Your Guide to the Best Gold Coast Events: Winter 2026

There's no shortage of things to do on the Gold Coast this winter. From world-class sporting events and family-friendly festivals to live music, street art, classic cars and spectacular air displays there's a long line up of incredible events to keep you entertained. 

During the June, July and August, Gold Coast enjoys sunny days, clear blue skies and mild weather, ideal for beach walks, hinterland adventures, alfresco dining and enjoying the city's packed calendar of events.

Cooly Rocks On: June 3 - 7

In June each year, 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, check out hundreds of classic and customised cars and get serenaded by an Elvis impersonator. But whatever you do, make sure you don’t miss it – Cooly Rocks On is a must-do on the Gold Coast events calendar. 

Pacific Air Show: August 14 - 16

The skies over Surfers Paradise will come alive with the thunderous rumbling of jets this August when Australia’s biggest and most spectacular air show comes to town. Pacific Airshow Gold Coast is a three-day festival of entertainment in the air and on the ground, with a party happening on the sands of Surfers Paradise. Watch incredible choreographed aerial stunts and dazzling aviation displays for free from the beach, or get tickets for the beachfront pavilion for a VIP experience. 

Surface Festival: July 1 - 19

Get street smart with street art at Surface Festival each July when visual artists across a variety of mediums showcase their work across the  surfaces in Miami - walls ,warehouses, buildings and shopfronts. This two-week event features all kinds of creative workshops, large-scale live murals, outdoor art exhibitions, gallery nights, live music, laneway concerts, kids activities and more. Surfaces Festival is a fun and fascinating introduction to Gold Coast culture. If you’re not visiting during the event, you can still check out all the amazing murals around Miami - Art Roll Gold Coast has maps and routes you can walk, ride, scoot or skate for a free self-guided tour around the neighbourhood. 

AISCS Gold Coast Marathon: July 4 - 5

The 46th ASICS Gold Coast Marathon takes place over the weekend of July 4 - 5.  It’s a great event for competitors and spectators alike. With a fast, flat and scenic course that runs along the coastline and beside the Broadwater from Paradise Point to Miami,  60% of runners achieve a personal best time in this event! For more detailed info on the race weekend and best spots to watch, check out our Gold Coast Marathon Visitors Guide.

Rumble on the Beach: July 9 - 19

Rumble Pro Tour is the largest professional skateboarding tour in Australia and it’s coming to the Gold Coast for the first time ever this winter! Hitting Pizzey Park and Elanora Bowl, Rumble on the Beach will showcase some of the best skateboarders in the country. There’s a stack of rankings points, prize money and even Australian Olympic team selection on the line so expect competitors  to go big!

Winterfest at Dreamworld

Get ready for an avalanche of frosty fun at Dreamworld’s annual celebration of the chilly season, held over the school holidays. Get into the winter spirit by gliding around on a full-size ice skating rink, speeding down the Ice Slide on a tube toboggan and tucking into a special European-style menu of classic winter dishes. Little ones will love the Winterfest Quest  - follow clues around the park to solve puzzles and claim your prize. Entry to Winterfest is free with your Dreamworld ticket or Annual Pass. 

DC Super Heroes & Super-Villains at Warner Bros Movie World: June 27 - July 19

Witness the battle of Goodies vs Baddies at Warner Bros Movie World when the DC Superheroes and Super-Villains pack the park with action and entertainment. Enjoy an epic line-up of entertainment including dramatic street shows and character meet and greets from icons like Batman, Cat Woman, The Joker, Harley Quinn and The Flash. Grab your cape and mask and dress up as your favourite DC character. At 5pm, Main Street will come alive with an unforgettable daily parade featuring light and laser shows.  All this action happens alongside the regular rides, rollercoasters and incredible experiences at Movie World. 

Winter Season: July 8 - August 22

Welcome to Winter Season at HOTA - intimate theatre done differently. Experience a rich and diverse program of dynamic storytelling, visual-theatre, comedy and cabaret, riotous gig-theatre, and moving original music. Seven different performances will be staged in the Black Box theatre - an intimate venue where the audience is within arm’s reach of the action. Think small stage, big impact - this is stage craft stripped back. Pair one of the performances with cocktails and bites at The Exhibitionist Bar for the ultimate dinner and a show combo at HOTA.

SeaFire: June 20

SeaFire is the Gold Coast’s very own international fireworks competition and it’s completely free and family friendly. Showcasing world-class pyrotechnics set against the iconic beachfront backdrop, this year’s competition will see Team Canada go head‑to‑head with Team Poland, followed by a spectacular Aussie fireworks finale. The shows are at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm - the main event it on the beach at Surfers Paradise but you can see it from The Spit all the way down to Burleigh.

   

Gold Coast Show: August 28 - 30 (Friday public holiday)

Get ready for a good time at the Gold Coast Show at Broadwater Parklands with free entry every day. This community celebration features three days of  fireworks displays, circus performers, animal nursery, show bags, wood chopping competition, equestrian events, carnival rides, side show alley, visual arts and home crafts displays, along with stage shows and roving entertainment. It’s held over three big days at Broadwater Parklands and Gold Coast even gets its own public holiday for the occasion with Friday August 28th a day off for locals.  

Australian Open Bowls: June 6 - 19

The Australian Open is the largest and richest open lawn bowls event in the world and it’s happening across a massive two-week festival here on the Gold Coast. From grassroots beginners to world champions, competitors will battle it out on the bowling greens for $350k in prize money across 18 disciplines. Heats are held at 15 bowls clubs throughout the city - get down to see the action.