeach
‘Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic’ is back by popular demand, for their first Australian tour in two years. The show is set to again immerse fans in the spectacle, grandeur and extravagance of Queen and Freddie Mercury, but with the incredible Dominic Warren on board, things are looking bigger and better than ever.
Get ready for a night of non-stop Rock anthems including ‘We Will Rock You’, ‘We Are the Champions’, ‘Radio GaGa’, ‘I Want to Break Free’, ‘Somebody to Love’, ‘Don’t Stop Me Now’, ‘Another One Bites the Dust’, ‘A Kind of Magic’, ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ and so many more. You’ve seen Bohemian Rhapsody at the cinemas, now see it all come alive on stage and in concert, with big sound, big screens, crazy lighting and outlandish costumes…
Make sure you’re following us on Instagram and Facebook for your chance to win tickets to see ‘Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic’ when they land on the Gold Coast.
Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street | From Saturday November 25 at HOTA, Surfers Paradise
This blockbuster Australian-exclusive exhibition will present over 400 objects, including over 200 shoes, process material, photography, posters, videos and artworks, charting the design and cultural journey of sneakers.
Mayor’s Christmas Carols | Saturday December 2 from 4pm to 9pm at HOTA
Now in its twelfth year, the Mayor’s Christmas Carols return in 2023 – this time, with headline act Human Nature. Watch from the HOTA Parklands and enjoy delicious food trucks and free family entertainment.
Uncorked | Saturday December 2 at Southport Yacht Club
Join award-winning artists Jack Jones and Peter Cupples for a two-course dinner and a show – the perfect way to welcome in summer.
Once Upon a Dream | Saturday December 2 from 2pm at HOTA, Surfers Paradise
Be drawn into a fairy-tale world of romance, wonder, grandeur, and good versus evil as Hinterland Dance Academy stages a full production of The Sleeping Beauty.
Magic Men | From Saturday December 2 at Asylum Nightclub, Surfers Paradise
The Magic Men are finally coming to Surfers Paradise, heating up the down with their ‘Feel The Magic’ showcase. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind stage show.
GC50 Run Festival | Saturday December 2 to Sunday December 3 at Coolangatta
With a course that hugs the picturesque Gold Coast coastline and distances spanning 5 to 50 kilometres, the GC50 Run Festival is not to be missed.
Katherine Outback Experience | Friday December 8 at Boonah Showgrounds
Singer and horseman extraordinaire Tom Curtain has again hit the road with his award winning Outback Show Katherine Outback Experience, part of his ‘Why We Live Out Here’ Tour.
The Bon Jovi Experience | Friday December 8 at Hound & Stag Brewing Co., Arundel
Australia’s number one tribute show to the legendary Supergroup, featuring some of the finest musicians from South East Queensland with vast experience in the tribute show arena.
Surfers Paradise Christmas Twilight Markets | Saturday December 9 at the Surfers Paradise Esplanade
Celebrate your spot on the nice list, make it rein and shop the ultimate stocking stuffers from this curated collection of makers and their bespoke goods.
www.surfersparadisemarkets.com.au
Christmas Flick: ‘8-Bit Christmas’ | Saturday December 9 at HOTA
Cosy up under the stars and watch ‘8-Bit Christmas’ for the ultimate festive movie experience, complete with food trucks, pop-up bar and a whole lot of Christmas cheer.
Rockin’ Christmas | Saturday December 9 at the Gold Coast Convention Centre
The Gold Coast’s favourite Christmas event returns with a sensational four-course dinner, 4.5-hour beverage package and entertainment from Queen tribute band, Killer Queen.
TROPIC ARCADIA | Sunday December 10 at HOTA
Enjoy this unexpected new travel destination for families, brought to you by Tongan-Polynesian artist Samuel Tupou. It’s a curious, pop-up island that is part memory, part imagination and part arcade game.
Joaquin Nota & Calypso Cora | Sunday December 10 at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Burleigh Heads
Catch multi-instrumentalist Joaquin Noah and surf-rockers Calypso Cora in this free show. The evening will be full of bangin’ alternative rock, funky latin soul and chilled RNB.
A Night in Rio | Sunday December 10 at Miami Marketta
Be immersed in the magical music and dance of one of the world’s most enchanting cities – Rio! – with explosive rhythms, vibrant colours and spectacular costumes.
Cooly Carols | Sunday December 10 at Queen Elizabeth Park, Coolangatta
Gather your nearest and dearest for a memorable evening with an all-Aussie cast of singers and dancers performing the Christmas carols we all know and love (to sing along to!).
JD Zamora’s FOMOsexual | Wednesday December 13 at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse
Fresh from his award-winning run at the 2023 Sydney Fringe, GC Comedy presents JD Zamora’s ‘FOMOsexual’ – serving a smorgasbord of sticky subjects, spicy social commentary and salty self-reflection.
The Nutcracker | Thursday December 14 at HOTA, Surfers Paradise
Unwrap the magic of The Nutcracker this Christmas. From the breath-taking snowflakes to the iconic Sugar Plum Fairy, every moment will captivate your imagination and fill your heart with holiday cheer.
HOTA Christmas Twilight Markets | Friday December 15 at HOTA, Surfers Paradise
Get jingly with it GC! The HOTA Markets are bringing you an evening of festive folly to send you into Christmas with jolly vibes and great gifts.
Not So Silent Night | Saturday December 16 at The Star, Broadbeach
This fast-selling event is undoubtedly one of the social events of the year and is the perfect excuse to get dressed up and let your hair down.
Mo’s Christmas Party | Saturday December 16 at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Burleigh Heads
Get ready to rock for a fantastic cause as Mo’s Desert Clubhouse wraps up an incredible year of live music with the Christmas Party. All proceeds will go towards The Sanctuary Refuge.
Carols in Coomera | Saturday December 16 at Coomera Sports Park
Be prepared to sing your heart out at the Carols in Coomera. Bring the whole family along to the Coomera Sports Park to enjoy all the Christmas classics, as well as a festive kids show for the little elves in your life.
Carols on the Beach | Sunday December 17 at the Surfers Paradise Esplanade
Your all-time favourite Christmas carols will be performed by an all-Aussie line-up (with one special international guest, travelling all the way from the North Pole) – and to top the night off, there’ll be a sparkly fireworks finale.
Christmas Markets GC | Friday December 15 to Sunday December 17 at Broadwater Parklands
Nestled among an enchanting display of shimmering lights, the Christmas Markets GC set the scene for couples and families alike, be it a romantic wander for two or a fun-filled night out with the family. Don’t miss Santa’s helicopter arrival each day.
Carols on the Broadwater | Monday December 18 at the Southport Yacht Club
Get the holiday season started with Carols on the Broadwater, featuring face painting for the kids and a live band singing Christmas carols to keep all ages entertained.
Murder Mystery Dinner | Saturday December 23 at Fox & Hounds Country Inn, Tamborine Mountain
Ever wanted to be involved in a murder and solve the case (or even pretend to be the murderer yourself)? The Fox and Hounds gives you the chance to do both, while also spending time with friends and family in a unique way.
Peking Duk (DJ set) | Saturday December 23 at Miami Marketta
Peking Duk has heard our call and they’re coming back to the Gold Coast just before Christmas. Come through for a very festive (and very sweaty) dance party.
Mallrat and Friends | Tuesday December 26 at Miami Marketta
We can’t think of a better way to spend Boxing Day than the dreamy queen of Aussie pop, Mallrat, and her friends (the likes of Hope D, Molly Millington and more).
White Christmas | Friday December 8 to Saturday December 23 at Warner Bros. Movie World
Step into a world of magic where the whole family will be dazzled by the twinkling wonderland of lights and the biggest Christmas parade ever with incredible floats from around the world.
Initiation NYE Festival | Thursday December 28 to Monday January 1 at Wyaralong
Ring in the new year celebrating music, arts and culture. This event is produced by Gold Coast residents to support local arts communities.
The Rubens | Friday January 5 at Miami Marketta
To celebrate the release of its latest summer single, ‘Good Mood’, The Rubens head back out on the road for the sizzling Australian Summer Tour.
Single Fin Festival | Saturday January 6 and Sunday January 7 at Burleigh Heads
The 27th annual Burleigh Boardriders Single Fin Festival will once again showcase the hottest local talent, taking on some of the surfing world’s greatest on 40-year-old surfboards.
Candlelight: Best of Coldplay | Friday January 12 at the Imperial Hotel, Main Beach
Experience the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience in the Imperial Hotel (formerly Palazzo Versace) with a night of Coldplay under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Magic Millions | Saturday January 6 and Saturday January 13 at Gold Coast Turf Club, Surfers Paradise
Don’t miss the Gold Coast’s annual celebration of all things horse racing, when the much-anticipated The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival gallops back into town.
Summer Splash | Saturday January 13 at Paradise Point Parklands
Come along for a morning of excitement with inflatable water slides, a lively DJ party, rainbow bubbles, face painting and ‘sports-tacular’ workshop. Treat your taste buds to sizzling sausages or delicious snow cones in the chill-out zone.
30 Years of Big Day Out | Friday January 19 at Vinnie’s Dive, Southport
Celebrate 30 years since the very first Big Day Out with a free entry gig at Vinnie’s. DJs will be spinning nothing but BDO artists all night! Come celebrate and reminisce on the best fest Australia’s ever had.
Party at Love Street | Saturday January 20 at Love Street Store, Coolangatta
There’s so much to celebrate at Love Street Store – including their second birthday! Don’t miss tunes from Red Like Fire, old skool American film installations and burgers & booze. It’s going to be a doozy!
JuicyFest | Saturday January 20 at Doug Jennings Park, Main Beach
If you love 2000s-inspired hip-hop and R&B, you’ll love Juicy Fest – especially since the 2024 line up will be headlined by a clutch of hip-hop and R&B legends includingT-Pain, Ashanti, T.I. and The Game.
The Usher Cup | Thursday January 18 to Sunday January 21 at Snapper Rocks
This is much more than a surf contest – it’s a kaleidoscope of community, culture and the arts along the full length of the coastline from Kirra to the contest site at Snapper Rocks.
Hudsons Circus | Now through to January 21 at Broadwater Parklands, Southport
Don’t miss this two-hour, traditional-style circus – with a modern twist! Featuring ‘edge of your seat’ daredevils, hilarious clowns, aerial acrobatics and beautiful animal acts, this is a fast-paced show for the whole family.
Parad-Ice Ice Skating Show | Friday December 15 to Saturday January 27 at Paradise Resort
Get your tickets to Parad-Ice, a one-of-a-kind variety show, featuring fierce ice-skating that will dazzle with acrobatics, spins, and clown antics. Fun for the whole family.
Billy vs. Elton | Saturday February 3 at The Star, Broadbeach
Prepare for a journey through the incredible careers of two giants of the entertainment industry, delivered by a world class live nine-piece band and featuring five amazing vocalists.
PBC Expo Gold Coast | Saturday February 3 and Sunday February 4 at Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Broadbeach
Australia’s Largest Baby Expo is growing its family with the addition of a new show on the Gold Coast. Explore, speak directly with and purchase from more than 200 exhibitors.
Lunar New Year | Saturday February 10 at Chinatown, Southport
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with fiery festivities and a vibrant melting pot of colourful entertainment. See lion and dragon dancers, market stalls, kids activities (paper-cutting and Chinese calligraphy), an interactive wishing tree, fan and umbrella dancing, and a sizzling fireworks finale.
2024 AACTA Awards | Saturday February 10 at HOTA, Surfers Paradise
The AACTA Awards are coming to the Gold Coast, and they’re bringing a line up of events catering to everyone from industry veterans to budding creatives along with them.
Candlelight: Tribute to Queen | Saturday February 17 at The Imperial Hotel, Main Beach
Love Queen? You haven’t heard them like this. Enjoy their biggest hits performed by string quartet Paradiso Strings, underneath the candlelight.
High School Musical: On Stage | Friday February 16 at the Broadbeach Cultural Centre
It’s time to bop to the top as the magic of Disney’s High School Musical on Stage returns to the Gold Coast. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or experiencing High School Musical for the first time, this production is a must-see for audiences of all ages.
www.highschoolmusicalonstage.com.au
Queensland Vegan Markets | Saturday February 17 at the Broadwater Parklands, Southport
Enjoy a great day out with your favourite vegan eats, drinks, shopping and charities. Reduce your consumption of animals, learn more about veganism and enjoy a place where you are spoilt for vegan food options.
Chinese Film Festival | Thursday February 15 to Sunday February 18 at Dendy Southport
The inaugural Chinese Film Festival will screen on the Gold Coast at Dendy Cinemas Southport. This is a brand-new celebration of Chinese film in Australia, aligned with Chinese Lunar New Year.
Travelling Film Festival | Friday February 16 and Sunday February 18 at Dendy Southport
The Travelling Film Festival is the oldest touring film festival in Australia, bringing the world’s best cinema to Regional Australia.
The Gold Coast Open | Friday February 16 and Sunday February 18 at Burleigh Heads
See some of the world’s best surfers from all corners of the globe battle it out, while also enjoying live bands, skateboarding events and sunrise yoga sessions.
Shen Yun | Friday February 23 at HOTA
Shen Yun returns to the Gold Coast with an all-new show. This performance is a beautiful display of goodness, wisdom and faith. For our world today, it is a message of hope.
Seasons of Change: Transforming Lives Together | Saturday February 24 at Isoletto Pool Club, Broadbeach
Change Up Project’s first not-for-profit fundraiser is set to be an inspiring evening, showcasing the incredible transformations of their guests (find out more about that here) and raising money for their next Makeover Day.
The Luxury Travel & Cruise Event | Sunday February 25 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Broadbeach
Uncover the world’s best cruise lines, incredible touring itineraries, leading airlines, luxurious hotels and new destinations to inspire your next holiday.
www.theluxurytravelevent.com.au
Ocean Film Festival World Tour | Wednesday February 28 and Thursday February 29 at HOTA, Surfers Paradise
‘Sea’ (sorry) over two hours of the most inspirational, educational and entertaining films related to the ocean from independent film makers around the world.