A Hitlist of Annual Gold Coast Events

Find an event that sparks excitement and save the date for your next visit to the Gold Coast.

If you’ve been eyeing a trip to the Gold Coast but you’re looking for a sign on when to make the journey exactly, consider planning your visit around one of the city’s biggest and best events.

From feel-good festivals and incredible art exhibitions to hearing the roar of the crowd at an action-packed sporting event, mark your calendar right now — future you will not regret it!

Music events on the Gold Coast

Put on your dancing shoes and discover the festival side of the Gold Coast’s music scene.

Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival

Held in the bustling Broadbeach precinct, Blues on Broadbeach is one of Australia’s largest free music festivals. Showcasing authentic blues music over four full days and nights, the lineup features both national and international artists on multiple stages.

cheerful crowd singing at Blues on Broadbeach — Sing your heart out at Blues on Broadbeach. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

While you’re in town, discover more things to do in Broadbeach including getting to know the vibrant dining scene and nightlife.

a brightly lit concert stage during the Blues on Broadbeach 2021 — You’ve got no choice but to party all night. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Next event: 18 – 21 May 2023

Groundwater Country Music Festival

Another Broadbeach beauty is Groundwater Country Music Festival , bringing catchy riffs to the coast. Gathering some of the best artists in the industry, this is the perfect three-day event for country fans who love a good party.

Next event: 20 – 22 October 2023

Cultural events on the Gold Coast

Celebrate the city’s talented pool of artists right by the beach or sip a beer or five in the spirit of learning.

Gold Coast Film Festival

Bringing film to life in a distinctly Gold Coast way, the 12-day Gold Coast Film Festival puts on a show with more films, panels, parties, pop-up cinemas, and special events. The festival also attracts high-profile Australian film industry guests reinforcing the Gold Coast as one of Australia’s leading filmmaking destinations.

Next event: 19 – 23 April 2023

Cooly Rocks On Festival

Head to Coolangatta and be transported back in time as you celebrate the motors, music, and lifestyle of yesteryear at Cooly Rocks On Festival . For vehicle enthusiasts, the streets will be lined with over 900 incredible cars, scooters, and bikes, and if you put on your best dancing shoes, you can boogie on down to the best rock ‘n’ roll, swing, rockabilly and tribute artists from around the world. Last but not least, plan to spend some time shopping for a range of retro goods and vintage finds at the beachfront markets.

Next event: 7 – 11 June 2023

BLEACH* Festival

Want to feel inspired? As the Gold Coast’s annual contemporary arts festival, BLEACH* Festival celebrates the city’s most adventurous artists and welcomes renowned Australian and international collaborators.

Utilising the stunning natural landscape, the festival puts on a range of events showcasing incredible arts and cultural experiences such as dance, theatre, installations, opera, and more.

Every act is hand-picked to challenge expectations and change perceptions.

colourful designs at Bleach Festival 2020 — Stumble upon colourful art installations. (Image: Tourism and Events Queensland)

Next event: 3 – 13 August 2023

Pacific Airshow

Set to be the largest Airshow to ever take place in Australia, Pacific Airshow is a three-day weekend event featuring heart-pumping aerobatic demonstrations by the world’s finest aviators. This family-friendly show over Surfers Paradise is impressive no matter your age — prepare for four-plus hours of in-your-face flying!

Next event: 18 – 20 August 2023

SWELL Sculpture Festival

Queensland’s largest free outdoor sculpture exhibition SWELL Sculpture Festival comes to Currumbin Beach every year to celebrate art, culture, and community. With over 70 large-scale contemporary and thought-provoking sculptures to see, it’s worth taking your time at this event to learn about the story of each.

Next event: 8 – 17 September 2023

Crafted Beer & Cider Festival

Held over two epic days, the Crafted Beer & Cider Festival in Broadbeach is your opportunity to get up close and personal with brewers and try some of the 400+ new and exciting brews on offer. Some of Australia’s most popular acts will hit the stage over the weekend, and you can also chomp your way through the huge selection of food trucks.

Next event: 9 – 10 September 2023

Sports events on the Gold Coast

With the city’s persona of an active and healthy lifestyle, it’s no wonder sports events are extremely popular here. Get yourself front and centre as a participant or cheer on your favourites.

Pho3nix Gold Coast Triathlon – Luke Harrop Memorial

Grab your friends, family, work colleagues, or teammates together and get along to this year’s Pho3nix Gold Coast Tri – Luke Harrop Memorial , with the best triathletes in the world battling it out. Starting at Broadwater Parklands, swim 750 metres, cycle 20 kilometres, and run five kilometres. If you have kids feeling inspired to see what it’s all about, make a weekend of it and bring them down to the free “Try a Tri" in the Pho3nix Kids Triathlon.

Next event: 1 – 2 April 2023

Swim the Gold Coast

Fancy a competitive dip? Swim the Gold Coast is a marathon open water swim for teams, duos, and individuals featuring both 10-kilometre and 21-kilometre distances, spanning the length of the Gold Coast from Kirra Beach in the South to Surfers Paradise in the North.

Next event: 6 May 2023

Gold Coast Marathon

Playing host to eight races, the Gold Coast Marathon attracts participants of all ages and abilities around the world. With a reputation for its flat and fast course, run alongside beautiful beaches, from Paradise Point in the north to Burleigh Heads in the south. This event is a wonderful opportunity to get outdoors, challenge yourself, and raise funds for your chosen charity.

Next event: 1 – 2 July 2023

The Gold Coast 500

For Queensland’s largest car event, hit the beach-side race circuit in Surfers Paradise to see the biggest names in motorsport at The Gold Coast 500 . What’s extra special about this event is that the track is just three kilometres long, yet it’s a 300-kilometre race so drivers have to complete the circuit 100 times — it’s a spectator’s dream! Stick around for more entertainment over the weekend.

Next event: 27 – 29 October 2023

The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival

Kick off the new year with entry to the most prestigious horse racing carnival in Queensland, The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival . Held every January, there are plenty of events to get excited about over the 10-day carnival, but special mention goes to its hero race day which has cemented its reputation on the international racing scene.

Next event: January 2024

Gold Coast Open

Taking place at the iconic Burleigh Heads, some of the best Australian and International surfers will compete in the three-day Gold Coast Open . Much more than a professional surfing competition, this event celebrates the surf and coastal culture the region is renowned for.

While you’re in town, here’s your guide to exploring Burleigh Heads, including where to eat, play and stay.

Next event: February 2024

Looking for somewhere to stay? Here are 13 incredible Airbnbs on the Gold Coast.

Adventure and refined Luxury combine at the stunning Rangelands Outback Camp.

Iconic Australian red dirt, ancient rocky landscapes and bursts of greenery and wildflowers all make the small town of Winton, and its surrounds, a sight to behold. Escape the ordinary and unwind in the Queensland outback, where ancient landscapes and off-grid luxury await at Rangelands Outback Camp.

cosy seats in Rangelands Outback Camp — Unwind in the ancient outback.

About Rangelands Outback Camp

Unforgettable 360-degree views of this 95-million-year-old land await at Rangelands; bathed in style and positioned on top of a jump-up (or mesa), your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting.

Set on the 53,935-square-kilometre Rangelands Station – a working cattle property – the abundant wildlife are your only neighbours; kangaroos, echidnas, eagles and other birdlife all call Rangelands home.

Bathed in style, your tented camp seamlessly blends into its outback setting. Indulge with carefully curated menus, personalised service and supersized luxury tents that guarantee a private experience. This exclusive camp only has a maximum of 12 guests at a time.

Here, the aim is pampering. From tasty menus to supersized tents with all the creature comforts, to a range of guided tours around the property and beyond.

Guests are transferred from Winton or Longreach by a dedicated Rangelands driver.

aerial shot of Rangelands Outback Camp tent — Soak in 360-degree views.

Rangelands Outback Camp tours

Join small-group tours and enjoy exclusive access to the ancient Rangelands Rifts with your Rangelands hosts. These incredible rock formations were formed by millions of years of erosion, leaving dramatic channels through the rock. Or explore the surrounds with Rangeland’s touring partner, Red Dirt Tours .

Get sunset birds-eye views over dramatic mesa country in a helicopter, from Queensland’s own Three Sisters to Corey’s Range, stopping at the best lookouts along the way.

Get up close and personal with this rugged land on four wheels, with expert drivers and guides leading guests through famous Bladensburg National Park, visiting Gondwana Stars Observatory and more.

The Winton area is famous for its boulder opals (the second-rarest opal in the world, after black opals), and a stop at the mining community of Opalton sheds a fascinating light on the unique fossicking method used to find them.

A trip to dinosaur country is a must, as this is the place that ramped up Australia’s dino contribution after a fossilised footprint was found in 1962; after more exploration, the discovery of 3300 footprints made it clear this was the world’s only evidence of a dinosaur stampede. Those same footprints are still on display today at Lark Quarry Conservation Park , a 90-minute drive from Winton. Also check out Australia’s largest collection of Australian Dinosaur fossils Australian Age of Dinosaurs, just 30 minutes from Winton. Here, join a tour through a working laboratory, dinosaur canyon and more.

A twice-daily transfer into downtown Winton is offered to guests, where they can explore the Royal Outdoor Theatre, opal shops, Waltzing Matilda Centre and more.

tour being led through Rangeland rifts — Have an exclusive adventure through the Rangeland Rifts. (Image: TEQ)

Sleeping in luxury

After a day of exploring, return to your tranquil tent for a blissful open shower and uninterrupted views from your private deck.

Designed to integrate guests into the surrounding nature, each tent feels like its own private haven. While being off-grid in the outback (in fact, each tent is powered by its own solar panels, with the added support of a backup generator), guests can also luxuriate in comfortable amenities like air conditioning, a supremely comfortable king-size bed and stylish designer touches.

Guests can stroll to the open-air Sunset Deck for breathtaking panoramic views, or to the main lounge and dining tent, where books, on-demand coffee and drinks make it the perfect place to relax after a day in the outback.

inside Rangelands Outback Camp bedroom — Enjoy plenty of space inside, and stunning views outside.

Rangelands Outback Camp dining

As the sun starts to dip below the horizon, gather for drinks and canapés on the expansive Sunset Deck, watching the sun drench the landscape in pinks and oranges as it sinks below the horizon.

Later, head to The Mahal lounge area and dining tent where mealtime magic happens. Savour a gourmet meal made fresh by Rangeland’s onsite chef. The meals use local produce to elevate classic outback dishes, and don’t worry, dietary requirements are happily accommodated.

Enjoy an open bar filled with an expansive hand-selected list of wines and premium beers, with wine pairings offered by Rangelands hosts come dinner time.

Discover more and book your luxurious stay at rangelandscamp.com.

The annual Gold Coast events worthy of planning a trip around