Spring Events on the Gold Coast

With an impressive lineup of major events invigorating the city over September, October and November, Spring isn’t the only thing in the air. You might also hear the strains of live country music from Groundwater Country Music Festival, the revving of engines at the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 or the sound of glasses clinking together in a toast at Crafted Beer Festival.

Read on to find out about some of the great Gold Coast events happening in Spring 2024.  

Groundwater Country Music Festival: Oct 18 - 20

*Free event. Are you keen for three days of free country music and jam-packed festival fun? Then giddy up because the Groundwater Country Music Festival is rolling into the Broadbeach with some of the best country music stars on the bill including Kasey Chambers, Adam Brand, Tim Hicks, Jess Moskaluke, Melanie Dyer and Shannon Noll. 

This free festival combines country music and city vibes and with stages throughout the streets, parks, restaurants and pubs of Broadbeach, Groundwater doesn’t just happen in one location - it takes over the central Broadbeach with its contagious party atmostphere. 

Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the country music scene, this festival is the perfect excuse to gather your crew, dust off those boots, and experience the ultimate coastal-country mashup. Groundwater is an accessible festival and all abilities can join in the fun. Yeeeha! 

Location: Central Broadbeach.

2024 Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500: Oct 25 - 27

If the sound of engines revving gives you goosebumps and trackside is your happy place, then this one’s for you. Our main motorsports event, the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500, will see the Surfers Paradise Street Circuit come alive again with colour, action, and plenty of off-track fun.

The lively festival event makes this one a favourite, with plenty of accommodation options on the circuit, world-class music acts and family-friendly entertainment. Drivers must complete 100 laps of the course so no matter where you are along the track, you’ll see non-stop action from the biggest names in motorsport. Be there for this epic celebration of one of Australia’s biggest sports. Side note - unless you’re attending, best to steer clear of the race precinct over this weekend. 

Location: Surfers Paradise

SWELL Sculpture Festival: Sept 6 - 15

*Free event. Currumbin Beach is a magical spot to swim, surf and walk, but during SWELL Sculpture Festival, it really shines, as 60+ large scale sculptures adorn the sand dunes and foreshore. Admire the artworks from different perspectives as you stroll along the shoreline and or catch waves at The Alley. For an extra special experience, visit at dawn to see sculptures backlit by the rising sun.

Dig a little deeper into the creativity of local and international artists featured with workshops, guided walks, sunrise yoga and pilates sessions, kids classes and entertainment and more. Fringe Bar, set up in Wallace Nicoll Park will be serving bites and beverages, and hosting live events and entertainment. By inviting the audience to engage in an interactive experience with creativity, SWELL makes art accessible, enjoyable, inclusive and inspiring. Don’t miss it! (Image: Dune Daisy by Dearne Dettrick.)

Location: Pacific Pde, Currumbin (with satellite events throughout the city).
 

Crafter Beer Festival: Sept 14

Some people say beer tastes better in the sunshine and you can put the theory to the test at Crafted Beer Festival. 

This epic celebration of craft brews, live tunes and good times is held in the shady beachside park precinct of Broadbeach. 50 of the best craft breweries will be serving over 400 different kinds of beer (all the other beverages like spirits, seltzers and vino are on offer too) alongside food truck feasting and live entertainment. On the music stage, indie rock royalty, Children Collide, are headlining this year’s festivities supported by local bands and DJ sets. 

All of Gold Coast’s favourite breweries will be there including Burleigh Brewing, Balter,  Madocke, Hard Fizz , Precinct Brewing Co and Sobah will be there. Get involved in beer-illiant activities like beer pong, basketball shootouts, beer yoga (yes, it’s a thing) and ping pong competitions. 

Location: Kurruwa Park, Broadbeach

Here & Now: Gold Coast Triennial: Sept 28 - Feb 16

*Free event. Held every three years at HOTA Gallery, this exhibition showcases the richness, depth and diversity of Gold Coast’s creative community. This year, there’ll be an extraordinary collection on display containing works from 42 artists who are deeply connected to the city. Explore many different mediums including installation, sculpture, video and 2D works by an exciting snapshot of contemporary artists with local connections including Claudio Kirac, Rebecca Ross, Jay Jermyn and Norton Fredericks.

Here & Now: Gold Coast Triennial is supported by engaging public programs which include exclusive tours with curators, Q&A and cocktails with commissioned artists and creative workshops for grown ups and kids. Get involved to gain a deeper connection with the Gold Coast through creative expression. 

Make the most of all the HOTA precinct has to offer - combine your visit with a picnic in the parklands by Evandale Lake, the Sunday morning farmers market or Fridays on the Lawn, where you can enjoy live local music at the Lawn Bar as the sun goes down. (Image: John Gollings)

Location: 165 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise

Alongside all of these incredible events there's plenty more to do on the Gold Coast during Springtime.