If you’re planning to visit the Gold Coast, it makes sense to time your trip to coincide with some of the epic events. Experience the Gold Coast's dynamic festivals, enthralling performances, top-tier sports and unique culture that set the city buzzing with an electrifying atmosphere and unmatched entertainment. Here’s the rundown of Gold Coast’s event calendar month by month so you can see what’s on at glance and plan accordingly. Plus public holidays because long weekend are important!
JANUARY
Public Holiday: New Year’s Day
When: January 1
Start the year off the right way with a day off! Whether you’re up early to welcome the first sunrise of the year or spending the day recovering from NYE celebrations, everyone appreciates a public holiday.
The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival
When: January 4 - 14
The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival is a major racing event includes 10 days of events from the Barrier Draw where you can witness the impressive sight of horses galloping up the beach at Surfers Paradise, to polo and showjumping, a twilight meeting and the main event - one of the richest and most renowned race days in Australia.
Public Holiday: Australia Day
When: January 27
Australia Day (January 26) is the official national day of Australia - a day to pay respect to the individual stories, cultures and contributions that make our country richer. Many people on the Gold Coast like to spend Australia Day at the beach.
FEBRUARY
L.A.B @ HOTA Outdoor Stage
When: Saturday, February 15
See one of New Zealand’s favourite bands under the stars at HOTA’s incredible Outdoor Stage. L.A.B’s groove blends an eclectic mix of reggae, electronic, blues, funk and rock to create a sound entirely their own. After selling out their last visits to the Gold Coast, this show will give audiences a chance to catch the finest music NZ has to offer in one of the GC’s finest venues.
ACCTA Festival
When: February 5 - 9
Celebrating Australian film, television, and pop culture, the AACTA Festival runs for five days, kicking off with the AACTA Awards Industry Gala. Festival goers can enjoy in-depth movie deconstructions, interactive workshops, meet-and-greets, music showcases, masterclasses with renowned filmmakers, outdoor screenings, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Check out the AACTA Festival program here.
MARCH
Amy Shark at HOTA Outdoor Stage
When: Saturday March 1
We love a local and Amy Shark, one of Australia’s favourite indie-pop singer/ songwriters, hails from the Gold Coast. She’s returning to her hometown to serenade us from HOTA’s Outdoor Stage for her Songs and Stories tour. The multi ARIA award-winning musician will perform the entire set acoustically, diving into stories and emotions of how each song came to life.
Green Day at Cbus Super Stadium
When: Wednesday March 5
Global punk rock superstars Green Day are going to rock live and loud at Cbus Super Stadium on their massive global stadium tour, The Saviors Tour. Playing their iconic albums Dookie and American Idiot in their entirety, Green Day are ready to bring their mind-blowing collection of pop punk hits to stadiums across the country, along with plenty of new additions from Saviors.
Public Holiday: Easter Long Weekend
When: Friday March 29 - Monday April 1
What’s better than a three-day weekend? A four day weekend! The Easter break gifts us four glorious days of relaxation, recreation and fun. What better way to spend it than a little getaway to the Gold Coast? NB: Most businesses are closed on Good Friday.
La Clique in the Spiegeltent
When: March 19 - 31
A spellbinding blend of circus, cabaret and comedy, La Clique is coming to HOTA. With daring acrobatics, eye-popping stunts, scandalous burlesque and a saucy sense of humour, this show is funny, dangerous and rather risqué! To add to the glamour, it be be performed in the famous Spiegeltent set in HOTA parklands. Built in 1920, it’s one of the oldest and longest running Spiegeltents in the world and the very first to grace the shores of Australia. La Clique has captivated more than a million people around the globe since its ground-breaking debut in 2004 - don’t miss it! (ImageL Daniel Boud)
APRIL
La Clique in the Spiegeltent
When: April 1 - 19
This fabulous show will run through into April too! Step inside the famous Spiegeltent and experience the jaw-dropping, spectacular show, La Clique! See above (March) for details.
Public Holiday: ANZAC Day
When: Friday, April 25
Anzac Day is a national day of commemoration in Australia and New Zealand that honors the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (Anzac) and the sacrifices of those who have served their country in war. Many people attend a dawn service, which is a moving tribute to those who were killed in battle.
MAY
Gold Coast Film Festival
When: April 30 - May 11
Pass the popcorn and take your seat in the cinema because the Gold Coast’s annual celebration of film and film-making is back.The Gold Coast Film Festival brings diverse Australian and international films, filmmakers and film events to the Gold Coast. Showcasing amazing films, inspirational panels, outdoor screenings and special events at Home of the Arts (HOTA) it’s a brilliant event for all. One highlight is SIPFest that sees thousands gather under the stars to see a variety of short films.
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
When: May 22 - 25
Sanctuary Cove will transform into a bustling mecca for the boating industry at this annual event. With over 300+ exhibitors and 600+ watercraft on display, attendees are treated to best-in-class superyachts, fishing boats, trailers, watercraft, marine tech and much more at the Southern Hemisphere’s premier marine event. Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show boasts a packed program of entertainment rounds out the family-friendly atmosphere with roving street performers, live music, a Kid’s Zone and delicious food on offer.
Public Holiday: Labour Day
When: Monday May 5
Labour Day commemorates the Labour movement's long fight – and eventual victory – to get the eight-hour work day over the line. The movement advocated eight hours for work, eight hours for recreation, and eight hours for rest, and was a huge victory in a time when worker’s rights weren’t a priority.
Flotsam Festival
When: Early May - dates TBA
Catch Flotsam Festival as it rolls across the Gold Coast with surf film and photo pop up events spanning beachside towns from Burleigh to Coolangatta. This event pays homage to the region’s world class surf breaks and iconic coastline through imagery inspired by surf, sand and sea. Flotsam's two week pixel party hosts free and ticketed events including photo exhibitions staged indoor and out, beachside surf cinema nights, live music and more. Don't miss the Flotsam Festival party wave – only on the Gold Coast, only in May.
World Surf League Championship Tour
When: May 3 - 13
Witness the world’s best surfers battle it out at Snapper Rocks when the WSL Championship Tour comes to town in 2025. This is elite surfing at its best and to see the pros do their thing on the perfect, reeling waves of the infamous Super Bank is a surfing fan’s dream! There’s a high vibing atmosphere at the event site with activations, live commentary and an awards ceremony to crown the winners of the Men’s and Women’s competition.
Blues on Broadbeach
When: May 15 - 18
Each May, this award-winning event fills the streets, parks, beachfront and venues of Broadbeach with blues music. The stellar line up at this year’s Blues on Broadbeach will ensure that music lovers enjoy an array of excellent live gigs on the stages and a party vibe on the streets. With 20 performance areas spread across the precinct, amazing food at local bars and restaurants and activities for all ages, it’s been a favourite on the local events calendar since it’s launch in 2002.
SeaFire
When: May 31
SeaFire is Gold Coast’s international fireworks competition and this spectacular event will light up the night sky above the shores of Surfers Paradise. Witness the awe-inspiring displays of pyrotechnics as the competitors go head to head in this iconic competition. Enjoy a family- friendly atmosphere at this fabulous event which is completely free.
JUNE
Cooly Rocks On
When: June 4 -8
One of Australia’s largest nostalgia festivals, Cooly Rocks On celebrates the motors, music and lifestyle of yesteryear over three days in the beautiful beachside suburb of Coolangatta. Think swing dancing, Elvis impersonators, classic and custom cars (900 of them!), retro markets, rockabilly vibes and three days of epic fun celebrating the 50s, 60s and 70s.
JULY
Gold Coast Marathon
When: July 5 -6
This one’s for the long distance runners! The Gold Coast Marathon was first held in 1979 and since then has grown to become the pinnacle of road running events in Australia. The course runs next to the Gold Coast's surf beaches and broadwater and has a reputation as one of the flattest and fastest courses in the world. The weather conditions are traditionally great for running with low humidity, little or no wind in the morning and mild temperatures.
Surface Festival
Surface Festival is a celebration that happens across the suburb of Mimai each July over the school hols. Numerous visual artists showcase their work by covering the surfaces in Miami - walls, warehouses, buildings and shopfronts - in colourful, creative, large scale murals. This two-week event features all kinds of creative workshops, live mural painting, outdoor art exhibitions, gallery nights, live music, laneway concerts, kids activities and more.
Lord of the Rings - A Musical Tale
When: July 4 - 20
Say hello to the Hobbits! “The greatest show on middle earth” is coming to HOTA with theatrical event that enchant avid fans and new generations alike. Lord of the Rings - A Musical Tale stars some of Australia’s most acclaimed musical theatre performers and actor-musicians. This timeless tale unfolds in a breathtaking, critically acclaimed theatrical production that will capture hearts and imaginations like never before.
AUGUST
BLEACH* Festival
BLEACH* is the Gold Coast’s annual contemporary arts festival. The 11-day festival is proudly local, using the city’s incredible landscape as the backdrop to stage world-class cultural experiences created by some of Australia’s finest artists. The program is jam packed with an eclectic mix of events, performances and workshops includingincluding dance, theatre, music, visual arts, installations, plays, concerts, workshops, First Nations culture, storytelling, community celebrations and discussions. It’s a completely unique event that only happens here!
Pacific Airshow Gold Coast
When: August 15 - 17
Pacific Airshow Gold Coast is Australia’s biggest and most spectacular air show - a three-day festival of incredible choreographed aerial displays, breathtaking aviation stunts and a dazzling party atmosphere on the sands of Surfers Paradise. While there’s plenty of action in the sky, down on the ground punters enjoy a buzzing atmosphere and family-friendly entertainment. While there are ticketed sections to view the spectacle from, you can enjoy this event completely free from the beach too.
Public Holiday: Gold Coast Show Day
When: Friday August 29
This holiday is exclusively for the Gold Coast (bonus!) It’s so we can attend the Gold Coast Show - a community celebration featuring extraordinary fireworks displays, circus performers, animal nursery, show bags, wood chop competition, equestrian events, carnival rides, side show alley, visual arts and home crafts displays, along with stage shows and roving entertainment.
SEPTEMBER
SWELL Sculpture Festival
When: September 12 - 21
Experience Queensland’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibition on Currumbin Beach with over 60 large scale artworks set alon the shore and beachfront esplanade.. Admire awe-inspiring works from local and international artists at SWELL as you stroll along the sand or swim in the sea. Enjoy guided twilight walks, sunrise yoga, creative workshops and kids activities too.
Crafted Beer & Cider Festival
When: September - date TBA
Each year, lovers of liquid gold gather at Kurrawa Park in Broadbeach for Crafted Beer and Cider Festival, where over 300 different drops from all over Australia are on offer to sample, savour and skull. Gourmet food trucks, awesome live music by major acts and the beautiful beachside location make this two day celebration of beer a firm favourite on the Gold Coast events calendar.
OCTOBER
Public Holiday: King’s Birthday
When: Monday October 7
A much appreciated long weekend! October is an incredible time of year on the Gold Coast. Take advantage of an extra day off and spend it in a city where you can find fun, relaxation, adventure, incredible dining, culture and nature all in the same place.
Groundwater Country Music Festival
When: October 17 - 19
Country music is always a vibe, but there’s something extra special about hearing it by the beachFeaturing some of the best local and international country stars, Groundwater Country Music Festival delivers three days of free live country music on multiple stages scattered streets, parks and venues of Broadbeach.
Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500
When: October 24 - 26
For three action-packed days in October the streets of Surfers Paradise are transformed into a world-class street circuit for the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500. Fans of fast cars and motorsport eagerly await the annual extravaganza - the event precinct is a bustling hub of bars, dining, race spectating and entertainment with three huge nights of live music with Aussie and international acts.
NOVEMBER
Nitro Circus
When: November 1
Nitro Circus is hitting People First Stadium with their electrifying show and jaw-dropping stunts. Debuting a 360 Stadium Show with a 15-metre Giganta ramp, cutting-edge FMX kickers, and immersive effects audiences will be enthralled by the ring of fire, explosions, insane contraptions plus a lighting, pyro and special effects spectacle, delivering nonstop action from every seat.
DECEMBER
Public Holiday: Christmas Day and Boxing Day
When: December 25 + 26
T’is the season to be jolly! Christmas and Boxing Day are public holidays in Australia. Whether you celebrate or not, it’s nice to have a couple of days off in a row. In the lead up, get into the Christmas spirit with Santa photos, community carols and festive fun.
New Year’s Eve
When: December 31
The last day of the year is always a good time on the Gold Coast. Visit one of our fine dining restaurants, rooftop bars or waterfront venues for a glamorous night of celebration and feasting, or head down the beach for the city’s family-friendly, free fireworks displays.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
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.