The weather’s cooling down, but the 2025 Gold Coast events calendar is firing up! Free blues music in Broadbeach, celebrations of surf culture, Australia’s largest nostalgia festival and the action-packed Pacific Airshow are all coming to town.
For an unrivalled experience, stay and play in the centre of the action and experience the city in party mode! Here’s a rundown of the main events over the next few months with tips on convenient accommodation and dining nearby.
1. Blues on Broadbeach: May 15 - 18
Where else can you see four days of the best rhythm and blues musicians play live and free in a stunning beachside setting? Now in its 24th year, Blues on Broadbeach showcases incredible performances across multiple stages dotted throughout the streets, parks and local venues of the central suburb.
With a mind-blowing lineup of around 70 musical acts from around the world, roving entertainment, markets and plenty of dining (and drinking) options, it’s not hard to see why this Gold Coast festival is so widely adored. The vast majority of acts are free with one ticketed event on Sunday night - Jimmy Barnes at Kurrawa Park.
The sunshine, sea breeze and unique open air venues make for a magical musical experience. Headline acts for 2025 include The Cruel Sea, Diesel, Vika & Linda, Eli Paperboy Read, Salmonella Dub Soundsystem and dozens more. (Image: Bianca Holderness)
Where to Stay
To fully immerse yourself in Blues on Broadbeach experience, stay within close proximity to the festival precinct in central Broadbeach. ULTIQA Signature at Broadbeach, Peppers Broadbeach, Waves Resort and Aria Apartments will all have you staying in the heart of the action.
Where to Dine (and Watch)
Savour the ultimate dining experience served up with a side of tasty blues music with Dine & Watch. Eat, drink and make merry at these participating restaurants, where you can see the stage and hear the tunes on Surf Parade and Oracle Boulevard; Alachati, Koi, Maggie Choo, Vida and Smokehouse Meat & Co Grill & Bar.
2. Solento Surf Festival: June 7 - 14
Founded by famous surf filmmaker, Taylor Steele, this week-long celebration of surf, film, art, and music, takes place across multiple venues throughout the city. Solento Surf Festival spans an art show, film screenings, live music and a community surf contest with world-class surfers, top-tier creatives and local talent.
The Gold Coast’s brand new luxury hotel, Mondrian Gold Coast, will be the hub of the best surf films, panel conversations and live music during the festival. At HOTA, explore the crossover between surf culture and creative expression at the Solento Surf Festival Art Exhibit and filmmaking masterclass with Tayor Steele himself.
On June 7, Solento Surf Festival takes over Burleigh with a community surf contest and celebration. Spectate in style on Burleigh Point with beach bar, live music stage, DJs and food vans.
Where to Stay
Check into coastal luxe at the newly opened Mondrian Hotel on Burleigh beach front. Gemini Court self-contained holiday apartments are a block back from Burleigh Point. And for camping, caravans and cabins, there are three local tourist parks within walking distance to Burleigh - Ocean Beach, Burleigh Beach and Tallebudgera Creek.
Where to Eat
Award-winning restaurant La Bart is tucked away up the top of Jame St, with its sister venue, Paloma Wine Bar just around the corner. For Mediterranean cuisine, woodfired pizza and casual drinks, Justin Lane is a local favourite. Rosella’s and Malibu Racquet Club serve up creative cocktails and gourmet bites.
3. Cooly Rocks On: June 4 - 8
Get ready as Australia’s largest rock ‘n roll and nostalgia festival swings into the beachside suburb of Coolangatta for five action-packed days. Cooly Rocks On is a joyful celebration of the music, motors and lifestyle of the 40s, 50s and 60s with lots of free, family-friendly fun to be had, as well as ticketed events.
Bop along to live music, learn some new moves at a swing-dance workshop, stroll through the beachfront vintage markets, enjoy a drink at pop up bars, check out hundreds of classic and customised cars at the Show ‘N’ Shine and get serenaded by Elvis tribute artists. But whatever you do, make sure you don’t miss it – Cooly Rocks On is a must-do on the Gold Coast events calendar.
Where to Stay
The festival precinct along central Coolangatta is blocked off to traffic during Cooly Rocks On, so staying local is smart. Check in to Reflections on the Sea, Oaks Gold Coast Calypso Plaza, Kirra Point, Mantra Twin Towns Coolangatta or the iconic Pink Hotel for comfortable and convenient accommodation within walking/ wheeling distance of the action. Or immerse yourself in vintage vibes and book a boutique stay at a retro hotel in Palm Beach. Choose from the Crystal Pacific, Mysa Motel or The Cheshire Cat Motel.Where to Eat
As well as food trucks at the festival there are plenty of local eateries where you can fuel up. For budget friendly dining stop for a meal at OSushi, Top Noodle, 4 Pines Brewing Co, Eddie’s Grubhouse or one of the nearby surf clubs. For a fine dining experience, book a table at Siblings Kirra, Hanks, Billy Chow, Cooly Breeze Rooftop Restuarant & Bar or Kirra Beach House.
4. Flotsam Film & Photography Festival: May 1 - 14
Surfing is at its heart, a creative pursuit, and Flotsam Film & Photography Festival celebrates the creative side of surf culture, inspired by the waves and those who ride them. Join renowned surfers, film makers, photographers and ocean lovers to experience inspiring stories woven with surf culture across a program that runs for two weeks.
The festival brings an eclectic mix of pop up short film installations, photography exhibitions, movie screenings, workshops, photo meets, live music, parties and an outdoor photo trail that stretches along the southern beaches. Events are held at various venues including The Pink Hotel, Dust Temple and Mo’s Desert Clubhouse with an event hub at Roughton Park, Coolangatta. Plenty of the events are free to attend and it’s a brilliant insight into the region’s surf history and coastal culture.
Where to Stay
If you’re a surf fanatic then it makes sense to stay somewhere you can check the waves without leaving your accommodation. Treat yourself and stay beachfront at Kirra Point, The Pink Hotel or a little further north at Tessa’s on the Beach (Bilinga). Or stay a stone’s throw from the sand at Kirra Beach Tourist Park where there’s a variety of accommodation ranging from campsites to cabins.Where to Eat
For an epic feed while you’re checking out Flostsam Festival, head to Eddie’s Grub House for some of the best burgers in town. A sundowner on the deck of Rainbow Surf Club is highly recommended and the other local surf clubs including Coolangatta and Kirra serve up hearty meals with ocean views. Bar Evelyn is the perfect option for signature cocktails, locally crafted brews and gourmet bites. For a good breakfast after your morning surf, Ground Coolangatta or Haig St Kirra are local favourites.
5. Pacific Airshow Gold Coast: August 15 - 17
While the action in the air will keep you captivated, there’s just as much happening down on the ground with epic activations, games and live entertainment. This family-friendly event is free for all, but there are ticketed areas where you can spectate from a beachfront pavilion with premium offerings for a VIP experience.
Where to Stay
For uninterrupted access to the aircraft, book accommodation in beachfront hotels like Peppers Soul, Meriton Suites Surfers Paradise, ULTIQA Signature Broadbeach and Langham Gold Coast or secure an Ocean View room at QT. That way you’ll simply need to step on to your balcony for the best seat in the house.Where to Eat
Since the Pacific Airshow is located in central Surfers Paradise, you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to dining spots. If you’re in the mood to celebrate, book a table at Lulu Rooftop & Bar, Surfers Pavilion, Surfers Paradise Beer Garden or White Rhino. For beachfront dining check out COAST, Hyde Paradiso, El Camino Cantina or La Playa Beach & Eats.
6. Surface Miami Street Art Festival: 29 June - 13 July
Where to Stay
Turtle Beach Resort or Nobby Holiday Village offer family friendly accommodation - both are centrally located, close to the beach and have great pool facilities including slide and a waterpark. The Blue Heron in nearby Mermaid Beach is a beautifully fitted out boutique motel with modern rooms, a garden and BBQ area.Where to Eat
Miami encompasses a multitude of breweries, bars and restaurants in one postcode. Norte in Nobby Beach or Mona Lisa’s Lair at Miami Marketta for luxe dining with a difference. Wash down delicious tapas with cocktails at whiskey bar Cambus Wallace, or raise a toast Granddad Jack’s Craft distillery or try a local brew at Precinct Brewing or Lost Palms Brewing Co.
Nitro Circus: November 1
Get set for an explosive night of insane stunts, tricks and turbo-charged entertainment from the world-class riders and athletes at Nitro Circus. For one night only, the world famous spectacle hits People First Stadium on the ‘Off the Rails’ World Tour. It’s the kind of show that captivates thrill-seekers with increasingly daring and difficult manoeuvers.
In a 360 stadium show FreeStyle Motocross riders will push the boundaries of what’s possible on the dirt bike, with massive jumps and jaw-dropping stunts, blending precision, creativity and fearless innovation. Expect a thrilling ring of fire, explosions, insane contraptions plus a lighting, pyro and special effects spectacle, delivering nonstop action from every seat.
Where to Stay
For accommodation that’s conveniently close to People First Stadium in Carrara, RACV Royal Pines Resort provides family-friendly stays with a championship golf course and state-of-the-art day spa on site. Elite Gold Coast is another great option. Just 20 minutes walk from the stadium, it's a peaceful location but close to central Gold Coast, with onsite pool, gym and mini golf.
Where To Eat
Double Barrel Kitchen & Bar is a popular spot for breakfast/brunch/lunch feasting. And at Elite Gold Coast, the onsite Italian restaurant Mozzafiato offers fantastic food, great service and a relaxed atmosphere overlooking the pool.
Want to explore more? Check out 14 New Spots to Stay, Play & Dine in 2025.
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Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.