Gold Coast's Event Calendar

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 10 - 17
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 Broadbeach, 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 26
Australia Day 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

ACCTA Festival

When: February 4 - 8
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.

MARCH

La Clique

When: March 26 - April 19
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! La Clique has captivated more than a million people around the globe since its ground-breaking debut in 2004 - don’t miss it! (Image: Daniel Boud)

APRIL

Public Holiday: Easter Long Weekend

When: Friday April 3 - Monday April 6
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.

Public Holiday: ANZAC Day 

When: Saturday, 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 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 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 21 - 24
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 May4
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: May 1 - 14
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 1 - 11
Witness the world’s best surfers battle it out at Snapper Rocks when the WSL Championship Tour comes to town for the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro 2026. 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 14 - 17
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: Late May - date TBA
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 3 -7
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 Tribute Artists, classic and kustom 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 4 -5
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

When: Late July - dates TBA

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.

AUGUST

Pacific Airshow Gold Coast

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 28
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 11 - 20
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

BLEACH* Festival

When: October 1 - 11

BLEACH* is the Gold Coast’s annual contemporary arts festival and this year for the first time it's taking place in October. 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! 

Public Holiday: King’s Birthday 

When: Monday October 5
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 16  - 18
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 23 - 25
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.

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.