Your Ultimate Guide To Summer Events On The Gold Coast

As a stellar lineup of events rolls in this December, January and February, the Gold Coast has officially entered party mode. From star-studded red carpets at the AACTA Awards to adrenaline-fueled heroics at the Shaw and Partners Shannon Eckstein Ironman Classic, there’s something for locals and holiday-makers alike. Read on to dive into some of the biggest events hitting the Coast in Summer 2025.

Spilt Milk

After hosting  “House Party" events across Australia last year, Spilt Milk music festival is making an epic return in 2025 delivering its juiciest lineup yet.

This year features global superstars Kendrick Lamar, Doechii, Sara Landry, Dominic Fike and ScHoolboy Q, plus a stacked roster of rising talent including d4vd, Nessa Barrett, Sofia Isella, Skin On Skin, sombr, Club Angel, The Rions, South Summit and more. Returning to Ballarat, Perth, Canberra and, of course, the Gold Coast, Spilt Milk guarantees a full day of music and good vibes. It’s classic Aussie summer at its absolute best.

When: December 14
Where: Gold Coast Sports Precinct, Nerang Broadbeach Road, Carrara

Ring of Fire - Opetaia vs Cinkara

Tasman Fighters’ Ring of Fire brings a knockout night of world-class boxing to the Gold Coast on Saturday December 6. IBF Cruiserweight and Ring Magazine World Champion Jai Opetaia finally meets dangerous challenger Huseyin Cinkara, a year after their original bout was postponed due to injury. With a stacked undercard and an incredible seven titles on the line, this explosive night at the Gold Coast Convention Centre will showcase some of Australia’s top boxing stars. The main card kicks off at 6pm, don’t miss the heat!

When: December 6
Where: Gold Coast Convention & Leisure Centre, 2684-2690 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach

Magic Millions

Giddy up for a vibrant 14-day celebration of all things equine at the TAB Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival. A truly iconic spectacle is the family-friendly Magic Millions Barrier Draw on Tuesday January 13, where the beauty and power of elite thoroughbreds take centre stage as they parade along the sands of Surfers Paradise.

The Carnival also features the $7 million Magic Millions Gold, Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo and Showjumping, world-class yearling sales and the prestigious $13.25 million Raceday on Saturday January 17. With world-class competition and unmissable moments, the 2026 TAB Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival is set to be an unforgettable ride.

When: January 7–19
Where: Various locations on the Gold Coast

AACTA Festival

HOTA is rolling out the red carpet when the AACTA Festival returns in February 2026, an epic five-day immersion into screen culture inviting film lovers and aspiring creatives to get closer to the industry than ever before.

Attendees can step behind the scenes, join kids acting workshops, get a sneak peak inside writers’ rooms, explore what happens on the cutting room floor, meet the gamers shaping online worlds and enjoy intimate in-conversation sessions with cinematic icons.

The festival also features the Australian premiere of AACTA Ambassador Baz Luhrmann’s EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert, showcasing rare, never-before-seen live footage. While the prestigious AACTA Awards Ceremony on Friday 6 February honours the year’s best, the festival’s exciting public program is where everyone can be a star.

When: February 4–8
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise 

Laneway Festival

With humble beginnings as indie music event St. Jerome's Laneway Festival in Melbourne 2004, Laneway Festival has grown and then exploded to take over cities across Australia and New Zealand. Much-loved for its boundary-pushing lineups and effortlessly cool vibe, it’s become a rite of passage for music lovers and the place where you can catch the next big thing. This year, it hits the Gold Coast for the first time at Southport Sharks, bringing headliners Chappell Roan, Alex G, BENEE and Cavetown for a world-class festival experience.

When: February 7
Where: Southport Sharks, Corner Olsen and, Musgrave Ave, Southport

Shaw and Partners Shannon Eckstein Ironman Classic

Cheer on our champions of land and sea at the Shaw and Partners Shannon Eckstein Ironman Classic in February. This event is the most prestigious in surf sports history where the world’s best athletes battle for over AUD300,000 in prize money.

Part of the Shaw and Partners World Ocean Series, this action-packed weekend features event activations, skydiving, air shows, and nonstop racing across board, ski, swim and Iron disciplines. Open to all comers and a major drawcard for spectators, the Series unites Australian and international surf athletes in a celebration of ocean sport, endurance, community and the vibrant culture that defines surf lifesaving.

When: February 13 - 15
Where: Northcliffe Surf Life Saving Club, 51 Garfield Terrace, Surfers Paradise

One Republic @ HOTA

You’ll be counting stars for OneRepublic’s return to Australia in February with The Sweet Escape Tour. The GRAMMY-nominated chart-toppers are bringing balmy summer night vibes straight to HOTA, promising a powerhouse show under the open sky. They’ll also be joined by special guest English singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, Freya Ridings. In partnership with PLUS1, $1 from every ticket supports the International Justice Mission’s work combating human trafficking and violence. VIP options, early entry and exclusive tour gifts are also on offer, making this concert the full summer experience.

When: February 11
Where: HOTA Outdoor Stage, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise 


Alongside all of these incredible events there's plenty more to do on the Gold Coast during Summer. Feeling festive? Check out some awesome Christmas activities.