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Across March, April and May the Gold Coast events calendar is absolutely packed with incredible events. From global sporting competitions that draw world-class athletes and passionate fans, to side-splitting comedy festivals, inspiring film and photography events and incredible music festivals set against sun-drenched beaches, there’s something happening in every corner of the coast.
If you’re searching for the best Gold Coast autumn events, this is the season to plan your visit. Expect open-air concerts, cultural experiences and major sporting showdowns all wrapped up in perfect coastal weather.
Music Festivals
If you love dancing under the stars, rocking out in the sunshine and the sound of amazing live music carried on an ocean breeze, then you’re in luck! Check out these three open-air festivals happening in Autumn.
Blues On Broadbeach: May 14 - 17
Each May, this four-day festival fills the streets, parks, beachfront and venues of Broadbeach with the sweet sound of blues music. The majority of the program is absolutely free and music lovers enjoy an array of excellent live gigs on the stages and a party vibe on the streets, with the exception of The Sunday Ticket which sees major acts take main stage for a ticketed show.
The stellar line up at this year’s Blues on Broadbeach includes Ruthie Foster, Robert Finley, The Lachey Doley Trio, Mason Rack Band, Karl S. Williams and many, many more. The Sunday Ticket will see iconic Aussie blues band The Teskey Brothers serenade us by the sea with supported by Ash Grunwald and Kitty, Daisy and Lewis.
With multiple stages spread across the precinct, including the main stage in Kurrawa Park, you can immerse yourself in the soul of rhythm and blues, stroll between performances, indluge in dining and drinking at the local bars and restaurants and stay within the festival precinct. (Image credit -main picture and below: Mackenzie Sweetnam)
Here Comes the Sun Festival: May 2
Aussie music fans will be frothing for the epic lineup at Here Comes the Sun Festival. Lime Cordiale, The Jungle Giants, Young Franco, Eliza & The Delusionals plus more will be showing the Gold Coast what they’ve got at this outdoor gig at Queen Elizabth park right beside Coolangatta Beach. Presented by the World Surf Leage this festival is on while the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro is in town so you can expect a high vibing time and possibly some pro surfers dancing alongside you in the crowd. (This is an all ages event but minors must be accompanied by an adult over 25.)
Ultra Broadbeach Gold Coast: April 12
Set in the stunning Broadwater Parklands in Southport, Ultra Beach Gold Coast is turning up the heat with a lineup built for dance music lovers. Seven powerhouse headliners will ignite one epic beach stage, delivering top-tier electronic talent, cutting-edge technology and large-scale production in true Ultra style. Global chart-topper and Grammy-nominated legend Alesso brings his anthems to the sand, joined by heavy-hitters The Chainsmokers, DJ Snake, Darren Styles, MaRLo, Oliver Heldens and Nico Moreno. Expect huge drops, hands-in-the-air moments and a festival atmosphere that will have the coast dancing from sunset well into the night.
Major Sport and Lifestyle Events
Sports fans rejoice! You can catch world-class surfing, soccer and golf on the Gold Coast this Autumn along with a the biggest surf life saving comp in the country, a national boardrider's battle and a State of Origin match. Throw in the Southern Hemisphere's biggest marine event and you've got yourself an action-packed season of sports and spectating,
AFC Women’s Asian Cup: March 2, 5, 8 and 19
Gold Coast is hosting world-class women’s soccer as part of the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Australia, Philippines, Iran, and South Korea will be competing against each other in four matches at Gold Coast Stadium in Robina between March 2 - 8. The on March 19, get set for a thrilling double header as the remaining teams battle it out for World Cup qualification. Whether you’re backing the Matildas, following your favourite Asian team, or just love the electric atmosphere of live football, it’s going to be a sporting spectacle that goes down in history.
Australian WPGA Championship and Festival of Golf: March 19 - 22
Be at Sanctuary Cove Golf & Country Culb to witness a world-class tournament showcasing the best women golfers on the planet. The Australian WPGA Championship will celebrate trailblazers like Karrie Webb, while introducing the next generation of champions to the world. Happening in tandem with the tournment is the Festival of Golf at Sanctuary Cove Marine Village - this free and family--friendly event blends sport, entertainment and lifestyle with music, pop-up bars, dedicated participation zones, interactive golf challenges, chill-out zones and retail.
Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro: May 12 - 11
Surf comps and the Gold Coast go together like sauce and sausages. As the third stop on the World Surf League Championship Tour, the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro at Snapper Rocks is a big one!
It’s free to come down to see the world’s best surfers battling it out on one of Australia’s most famous breaks and there’s nothing better than being part of the buzz down on the beach when the sun is shining and the waves are firing. The event site is a vibe with live commentary for each heat, big screens so you can see the action up close, site activitations and a ceremony to crown the winners of the Mens and Womens comp.
There’s a lot of hype around this year’s events as hometown hero, Steph Gilmore, competes as part of her comeback tour. Don’t miss the chance to see one of surfing’s greatest ever competitors at her home break!
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show: May 21 - 24
In May every year the Gold Coast hosts the Southern Hemisphere’s premier marine event - Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show. With over 300+ exhibitors and 800+ watercraft on display you can expect best-in-class superyachts, fishing boats, trailers, watercraft, marine tech and much more. It all takes place at luxury marine village Sanctuary Cove - dine waterside at a range of restaurants and cafes, and enjoy roving street performers, live music, a Kid’s Zone.
2026 Ampol Women’s State of Origin: Game 3 - May 28
Game 3 of the 2026 Women's State of Origin Series will play out on Maroons’ home soil at Cbus Super Stadium in Robina on Thursday, May 28. State pride is on the line (go Queensland!) and this game could be the series decided - high stakes! Don't miss the chance to witness this unreal display of intensity and athleticism as the game's best female players face off in this ultimate fight for the State of Origin.
The 2026 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships: March 21 - 29
Known as ‘The Aussies’ this event is the largest of its kind bringing over 7,000 athletes from 316 surf life saving clubs around Australia to the shores of the Gold Coast to compete in beach and ocean events. Across 9 days of competition and club rivalry, spectators gather to watch the action at North Kirra and Tugun as competitors take part in events like beach sprints, board rescue, relays, surf ski and beach flags. Get amongst it as the surf life savers refine their rescue-ready capabilities for both sport and real-life rescue situations.
Australian Boardriders Battle: March 7 - 8
The country’s biggest grassroots surfing event will take place at Burleigh Point across two epic days when 42 clubs come together to decide Australia’s best boardriding club. Get down to join in the fun at the Australian Boardriders Battle. Spectators will enjoy a bird's eye view of live action from Burleigh headland, on-site activations, DJs, food and beverage options, and mrore. The waves will be pumping, the sun will be shining, the fans will be frothing, and the celebrations will be legendary!Cultural Shows, Festivals and Exhibitions
Roll out the red carpet for an inspiring season in Gold Coast culture. From film and comedy festivals, to an award winning circus cabaret, contemporary Chinese art and a festival about surf-inspired photography and film, you're spoilt for choice!
La Clique: March 26 - April 19
This Moment: Highlights From the White Rabbit Collection of Chinese Contemporary Art: April 18 - October 11
Capturing the energetic spirit of 21st-century China, this free exhibition at HOTA features bold, experimental artworks produced over the last 25 years that reclaim history, interrogate authority and reflect profound social change.
There are over 40 works by artists from China, Hong Kong, Tibet and Taiwan including mesmerising light installations to powerful video art and large-scale sculpture. The experiential artworks in This Moment command attention with sheer scale and striking visual intensity, leaving their mark on your psyche and your social feed. (Image creditL Shi Yong. A bunch of happy fantasies 2009, neon. White Rabbit Collection, Sydney)
GC Laughs 2026: March 13 - 22
GC Laughs Festival returns for 2026, delivering ten days of non-stop laughs, bold performances, hilarious comic talent and the return of the much-anticipated GC Laughs Gala.
Expect outrageous humour, unforgettable punchlines and a vibrant festival atmosphere right in the heart of the HOTA precinct. From household names to rising stars, the festival showcases a packed program of stand-up, stories and side-splitting moments guaranteed to leave jaws aching and spirits high. See Lizzy Ho, Zoe Coombs Marr, Takashi Wakasugi, Chris Ryan, Nikki Britton, Matt Okine and Damien Power and more.
Flotsam Festival: May 1 - 14
Another surf-focused event run in synch with the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro, Flotsam Festival explores the creative side of surf culture. The 2-week pixel party is a celebration of imagery inspired by surf, sand and sea. encompasses free and ticketed events like photo exhibitions, film screenings, projection art, workshops, photo meets, live music and more.
Gold Coast Film Festival: April 22 - May 3
Pass the popcorn and take your seat in the cinema because the Gold Coast’s annual celebration of film and film-making is returning to HOTA. 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 across a packed 12-dau program it’s an absolute treat for fans of the big screen. Don’t miss SIPFest -a short film festival under the stars at the HOTA Outdoor Stage.
If you're planning to visit the Gold Coast, time it to coincide with one of these Autumn events and experience the city at its best!
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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.