Your complete guide to the best festivals on the Gold Coast (great food and parties guaranteed!)
If eyes are the windows to the soul, then festivals can be considered the reflection of cities’ cultures.
From its performance arts to how it celebrates certain aspects of life, visitors can grasp its people and their priorities. Plus, festivals are great for having fun while building new bonds with others!
They might not be as big as the Brazilian Carnival, but the Gold Coast still boasts some great events for anyone who wants to have fun with its diverse communities.
It might even seem that the city is hosting festivities monthly, which can make it feel overwhelming. To make your journey fun and hassle-free, we’ve created the ultimate guide for attending the best festivals on the Gold Coast!
Iconic music festivals on the Gold Coast
If you’re talking about festivities on the Gold Coast, there’s no better way to experience the city’s culture with like-minded people than by participating in various music festivals.
From meeting today’s popular music icons to jamming to all-time classics, the city’s celebrations of the art of music will bring out anyone’s melodic spirit.
Groundwater Country Music Festival
– Media credit: groundwatercmf
Location: Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach
Contact: [email protected], 1300 035 189
Date: October 17 -19
For three days, people can listen to some of Australia’s and the world’s best country singers for free at the Groundwater Country Music Festival.
Visitors can expect at least 60 artists and over a hundred shows to celebrate people’s love for country music and its unique communities.
Its usual attendees include country legend Jim Lauderdale, Kasey Chambers, and Ella Hooper.
More than the genre’s household names, Groundwater gives a platform for rising artists to reach a greater audience.
From the venue setup to the establishments, visitors will feel like they’re in the outback with all the huge tents surrounding the area.
Despite its country-life theme, people will have no difficulty getting to the venue. It’s located next to Broadbeach, one of the more popular beaches on the Gold Coast.
The festival is accessible via the light rail or the multiple bus stops across the Gold Coast Highway. If public transport seems like a hassle, affordable taxis, cabs, and carpools operate in the city and neighboring provinces.
Pro tip:
The Groundwater Festival is usually in October, one of the hottest and sunniest months on the Gold Coast.
To avoid heat stroke and high blood pressure, be sure to bring portable electric fans and buy plenty of water bottles from the surrounding stalls. Some stalls also offer ice packs to alleviate dizziness and headaches.
Blues on Broadbeach
– Media credit: bluesonbroadbeach
Location: Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Contact: [email protected], 1300 035 189
Date: May 15 -18
If Groundwater is the city’s country music epicenter, Blues on Broadbeach is the event for country-style ballad lovers.
People are guaranteed to jam out with some of the best local and international blues singers while enjoying budget-friendly drinks and snacks by the beachfront.
Despite attracting many visitors, the event is well-organized and family-friendly. Event staff regularly patrol the stages and booths to keep the celebrations peaceful.
Customers can also join the Twelve Bar Society for extra perks like VIP backstage access, personal meet-ups with singers, limited edition merchandise, and an exclusive “Secret Show” for members only.
Other than the Kurrawa Park performances, all outside stages are open to the public.
Pro tip:
There are only a few on-site instructions and signs to help first-timers navigate the festival’s stages and performance schedules.
To avoid getting lost, try downloading the official Blues on Broadbeach app to view the lineup for each day and additional information about the stages and establishments.
Crafts and culture festivals on the Gold Coast
Music isn’t the only creative platform for the Gold Coast residents. In contrast, the city’s culture and creativity shine the most when celebrating its artists.
Best of all, most of them are free and open to the public!
So, if you plan to experience the city’s best, here are some must-visit arts and crafts festivals you should add to your wishlist:
SWELL Sculpture Festival
– Media credit: swellsculpture
Location: Pacific Parade, Currumbin
Contact: [email protected]
Date: September 12 -21
Set up on the beautiful shores of Currumbin Beach, the annual SWELL Sculpture Festival is a platform for the city’s most creative minds to share their unique artworks.
From intricate metal models to giant wooden structures, visitors get exclusive access to exquisite contemporary art from around the globe.
The beach usually receives the most visitors before nightfall as the exhibits brighten the coastline with colorful light installations. Some even become more vibrant as colored lights bring out their complex details and ethereal beauty against the dark background.
The night is also the time for performances from renowned Australian artists, including leading award-winning composer William Barton. This is in addition to the local didgeridoo performances to commemorate the country’s Indigenous cultures.
People can also participate in various events and programs, such as comedy shows, art workshops, and music performances.
Pro tip:
If you’re traveling by car, your best bet for an available space would be the Bielby Street Carpark, a few hundred meters from the exhibit.
The nearby parking spots in Currumbin Alley and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary are often full during September, the same time as the SWELL Festival, as surfers flock to the beach.
Gold Coast Film Festival
– Media credit: gcfilmfest
Location: HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
Contact: [email protected]
Date: April 30 – May 11
With its scenic beaches, bustling streets, and breathtaking hinterlands, it’s natural that the Gold Coast is a favorite destination among filmmakers. And there’s no better way to celebrate these artistic endeavors than in the city’s Home of the Arts cultural center.
Established in 2002, the Gold Coast Film Festival has pioneered the promotion of local and national films. It revitalizes Australia’s filmmaking industry and enhances the city’s cultural reputation.
Over the years, it has expanded its catalog across documentaries, dramas, short films, fantasy, and even sci-fi. Along the way, it has also earned various awards for pushing equality initiatives in the industry.
Some of its exhibits have even found success in being screened on popular streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video.
Of course, the festival isn’t only about the filmmakers and actors. Attendees get exclusive access to upcoming films and panel sessions with the cast and producers.
Best of all, the venue is accessible via light rail, with a spacious parking lot and food stalls surrounding the area.
Pro tip:
If you plan to visit HOTA’s gallery after the film screening, the cultural center has certain rules about the bags you carry. Specifically, it advises visitors to wear their bags on the side or in front rather than at the back.
You can view more about the bag guidelines at HOTA Gallery’s entry terms and conditions.
BLEACH* Festival
– Media credit: bleachfestival
Location: HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise
Contact: [email protected], +61 7 5525 6468
Date: August 1 -11
Considered the biggest cultural celebration of the city’s surfer traditions, the BLEACH* Festival is a cacophony of concerts, art installations, giant puppets, and burning pianos!
People can jam along to some of the nation’s rising music stars, while food and drinks flow throughout the 11-day celebration.
Local groups also take center stage for their performing arts, such as dancing, theatre productions, and acrobatic stunts.
Adorning the open-air concert venue, huge contemporary art installations flank the crowd taking pictures of them. Glowing puppets are also paraded in tune with the live performances.
If you don’t like crowded places, the festival hosts art workshops and mini-courses for a break from the busy city life to focus on expressing your creative side. The workshops are open to all ages, with grannies and children being common attendees.
Pro tip:
Most of BLEACH* Festival’s events are held at night, which is also usually the peak visiting hour. Arrive at the venue in the morning or early afternoon to secure a good spot ahead of the crowd.
The spot near the stage and close to the food stands is particularly popular among concertgoers.
Food and drink festivals on the Gold Coast
Food and drinks are often accompaniments during festivities, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have celebrations dedicated to them.
With its diverse culture and traditions, it’s only right there are food and drink festivals on the Gold Coast too. Just an early warning: these celebrations might not be suited to kids.
Crafted Beer & Cider Festival
– Media credit: goldcoastbeerandciderfestival
Location: Kurrawa Park, 155 Old Burleigh Rd, Broadbeach
Contact: [email protected]
Date: September 14
It’s no secret that Gold Coast locals love their drinks, so a festival dedicated to the craft seems second nature.
Held in Kurrawa Park, the annual Crafted Beer & Cider Festival showcases the city’s best local brews as attendees enjoy live music and community events.
People can try various mini-games to win exclusive merchandise and prizes in the daytime. The mini-games and events usually change yearly, although most include physical activity.
Come evening, attendees can focus on the center stage where local singers perform rock, country, pop, and electronic as lights blare across the beachfront.
The festival is famous for its beer pong competition as professionals worldwide visit the city to test their skills and experience.
The festival also offers wine, champagne, spirits, cocktails, and non-alcoholic brews if you’re not a fan of beer and cider.
Pro tip:
If you plan to hit the beach amid celebrations, be sure to stay within the guard tower’s sights. The southeast swells are especially strong in September, the same month as the festival.
This way, a rescue team can access your location easily in case of an emergency. Of course, it’s better to avoid going into deeper waters if you’re drunk.
Family-friendly festivals on the Gold Coast
Festivals are best enjoyed with friends and family. Luckily, the Gold Coast has various celebrations open to all.
From commemorations of the past to sweet-filled adventures throughout the streets, families can indulge in a nice day out with welcoming communities.
Cooly Rocks On
– Media credit: coolyrockson
Location: Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Contact: info@coolyrockson.com
Date: June 4 – 8
The ‘50s and ‘60s trends might’ve started in the US but they continue strong today with the Cooly Rocks On festival on the Gold Coast, Australia.
Wearing bright polka-dotted dresses and colorful high-waist trousers, people gather at Coolangatta Beach every June to celebrate the past generations’ music, fashion, and aesthetics.
Visitors can marvel at several vintage motors at the exhibit or dance at the recreated diner hall in tune with the jukebox music.
Of course, a ‘60s festival wouldn’t be complete without the King of Rock n Roll at the center. The same goes for Cooly Rocks On, as several Elvis Presley impersonators take the stage to perform his greatest hits.
While dressing is encouraged, it’s not really required.
There are stalls across the area offering themed food, beverages, and merchandise. Don’t worry, the food is from this decade and is totally edible!
Pro tip:
There are only a few seats and shades in the festival venues, so it’s better to bring a picnic sheet and a couple of umbrellas to beat the heat.
The festivities are also in full view for free from the nearby The Coolangatta Hotel and Mantra Coolangatta Beach.
Halloween Family Nights
– Media credit: jennafordivision7
Date: October 30
Like in many countries, Halloween is a big deal for many families on the Gold Coast. Kids dress up as their favorite characters while parents tour them around neighborhoods and malls.
The Coombabah neighborhoods are particularly crowded, with almost every house offering candies and treats. Aside from treats, people can enjoy the view as spooky decorations adorn the streets.
Due to its diverse culture, people can visit any establishment during the season to enjoy parties, special events, and mega sales.
For more community-led Halloween events, check out some of our highly recommended ice skating rinks and mini golf courses in the city.
Pro tip:
If you need a Halloween costume fast, Spotlight in Ashmore and Big Party Oz are your best bets for easy-to-wear generic spooky suits.
Sports festivals on the Gold Coast
So far, most of the festivals listed have been relaxing. If you want to stretch those legs or keep the blood pumping, the city has several action and sports festivals for those adrenaline-inducing thrills.
Gold Coast Marathon
– Media credit: gcmarathon
Contact: [email protected], +61 7 5668 9888
Date: July 5 – 6
Spanning across the whole coastal road, the World Athletics label-holder Gold Coast Marathon is one of the biggest sporting events in the city.
The two-day marathon attracts an average of 30,000 participants of all ages, physical conditions, and skill levels across its multiple city-wide courses.
The 42.195 km ASICS course is the marathon’s main event as thousands of runners test their endurance and speed while traversing the road from Runaway Bay to Miami and back.
Aside from the fatigue from running, participants won’t find any discomfort during the marathon. The event organizers set up multiple water stations, restrooms, and refreshment stops to help them complete the journey.
The organizers even installed music props across the track to reinvigorate the runners.
Of course, fully-abled runners aren’t the only ones racing these tracks. Paraplegics can join the 5km, 10km, half, and full wheelchair marathons.
Pro tip:
The turnaround at Runaway Bay is considered one of the marathon’s most difficult portions due to the road’s incline. It’s best to conserve your energy before the Runaway Bay point to get ahead of the other runners struggling in the area.
Coolangatta Gold
– Media credit: slsaustralia
Contact: [email protected], +61 2 9215 8000
Date: October 12 -13
Coolangatta Gold can really test your body’s limits.
Suited only for the fittest of the fit, this over-40-year-old surf sport is a grueling journey past 23 km of surf ski leg. It’s followed by a 1 km beach run, a 3.5 km swim, another 6.1 km board leg, and an 8.2 km beach run again as a finisher.
More than the course, the stronger southeast swells and hotter weather in October will challenge the participants’ endurance and tolerance.
Despite its high skill ceiling, the event isn’t strictly for professionals. Amateurs can still join after securing a sponsor to provide the surf skis and other equipment.
Lifeguards also regularly patrol the beach to assist in case of emergencies. That said, it’s better to practice before the main event, as the participation fee for the race can start around $250.
Pro tip:
For closer access to the race, you can apply for the Surf Life Saving Coastal Safety program. Volunteering in the program provides valuable life-saving training and special discounts at Surf Life Saving facilities.
The organization also offers junior activities programs to kids and teens to teach them about beach rescue.