Summer is officially here, and there is so much to do. These are the best Gold Coast events to put on your calendar.
Dancing Queen: A Tribute to ABBA | Friday December 30 and Saturday December 31 at The Star, Broadbeach
Far from being ‘just another cover band’, Dancing Queen: A Tribute To ABBA is a full-scale concert production featuring more than two hours of fun, energetic musical performances with a live backing band, replica costumes, theatrical lighting and FX and all the dancing an ABBA fan can handle.
BLVD Sounds | Saturday December 3 at Cavill Lane
Kick off summer with free live music and delicious food and drinks in the heart of Paradise. Cavill Lane’s hidden laneway is setting the stage to showcase some outstanding musicians, from the established to the undiscovered, with this free outdoor concert.
Mayor’s Christmas Carols | Saturday December 3 at the Broadwater Parklands
Now in its eleventh year, the Mayor’s Christmas Carols is returning to its home base. With powerhouse Anthony Callea headlining the show and plenty of fun to be had before and after the carols themselves, this year’s event is not one to be missed.
Deck the Halls | Saturday December 3 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre [SOLD OUT]
Take a walk down Candy Cane Lane at the Gold Coast’s favourite Christmas event! Your ticket will include a four-course dinner and four-and-a-half-hour beverage package and music from Sex and Chocolate.
Rosella’s brings Joy | Sunday December 4 at Rosella’s, Burleigh
It’s the collab you never knew you needed. Sarah Baldwin, chef and owner of Brisbane’s esteemed Joy Restaurant, will commandeer the Rosella’s kitchen for one delicious day. Expect Australiana classics with a Joy-ful twist.
Spilt Milk | Sunday December 4 at Doug Jennings Park, Main Beach
Spilt Milk – one of Australia’s favourite music, food and art festivals – is landing on the Gold Coast for the first time. They’re bringing a huge line up of international and local talent along with them, including Flume, G Flip and The Wombats, plus local legends like Fisher and Little Fritter.
Gold Coast Beach Parade | Sunday December 4 at The Esplanade, Burleigh
Ever wanted to be part of a world record attempt? Now’s your chance – the Gold Coast Beach Parade is a world record attempt for the most people wearing koala ear visors in beach walk. Yes, that’s a thing.
www.goldcoastbeachparade.com.au
Urban Sports Fest | Friday December 9 at Carrara
Don’t miss the Urban Sport Fest, which is set to take make its historic debut at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre. It’s the first festival of its kind and, to add to the excitement, the BMX Freestyle World Cup will serve as the first World Cup qualifier for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Grand Opening: Hijinx Hotel, Holey Moley & Archie Brothers | Friday December 9 in Surfers Paradise
A 3279sqm precinct – comprising Holey Moley, Archie Brothers and a new-to-Queensland-venue Hijinx Hotel – will throw open its doors this month. Inside, you’ll find three bars, 72 arcade machines, six bowling lanes, ten immersive game rooms, and 18 holes of golf.
Christmas at Sanctuary Cove | Thursday December 1 to Sunday December 11 at Sanctuary Cove
Christmas has come early at Sanctuary Cove. The food, entertainment, and joy-filled precinct will transform into a Christmas summer extravaganza with Christmas carols, interactive displays, Santa’s magical igloo and North Pole mailbox, plus the chance to win over 300 prizes in a $12,000 giveaway.
Love Actually in concert | Thursday December 15 at The Star, Broadbeach
Following sold out performances last year, Love Actually in Concert brings one of our all-time festive favourites to life with the magic of a live orchestra. These talented musicians will perform the evocative hit soundtrack live as the film is projected onto a huge screen.
Adam’s Day Festival | Saturday December 17 at Burleigh Bazaar
After the forced hiatus of their End Of Year Party, Ivey are bringing their festival back to their hometown for the first time in two years. This year, the End Of Year Party is officially re-named Adam’s day, in loving memory of the bands’ mentor/dad Adam McGuffie who sadly lost his battle with depression earlier this year. Don’t miss seeing Ivey alongside an incredible line-up of artists like First Beige, Daste, Bella Amor, The Riot and more.
A Very Slay Christmas | Saturday December 17 at Miami Marketta
Join Kathy Pacific, Beverly Kills (RuPauls Drag Race Down Under S2), Ivyy Monroe & Natasha St James for a very ‘slay’ edition of Christmas Bingo. Enjoy dinner and drinks from the 20 delicious food vendors and get ready for an unforgettable and jolly Christmas evening.
Best Night Ever | Sunday December 18 at Miami Marketta
Your favourite end of year rock out is back, bringing Hockey Dad, Ruby Fields, Pacific Avenue, Polish Club, The Buoys, West Thebarton, Rum Jungle, The Moving Stills to Miami Marketta for the best night ever.
BBL12: Brisbane Heat v Sydney Thunder | Thursday December 29 at Metricon Stadium
Big Bash League is back at Metricon, and you won’t want to miss the Brisbane Heat facing off against the Sydney Thunder. It’s sure to be a cracking game of cricket, and the perfect way to spend a classic Aussie Christmas holiday.
Magic Millions Polo and Showjumping | Sunday January 8 at Doug Jennings Park, Main Beach
Witness some of the country’s best Polo Players battle it out in a fast-paced action game, whilst also experiencing first-hand the colour and glamour of an Olympic spectacle in the picturesque surrounds of the Broadwater.
Seven Nights of Delights | Thursday December 1 to Sunday January 15 at The Star, Broadbeach
The Gold Coast’s most iconic party destination is turning the dial up a notch this summer with seven nights of live and free entertainment. From Rockaoke to Comedy Club, Dueling Pianos to headline DJ’s and everything in between, whatever night it is – The Star’s Atrium Bar has you covered.
Fresh as Summer | Sunday January 1 to Sunday January 15, Paradise Centre
Don’t miss out on Paradise Centre’s very juicy line up of fresh, fruity and free entertainment, live DJs, giveaways, sales and so much more – the perfect way to embrace summer.
San Cisco | Saturday January 21 at the Dreamworld Night Market
The very first gig at the Dreamworld Exhibition Centre is none other than San Cisco, supported by Peach Fur, Chutney & BIG WHEELS. The three-piece indie pop group is travelling all the way from Fremantle, WA, for the occasion. Don’t miss it.
www.dreamworldnightmarket.com.au
Taste Festival | January 19 to 22 at the Southport Yacht Club
With five amazing sessions over four days, your ticket will include a welcome glass of bubbles followed by endless boutique wine and spirits. We’re talking a three-hour tasting session from wineries and spirit distillers, ‘Walk & fork’ gourmet plates, live entertainment and more!
Cruel Intentions: The 90s Musical | Friday January 20 to Saturday January 28 at HOTA
A hit new musical based on the Hollywood film is coming to the Gold Coast this January, featuring iconic ’90s songs from The Verve, *NSYNC, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, No Doubt, Jewel, Placebo and many more.
Gold Coast Wedding Expo | Sunday January 29 at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
Bringing together the best wedding industry suppliers from around the region, the Gold Coast Wedding Expo give you the chance to meet with wedding professionals to ensure you find the right team for your special day. View the latest in bridal fashions, register for great prizes and prepare to be inspired.
www.weddingguide.com.au/expo-gold-coast
Nude Up Festival | Wednesday January 25 to Sunday January 29 at Scenic Rim [EXACT LOCATION TBD]
The ultimate celebration of nudism – yes, nudism – Nude Up Festival is a three-day camping event that’s jam packed with things to see and do. We’re talking cricket games, boot scootin’, live entertainment and more.
Jimmy Car: Terribly Funny | Friday February 3 to Saturday February 4 at The Star, Broadbeach
Star of the UK’s most streamed Netflix comedy special of 2021, Jimmy is back on the road with brand new material for 2023. Jimmy’s show contains jokes about all kinds of terrible things. But they’re just jokes – they are not the terrible things.
Good Love Festival | Saturday February 4 at Doug Jennings Park
Good Love Festival is back and it’s bringing a bumper line up along with it. Don’t miss out on great music, food and Good Love vibes, courtesy of performers like Julian Marley, Six60 and more.
Burleigh Ball Festival | Saturday February 11 at Burleigh Bazaar
Big names like Tyne James Organ, Pacific Avenue, Great Gable, Eliza & The Delusionals and Hallie will come together for the Burleigh Ball Festival, on a mission to bring your vibes up as the sun goes down over the horizon.
SummerSalt | Sunday February 12 at Marine Parade, Labrador
SummerSalt is back in 2023 with another season of sunny live music in some of the most picturesque beachside locations in the country! This year will shine bright as we bring much-loved Aussie artists together with exciting international acts for a stellar line-up featuring Angus & Julia Stone, Ben Harper, City And Colour, The Rubens, Middle Kids, And Alex The Astronaut.
Pop Masters: Warhol, Haring, Basquiat | Opens Saturday February 18 at HOTA
HOTA Gallery’s first ever international blockbuster exhibition invites you into the world of iconic artists Andy Warhol, Keith Haring and Jean-Michel Basquiat, with a collection of works never before seen in Australia.
The Gold Coast Open | Friday February 17 to Sunday February 19, Burleigh Point
The Gold Coast Open QS 1000 will mark the return of professional surfing to Queensland in 2023, bringing together the best Australian and International surfers to compete for the title at iconic Burleigh Point.
For The Love | Saturday February 25, Doug Jennings Park
Join the For The Love team as they return to the stunning Gold Coast, joined by global pop sensation Charli XCX, Duke Dumont, Sonny Fodera and Snakehips, not to mention crowd favourites Cosmo’s Midnight and many more.
Strange Day Vintage Sale | Saturday February 25 and Sunday February 26 at Space 10, 26 Tenth Ave Palm Beach
One of the Gold Coast’s best vintage stores is teaming up with other local brands for a huge sale this weekend. Don’t miss out on two days and countless racks of vintage pieces (at bargain prices). It’s all happening from 11am to 4pm.