Spring has sprung, and there’s plenty to celebrate. We’ve rounded up the must-attend events on the Gold Coast this season.
Gold Coast Show | Friday September 1 to Sunday September 3 at Broadwater Parklands
Join over 120,000 Gold Coast locals and visitors alike for the Gold Coast Show, the ultimate celebration of all our city has to offer. Don’t miss the rides and attractions, showbags, farm animals and nightly fireworks shows.
Springtime | Friday September 1 to Sunday September 3 in Surfers Paradise
With more than 30 artists on the line-up, the 3-day free festival will be headlined by electronic duo Bag Raiders (DJ Set), New Zealand alt-pop artist Benee, and indie-pop icon Matt Corby.
Sunday Sounds: Father’s Day celebrations | Sunday September 3 at Paradise Point Parklands
Enjoy Sunday Sounds with the Floorburners band, a celebration of music for the dads, grandads and special people in our lives. Bring a chair, rug and picnic lunch or enjoy the restaurants and cafés along The Esplanade. You may even want to have a quick dip in the water!
Spring Time Eats: Father’s Day Retro Picnic | Sunday September 3 at Frascott Park
This popular live music and food truck series returns with a bang, just in time for Father’s Day. The first event in the series (which will return every Sunday through September and October) will be complete with classic cars, a live band, dance floor, markets and food trucks.
Fearless with Meghan Jarvis | Thursday September 7 at Espresso Bonsai, Surfers Paradise
Meghan Jarvis will be sharing her story Fearless, taking you along on her journey of struggles, self-discovery, personal growth and success. Join in on one powerful night of sharing stories that will certainly inspire you to believe in yourself.
Made in the 80s | Friday September 8 at Hound and Stag Brewing Co, Arundel
The 80s was an iconic era in modern music, encompassing a diverse range of genres from punk to LA glam rock, electro pop to raw anthem rock. Get ready to experience the ultimate 80s party band as Made in The 80’s takes you on a musical journey back in time.
The Smith | Friday September 8 at The Basement at HOTA
A one night only event of the Gold Coast’s premier acoustic songwriters showcase The Smith. Experience a great evening of original music where songwriters can learn and enhance their writing skills, showcase their music and network with others for future collaboration.
Mo’s 4th Birthday Festival | Saturday September 9 at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Burleigh Heads
Join the team behind Mo’s Desert Clubhouse and El Ranchero in celebrating four years of the beloved venue. The jam-packed lineup features some of our favourite local and national acts – don’t miss it.
Main Beach Street Festival | Saturday September 9 at Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
Main Beach Street Festival is a unique opportunity to come together to enjoy live music, market stalls, kids’ entertainment and extended trading hours for local restaurants.
www.mainbeachstreetfestival.com.au
A Very Swell Silent Disco | Saturday September 9 at Currumbin Beach
The crew from Lights Out And Dance and Best Silent Disco have teamed up once again to bring back for it’s second year, a bigger and better A Very Swell Silent Disco Under the Stars as part of the 2023 Swell Sculpture Fringe Festival!
Flower Crown Workshop | Saturday September 9 at Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens, Benowa
Spend an enjoyable Saturday afternoon creating a flower crown using Australian native flowers and foliage. Make something to keep or give as a gift.
Crafted Festival | Saturday September 9 and Sunday September 10 at Broadbeach
This year’s Crafted is set to be frothier than ever, with more than 400+ delectable drops and live performances from Polish Club and Tijuana Cartel.
Natural Bridge Festival | Sunday September 10 at the Brunswick Picture House
Catch The Lazy Eyes, The Slingers, Leah Senior, Delivery & Girl and Girl in the heart of beautiful Brunswick Heads for an unmissable day music and community.
Threads | Saturday September 16 at Stone Studio and Co, Currumbin Waters
One massive day of incredible vintage, locals makers, good tunes and yummy food courtesy of Strange Day, Vegepatch Studios and more. Best of all, it’s a pet-friendly event.
Gold Coast Multicultural Festival | Saturday September 16 at Broadwater Parklands
There will be local performers, information stalls and variety of food choices on the Great Lawn in Southport. It’s sure to be a fun day for the whole family!
Pink Ribbon Raceday | Saturday September 16 at Gold Coast Turf Club
Join us for the 16th annual Sky Racing Pink Ribbon Raceday on 16 September, where the entire track will be transformed into a sea of pink in support of the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
Gold Coast Kite Festival | Saturday September 16 at Emerald Lakes
Enjoy a unique flying experience with kites of all types! Try a wide variety of food, merchandise stalls to shop and a jumping castle for the kids. Music will be played all day by a local DJ.
Swell Sculpture Festival | Friday September 8 to Sunday September 17 at Currumbin
The twenty-first annual Swell Sculpture Festival is a free 10-day outdoor sculpture exhibition. Each sculpture tells its own unique story and collectively the exhibition speaks the story of the Swell Sculpture Festival, a celebration of connecting people, art and place.
Wanderlust True North | Thursday September 21, Gold Coast Convention Centre
A day of music, movement, life-affirming talks and inspiration, hosted by Allira Potter and headlined by ARIA award-winning Australian singer, songwriter and instrumentalist Xavier Rudd.
Twilight at Stable | From 3pm to 7pm on Saturday September 23 at Cornerstone Stores, Tugun
Come along for the last Twilight for a little while (Cornerstone will be re-doing the lawn) and enjoy live music, lawn bar, great food and good vibes.
Sunday Sesh | Sunday September 24 at Clay Cantina, Coolangatta
Come along for good food, great tunes and even better times to Clay Cantina for their one night only Sunday sesh – limited seats available, so book fast.
Kids Fun at Cavill Lane | Saturday September 16 to Sunday September 24 at Cavill Lane
Enjoy some family fun entertainment during the spring school holidays at Cavill Lane. There will be good times, colourful, friendly, talented performers, and entertainers during lunchtime from 12pm to 2pm, over two weekends.
www.cavilllane.com.au/whats-on
Family Fun Day | Tuesday September 26 at Abbott Park
Enjoy an array of activities for both kids and parents, including a challenging rock-climbing wall, a whimsical Thomas the Tank Engine ride, inflatable football shootout, mechanical wipe out machine, and extreme obstacle course.
Brunch with Bite | Saturday September 30 at The Island, Surfers Paradise
Tired of vanilla weekends? Spice things up at Brunch with Bite. It’s a brunch series from the same team behind the Brisbane series at Cloudland. It’s deliciously naughty and at the same time, delightfully nice.
Darkfield: Flight | From Thursday September 7 to Sunday October 1 at HOTA
For a limited time, one of the most popular Darkfield experiences, Flight, will be presented at HOTA. A theatrical experience in total darkness, Flight takes its passengers on an unsettling journey in the multiverse.
Country at Cavill | Sunday October 1 at Cavill Lane
Enjoy line dance performances and join in the good times! This dance is designed to make you feel happy and confident regardless of any prior experience! Plus, they’re giving away a Cavill Lane Gift Voucher for best dressed.
Sail Paradise | Saturday September 30 to Monday October 2 at Southport Yacht Club
Experience the thrill of racing as you set sail through the picturesque ocean waters of the Gold Coast. Take in the breathtaking scenery of the white sandy beaches, the beautiful hinterland mountains and the stunning skyline as you compete against other sailing enthusiasts.
Nobby’s Street Fiesta | Sunday October 1 at Nobby Beach
A free Latin inspired street festival complete with live music, Latin dance lessons, Brazilian dance displays, stilt walkers, fire show entertainment, pop up craft bar, children’s activities and much more!
Singles Night: The Thirst Trap Challenge | Thursday October 5 at El Ranchero, Burleigh
Kicking off El Ranchero’s Thursday night October calendar is Singles Night. Take part in the Thirst Trap Challenge, eat delicious Mexican food and wash it all down with a marg or two. What’s not to love?
La Fiesta Circus | Saturday October 7 at Broadbeach Cultural Centre
La Fiesta Tastes and Sounds from South America will celebrate its seventh and final year of bringing colours, the full feel of vibes, Latin music, Latin food that will melt in your mouth, cultural performances, emerging Latin artists and much more.
Chirn Park Street Festival | Saturday October 7 at Chirn Park, Southport
This free community celebration will feature an incredible line up of live music, roving performers, kid’s entertainment, local food and business specials, community groups, market stalls, pop-up bar and more!
Fashion Thrift Market | Sunday October 8 at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre
Calling all fashion lovers! Enjoy fashion, community and fun at this bright and lively event, which will feature the best handpicked clothing, accessories, shoes, handmade items, small businesses, art, and home decor stalls.
www.fashionthriftsociety.com.au
Games Night: Tequila Roulette Boards | Thursday October 12 at El Ranchero, Burleigh
Next up for El Ranchero’s Thursday night October calendar is Games Night – Tequila Roulette Games Night, to be specific.
YOT Club x Therapy Fitness Spin at Sea | Friday October 13 at YOT Club
Imagine riding high during a live DJ led cycle class, followed by a party on board a luxury yacht. The three-hour experience will also include a welcome drink, blow dry bar and grazing platters.
ArtBeat Music and Arts Festival | Friday October 13 at Gold Coast University Hospital Parklands
Now in its 10th year, the ArtBeat exhibition and festival invites you to join in live music, food, giveaways, face painting, free mental health information and more.
www.goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au
Night Bites Under Lights | Saturday October 14 at HOTA, Southport
For one night only, HOTA’s Outdoor Stage will come alive with the sensory experience of Borealis and a vast selection of culinary treats, street eats, and feasts. Indulge in food markets on the Outdoor Lawns and enjoy the live music filling the air.
Relay for Life | Saturday October 14 at Griffith University Gold Coast
Relay For Life is an exciting community event that raises vital funds for the Cancer Council Queensland. Join the thousands of Australians who take part in Cancer Council’s Relay For Life and make strides towards a cancer free future.
Feast on Fifth | Saturday October 14 at Fifth Avenue Palm Beach
Enjoy a classic street celebration with family, friends, incredible food and entertainment. This free community event will feature local restaurants and businesses alongside a convoy of the Gold Coast’s most craved food trucks.
Language Swap: Latin language lovers | Thursday October 19 at El Ranchero, Burleigh
Calling all Latin language lovers! Next up for El Ranchero’s Thursday night October calendar is Language Swap, and it’s sure to be a good night.
Varsity World Street Food and Entertainment Festival | Saturday October 21 at 220 Varsity Parade
An evening of modern street food and entertainment, featuring over 30 countries and cultures. This free event is a celebration of our multicultural diversity and includes tastes and entertainment from across the globe.
www.varsityworldfestival.com.au
Groundwater Country Music Festival | Friday October 20 to Sunday October 22 at Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach
Celebrating 10 years of country music on the Gold Coast, Groundwater Country Music Festival is back with even more artists announced for 2023.
VIP Launch Party: The Sunday Service | Sunday October 22 at El Ranchero, Burleigh Heads
Join the gang at El Ranchero for the launch of their brand new Sunday Service. Brought to you by The Church of Mo’s, their new Sunday session is designed with saints and sinners in mind.
Walk for Mental Health | Sunday October 22 at Broadwater Parklands
The Gold Coast Walk will be the perfect opportunity for the community to come together to raise awareness and advocate for mental health. You can choose to walk 3km (2 x laps), 5km or 10km.
www.walkformentalhealth.mhfa.org.au
Black Magic Woman: Tarot & Reading | Thursday October 26 at El Ranchero, Burleigh
Last on El Ranchero’s Thursday night October calendar is a night of tarot and readings with Black Magic Woman. Don’t miss it!
Tin Parlour Album Launch Party | 6pm to 9pm Friday October 27 at Pasture and Co, Ground Currumbin
Tin Parlour invites you to celebrate the release of their debut album, ‘All That We Are’, with a rockstar-approved launch party. Join them and special guests These Idle Hands for a night of great food, even better company and – of course – unbeatable live music.
The Magician’s Lair Halloween Party | Saturday October 28 at Taste of Fiji, Broadbeach
Step into the mystical Magician’s Lair Halloween Party, featuring captivating performances by Troy Star and Daniel Hidden.
www.troystarmagician.com/halloween-party
Happy Halloween | Saturday October 14 to Saturday October 28 at Dreamworld
With spook-tacular entertainment, frightfully fun food, rides at night, trick-or-treating and more, ‘Happy Halloween’ is the perfect way to celebrate the spooky season, after dark at Dreamworld.
Sea World Spooky Nights | Friday October 13 to Saturday October 28 at Sea World
Grab your broomsticks and cauldrons and get in on the magic at Sea World this Halloween. Adventure through seven spooky precincts, enjoy the line-up of live entertainment and enjoy your favourite rides and exhibits after dark.
Fangtuary | Thursday October 26 to Saturday October 28 at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Enter Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary’s lair after dark and enjoy three spook-tacular nights of Halloween family fun… if you dare. Ride the train, see baby dinosaurs up close and sink your fangs into delicious treats.
Wicked Nightlife Halloween Club Crawl | Saturday October 28 at Surfers Paradise
Come dressed to impress to win great prizes as well as other fun and spooky games on the night. Tickets always sell out fast with this one, so make sure you get in quick.
www.wickednightlifetours.com.au
Paint a Pot | Saturday October 28 and Sunday October 29 at Stone Studio, Currumbin Waters
Express your originality and design beautiful, functional ceramics crafted by the talented team at Stone Studio., as part of their Paint a Pot launch event. You’ll even get to enjoy FREE COFFEE with every Paint a Pot purchase, live music, delicious food, and endless creativity!
Groove Girls turns four! | 8am Sunday October 29 at Kirra Beach
Join one of the Goldie’s favourite female surf groups for their fourth birthday celebration. Enjoy a morning of yoga, waves and sunshine followed by a tasty brunch (location TBD). All ages, colours, abilities and boards welcome!
The Haunted Passage | Friday October 27 to Sunday October 29 at Cavill Lane, Surfers Paradise
This atmospheric showcase is designed to thrill, entertain, and of course scare you. Influence by horror films, and themed theatrics we are dying to present The Haunted Passage, Entrapment.
Sea FM Presents: Derby Day | Saturday November 4 at Gold Coast Turf Club
Prepare for an unforgettable experience at one of the most prestigious events of the spring racing season. Dress to impress in your finest monochrome outfit and immerse yourself in the thrilling atmosphere. Witness thrilling races, indulge in exquisite dining, and enjoy the ultimate in hospitality packages.
Multicultural Mela Carnival | Saturday November 4 at Broadwater Parklands
Expect a day full of fun activities and plenty of international street food and festival treats. Kids and adults can enjoy amusement rides and other fun and games at the sideshow alley.
Turkish Cultural Festival | Saturday November 4 at Broadwater Parklands, Southport
Celebrate the 100th year of the Republic of Türkiye (Turkey) at the first Turkish Cultural Festival ever hosted in Queensland. Delight in the fusion of east and west, savouring Turkish cuisine and immersing yourself in art, music and traditional dancing.
Festival of Lights | Sunday November 5 at Broadwater Parklands, Southport
Bring your family and celebrate the Festival of Lights with Bollywood beats, cultural dance and a variety of delicious food. Put on some henna or browse through the minimarkets of ethnic homewares and traditional dresses. Then, relax under the stars as they light up the night with fireworks.
Bollywood Film Festival | Thursday November 2 to Sunday November 5 at Dendy Cinemas, Southport
Curated from a selection of new and classic Bollywood titles in the lead up to Diwali, this weekend-long festival encourages Indian cinema-lovers to come and socialise with friends and family while enjoying their favourite blockbuster films.
www.bollywoodfilmfestival.com.au
Melbourne Cup Day | Tuesday November 7 at Gold Coast Turf Club
Marvel in the race that stops the nation, Melbourne Cup Day 2023 at Aquis Park! From heart-pounding entertainment to first-class hospitality, prepare for an array of off-track activities and unmissable new ticket packages that cater to everyone.
CBD Sundown Twilight Markets | Friday November 10 Nerang Street Mall, Southport
CBD Sundown returns with the ever-popular Twilight Markets. There’ll be live music, a pop-up bar, a range of delicious food trucks, favourites from the Queensland Vegan Markets, market stalls and an art exhibition from a bevy of local artists.
Dreamers Art Exhibition | Friday November 10 at Mint Art House, Burleigh Heads
Mint Art House collective will showcase a collection of artworks that explore what is possible when we dream, and what happens when we let our minds wander.
Remembrance Day | Saturday November 11 at the Broadwater Parklands
Australia’s Remembrance Day Service is dedicated to Australian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I and onwards. This Remembrance service will commence at 10.30am followed by minute of silence at 11am.
Surfside Sounds | Saturday November 11 at Gold Coast Youth Orchestra Building, Ashmore
Surfers Paradise Brass Band and Gold Coast City Brass Band come together to perform everything from classic compositions to modern brass arrangements.
Christmas Twilight Markets | Saturday November 11 at The Well, Upper Coomera
With a petting zoo (complete with a donkey), free jumping castle, face painting, hair braiding, cooking, crafting, games, food trucks, market stalls, carols and photos with Father Christmas, what more could you ask for in a Christmas market?
Deck the Stalls | Thursday November 16 at TAFE, Robina
Browse a variety of stallholders selling jewellery, candles, gifts, macramé items, pet treats and much more. You can also enjoy tastings by a local craft rum and gin distillery, and a performance by the Robina State High School band.
Broadwater Pavilion Markets | Saturday November 18 at Broadwater Pavilion
The Broadwater Pavilion Markets are turning one! Come along and enjoy live music, free kids’ crafts, lawn games, 45 market stalls, food trucks, coffee, juice and slushies.
www.broadwaterpavilionmarkets.com
Festival of Fun | Saturday November 18 at Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, Carrara
This multi-faceted, family friendly event, the festival brings people of all abilities together across one day for an inclusive, accessible, social and welcoming experience.
Racquet Social Club turns two | Sunday November 19 at Tennis on 11th, Palm Beach
The Gold Coast’s favourite social tennis club is turning two. Come along in your best tennis kit (whites, colours, everything goes), BYO drinks and get ready for a fun, casual afternoon of tennis games and social hitting.
Garage Sale Trail | | November 11 to 12 and 18 to 19, all over Australia
Australia’s festival of pre-loved stuff is back this November, seeing thousands of garages all over the country roll up their doors for a nationwide sale. It’s free to register if you’re looking to sell. If you’re on the hunt for a bargain, you can search for sales near you on their website.
Jewish International Film Festival | Thursday November 16 to Wednesday November 22 at Dendy Cinemas, Southport
The Jewish International Film Festival (JIFF) returns. JIFF is the home of the most comprehensive selection of Jewish-themed films in Australia. Each year the festival builds on the long and proud 30 year history of Jewish film festivals in Australia.
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.
NaturallyGC Kids school holiday program | Various locations throughout the spring school holidays
Switch screen time for green time and get the kids out and about in nature. The City of Gold Coast’s NaturallyGC Kids program has plenty of nature-focused activities to enjoy these spring school holidays.