Resist the urge to hibernate at home this winter – there’s so much happening here on the Gold Coast, and you don’t want to miss out. Read on for our Gold Coast ‘what’s on’ guide this winter.
Zirque La La | From Friday May 26 at the The Pink Flamingo
The Pink Flamingo’s new cabaret show ‘Zirque La La’ will deliver a delicious fusion of circus, burlesque, vaudeville and comedy.
Julia Morris: 75 Years in the Business | Thursday June 1 at HOTA
Don’t miss Australia’s First Lady of Comedy, Julia Morris, in her triumphant return to the live stage in 2023.
Get Outlet Sale | Friday June 2 to Sunday June 4 at Harbour Town, Biggera Waters
It’s every shopaholic’s favourite event of the year! Harbour Town will come alive with over 100 sales from big name brands, plus free entertainment, giveaways, and fireworks.
www.harbourtowngoldcoast.com.au
Winter Launch Party | Saturday June 3 at Cali Beach, Surfers Paradise
Cali Beach has transformed into Australia’s Largest Winter Wonderland: The Rooftop Lodge. Warm your soul with open fire pits, tasty winter delights, one-of-a-kind cocktails, and mulled wine.
Gold Coast Pride Festival 2023 | Saturday June 3 from 12pm to 10pm at Macintosh Island Park
Macintosh Island will be transformed into a sea of colour with the help of drag queens, DJs, street food, market stalls and a doggy pageant for the third Gold Coast Pride Festival.
SeaFire 2023 | Saturday June 3 from 6pm to 9pm at the Esplanade, Surfers Paradise
SeaFire is back with a bang. World-renowned pyrotechnic teams will go head-to-head before Australia’s leading pyrotechnic team, Skylighter, closes the night with a breath-taking fireworks finale at 8:50pm. Best of all, it’s free!
Yoga Day Festival Gold Coast | Sunday June 4 from 9am to 3pm at the Memorial Park, Burleigh Heads
Celebrate the United Nations International Day of Yoga with a day of yoga, meditation classes, a boho tent village, a Mindful Kids space, and delicious vegan eats.
Rocketman in Concert: The Best of Elton John | Saturday June 10 at Beats @ SOPO, Southport
Greg Andrew – who expertly embodies the charm, versatility and dynamic charisma of Sir Elton John – celebrates 50 years of ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’ with a special, free concert experience.
www.rocketmanflyingsolo.com.au
Beauty Weekend | Saturday June 10 and 11 at Pacific Fair, Broadbeach
Pacific Fair is giving away $30K in beauty prizes! Head to the Beauty Arcade and play games to win the hottest products, and be sure to enter the mystery beauty box giveaways happening all weekend long.
Fire pits by the lake | Friday June 9 to Sunday August 13 at Robina Pavilion
Gather your gang (of up to six) and cosy up by the fire pit at Robina Pavilion. You’ll even receive complimentary marshmallows and roasting sticks.
Cooly Rocks On | Wednesday June 7 to Sunday June 11 at Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Cooly Rocks On packs a punch with an incredible line-up of some of the best rock ‘n’ roll, swing, rockabilly and tribute artists from around the world.
The Strand Swings | Wednesday June 7 to Sunday June 11 at The Strand, Coolangatta
The Strand is celebrating Cooly Rocks On with exciting events like a pop-up dance floor, dance workshops, roaming characters (including Elvis, Marilyn Monroe and Charlie Chaplin) and more.
Queen: Bohemian Rhapsody | Saturday June 17 from 8pm at The Star, Broadbeach
Don’t miss this all-new Queen tribute show. Following a hugely successful sell-out tour, ‘Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody’ combine’s Queen’s greatest hits and popular songs.
Rhyme Festival | Saturday June 17, Southern Lawn at the Broadwater Parklands
Get ready for the biggest line-up of Aussie hip hop anywhere in the country. Rhyme Festival will bring big names like Illy, Drapht and the Thundamentals to the stage alongside some of the country’s best up-and-coming talent.
Frockarama | Sunday June 18 from 9am to 2pm at the Carrara Markets
Frockarama is the Gold Coast’s biggest buy and sell fashion preloved fashion event, with over 100 sellers, new and preloved clothing, shoes and accessories all under one roof.
Festa Junina: Brazilian Winter Festival | Sunday June 18 from 2pm to 10pm at Miami Marketta Laneway
An unforgettable celebration of Brazilian culture, featuring food stalls serving delicious traditional Brazilian cuisine, drinks at the bar and live entertainment.
Vinnies CEO Sleepout | Thursday June 22 from 5.30pm at CBUS Super Stadium, Robina
Hundreds of CEOs, business owners and community and government leaders will sleep outdoors to support Australians experiencing homelessness and people at risk of homelessness.
Local Loves Warehouse Sale | Friday June 24 and Saturday June 25 from 5pm to late at Miami Marketta
The likes of Sean Scott Boutique, Love Street, The Freedom State and many more are taking over Miami Marketta’s Studio 56 for one massive warehouse sale. Expect womens, mens and kids apparel, activewear, accessories, swim, samples and home decor.
Pop Up Yard Sale | Sunday June 25 from 9am until 1pm at Strange Days Vintage, Palm Beach
Strange Days is bringin’ out a whole lotta sale vintage. Stop by their Palm Beach store for the ultimate yard sale, with bargain bins and racks of vintage threads priced at $10 and $20.
Latin Dance Domingo 2023 | Sunday June 25 from 6pm to 10pm at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, Burleigh Heads
Grab your fedora and dust off your dancing shoes! Latin Dance Domingo will kick off with a beginners’ salsa class before sending you out on the dance floor to bust some spicy moves all night long.
Creekfest on Currumbin Creek | Friday June 23 to Sunday June 25 from 10am to 7pm at the Currumbin Palm Beach RSL Club
Creekfest is back and bigger than ever. The 2023 line-up is an epic one, so make sure you mark the weekend in your calendars and get around this free music festival.
Billy Elliot: The Musical | Saturday July 1 at The Star, Broadbeach
Based on the international smash-hit film and featuring a score by music legend Elton John, Billy Elliot is an astonishing theatrical experience that will stay with you forever.
Gold Coast Marathon | Saturday July 1 and Sunday July 2 at the Broadwater Parklands
Celebrate the 43rd Gold Coast Marathon, either as a spectator or a runner. The world class international marathon will attract participants of all ages and abilities from around the world across eight races.
Scenic Rim Eat Local Month | Thursday June 1 to Sunday July 2 throughout the Scenic Rim
The Scenic Rim Eat Local program is officially live, and it’s jam-packed with 139 food events (the largest offering in the event’s 12-year history).
Billabong Occy Grom Comp 2023 | Saturday July 1 to Tuesday July 4 at Snapper Rocks, Coolangatta
The pillar of grom surfing competitions, the Billabong Occy Grom Comp returns in 2023. With past winners including Tyler Wright, Jack Freestone and Sally Fitzgibbon, it’s the perfect place to see up and coming surfing stars.
www.surfingaustralia.justgo.com
Freydoesnudes Paint and Sip | Saturday July 8 in Burleigh Heads
Grab your gals, doll yourself up and come down for a paint and sip style event with a twist. Instead of painting Frida Kahlo, a sunset landscape, or a flowerpot plant …you’ll be painting your spicy self!
DC Super Heroes & Super-Villains | Now until Sunday July 9 at Movieworld
DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains returns to Warner Bros. Movie World for the ultimate showdown. Get ready for villainous fun with action packed shows, entertainment and an epic daily parade at 5pm.
Coomera Igloos | From Monday July 10 at Coomera Lodge Hotel
Escape the cold, gather your friends and family and cosy up in a cosy igloo. Enjoy the warmth and enchantment of your private igloo, complete with comfy seating and twinkling lights, as you indulge in delicious food and drinks served right to your igloo.
SURFACE: The Miami Street Art Festival | From Sunday July 2 to Thursday July 13 throughout Miami
Miami’s Street Art Festival returns with over 500 square metres being taken over by visual artists showcasing their work across the many surfaces of Miami.
Jagger & Stone Pop-Up Series | From Thursday July 13 from 11am to 7pm at 2/80 Dover Drive, Burleigh Heads
Sit tight Gold Coast – Jagger & Stone is launching its a Pop Up Shop Series from Thursday July 13. Open from 11am to 7pm every Thursday for one month, it’s your chance to shop their range in person – they’ll even be offering free customization with any jacket purchase.
Deadly Hearts | Saturday July 15 at HOTA
This showcase of Australian Indigenous music with three rising stars, Budjerah, Tia Gostelow, and Jem Cassar-Daley, promises to be a night of pure entertainment.
Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge | Saturday July 15 and Sunday July 16 in the Gold Coast Hinterland
Test your physical and mental limits by walking 30km, 48km, or 96km. This endurance event is Australia’s toughest team challenge and will push you to the brink of your capabilities.
Top Dog Film Festival 2023 | Wednesday July 26 from 7pm at HOTA
Celebrate the canine connection through this carefully curated, two-hour cinema celebration of heartwarming stories about dogs and their people.
Gold Coast Vintage Market | Sunday July 30 at Nerang Bicentennial Community Centre
Love vintage shopping? Come along to the Gold Coast Vintage Market for 40+ vintage clothing, vinyl & streetwear sellers, food trucks and all-day DJ. Limited tickets available, though entry is free from 2pm (registration essential).
Christmas in July | From Friday July 28 to Sunday July 30 at Surfers Paradise Esplanade
Experience the magic of Christmas as the Surfers Paradise foreshore comes alive with a dazzling array of free festive adventures. Explore winter markets, enjoy workshops, catch classic Christmas movies, cosy up in the Igloo Lounge and skate on the open-air beachside ice rink.
Dreamworld Fun Run | Sunday August 6 from 6.30am to 10am at Dreamworld
Make FUN RUN memories and register for the 5km Fun Run supporting LIVIN, or the 2km Junior Dash supporting Guide Dogs Queensland.
Your Local Wedding Guide Gold Coast Expo | Sunday August 6 at the Gold Coast Convention Centre, Broadbeach
Calling all couples! Be inspired by exciting new products and ideas, gorgeous displays, live music, plus go in the draw to win great prizes.
Botanical Bazaar | Saturday August 5 to Monday August 7 at Country Paradise Parkland
The Botanical Bazaar is the Gold Coast’s premier gardening and sustainability festival, aimed to educate and inspire all nature enthusiasts.
Gold Coast Whale Festival | Saturday August 12 at Burleigh Heads
Come along for fun festival vibes and to learn about whales. There will be stalls and exhibits from the organisations leading our community to marine and costal sustainability, plus activities for the whole family throughout the day.
14 Beaches Ocean Race | Saturday August 12 from Bilinga to Kurrawa
This spectacular event features a 15-kilometre downwind paddle from Bilinga to Kurrawa (based on southerly winds, reversed if northerly). Everyone gets in on the fun, with male, female and mixed classes for junior, under 23, senior and masters paddlers on a range of crafts – surfskis, specskis, outrigger canoes, stand up paddling boards, and stand up paddling foil boards.
The Great Burleigh Duck Race | Sunday August 13 at Schuster Park, Tallebudgera
It’s time to get your ducks in a row and join the fight against local domestic violence. Sponsor your very own duck for $250 or gather a syndicate of work colleagues, family or friends and adopt a duck together. Join in on the day to get in on the action.
BLEACH* Festival | Thursday August 3 to Sunday August 13
From the shoreline at North Burleigh, to the valley in Currumbin, to the tidal flow of the Nerang River, the 12th BLEACH* Festival plays to our city’s landscape in all its glorious beauty, with stories of our place.
Scenic Rim Ultra | Saturday August 12 to Sunday August 13 at 1510 Beaudesert Boonah Road, Wyaralong
Choose between 25km, 35km, 65km or 105km and run across ridgelines, over dirt road and through dense forest, plus challenging mountain climbs which provide panoramic views of Mt Tamborine and Brisbane City.
Inflatable Maze | Sunday August 20 at Broadwater Parklands
The challenge is to get out as fast as you can, but don’t be fooled as it’s harder than it looks. Left, right, dead end. Oh no, are you lost? Start again! Come and get lost with your family and friends and find your way through to the other side – if you can.
Pacific Airshow | Friday August 18 to Sunday August 20 at Surfers Paradise
This isn’t just an air show: it’s a spectacle-scale, family-friendly event that merges awe-inspiring feats of aviation with patriotism, sports, entertainment, art, technology and more.
Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour | Thursday August 24 at HOTA
The Sydney Comedy Festival Showcase Tour brings a line-up of festival favourites and some of the freshest emerging talents directly to you.
Freydoesnudes x Hard Fizz Girls’ Day Out | Saturday August 26 at Fizz HQ
Picture this: Women getting together over bottomless seltzer, a ridiculous grazing board and ‘yea the girls’ energy to learn how to paint their very own nude. Not to mention, there will be Tommy from Party Chats, a Social Selfies Photobooth, a DJ and epic goodie bags from 5+ sponsors.
Urban Wine Walk: The Pinot Trail | Saturday August 26 in Burleigh Heads
Get ready vino lovers! A very special edition of the Urban Wine Walk is heading to the Gold Coast – and some of your favourite venues are getting involved. It’s self-guided, so you can sip and swirl at your own pace.
Gold Coast Kite Festival | Saturday August 26 at Broadwater Parklands
Kite Festival is back with a multicultural dance competition, food truck, face painting, jumping castle, and kites available on site to buy. It’s the ultimate family day out with non-stop fun – bring your picnic blanket and kites and celebrate the 76th Indian Independence Day.
Monty Python’s Spamalot | Now through to Saturday August 26 at the Spotlight Theatrical Company,
A tongue-in-cheek retelling of the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table as they embark on a quest for the Holy Grail. With irreverent humour, extraordinary musical numbers, and many nods to the original film, Spamalot is truly delightful.
Groove Girls Progressive Surf Retreat | Thursday August 24 to Monday August 28 at Crescent Head, NSW
This retreat will focus on improving your surf skills and getting you confident to hit the waves with lessons and skill-building workshops and analysis, not to mention yoga, meditation, breathwork, journaling, workshops, delicious food and amazing memories.
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.
State of Origin 2023 | Wednesday May 31, June 21 and July 12
The 2023 State of Origin series is officially underway, and there are so many places around town to get in on the action. Check out your local sports bar, pub or host a viewing party at home.
AFL season | Now through to September at Heritage Bank Stadium, Carrara
Don your red and gold and head to Heritage Bank Stadium (formerly Metricon Stadium) to support the Gold Coast Suns.
www.heritagebankstadium.com.au
NRL season | Now through to October at CBUS Super Stadium, Robina
Prefer rugby? Head to CBUS Super Stadium to support the Gold Coast Titans when they host their opposition every other week (roughly).