Free froyo, line dancing and a Big Day Out revival – here’s what’s on this long weekend

Jan 23, 2025, updated Jan 23, 2025

There’s plenty happening to fill your (long) weekend, from a country-music bash to a healthy beachside barbecue and a Big Day Out party. You can even score free frozen yoghurt! Here’s a handy list of what’s on across the Gold Coast from Thursday January 23 to Monday January 27.

Spend your Sunday with The Superjesus frontwoman Sarah McLeod at The Wallaby on Sunday January 26. There’s a stacked line-up hitting the stage at The Wallaby, including Alex Bowen, Mark Usher and the Versace Boys. Rock queen Sarah McLeod will headline the day with what will surely be a powerhouse performance – and it’s all free to attend!

Saddle up for the Urban Muster at Burleigh Town Hotel on Sunday January 26. This full-blown country-music celebration will kick off at 2:00 pm, featuring rock anthems performed live and loud by Casey Barnes, line dancing, a bucking bull and plenty of fun for the whole family. Head on down for some boot scootin’ fun!

Score a free frozen yoghurt this Sunday January 26 at the brand-new YOMG at Pacific Fair. The burger and frozen-yoghurt brand is celebrating its opening with a swag of freebies and specials this weekend. On Saturday, YOMG is slinging $5 burgers all day, and on Sunday you can score free frozen yoghurt from 10:00–11:00 am, and two-for-one frozen yoghurt for the rest of the day.

Throw your own end-of-summer soiree at Aviary Rooftop Bar in Southport. Got a birthday to plan? The family in town? Forget hosting at home! Until the end of February, the rooftop sipping spot is ditching the minimum-spend charge on group bookings, making it easier – and more affordable – to bring your nearest and dearest together for a sun-soaked hurrah. With your own private space on The Deck or outside in The Nest, groups can kick back and soak up unbeatable views while enjoying mouth-watering Italian pizzas, tasty tapas and vibrant cocktails. Bookings are essential, so head to Aviary’s website to secure your sun-soaked summer soiree.

Step back (way back) in time at the Big Day Out Anniversary Party at Vinnies Dive this Saturday January 25. Gear up for a night of pure nostalgia as the golden era of the Big Day Out is reimagined with a mini-festival at Vinnies in Southport. The night will showcase the sounds of 1992–2014 – think Powderfinger, Foo Fighters, Groove Armada, Nirvana, Pearl Jam and more.

Grab a seed-oil-free snag in bread at Australia’s Healthiest BBQ this Saturday January 25. Gold Coast businesses Prime Valley Organic Meats, Burleigh Baker, Same Came and Gevity RX are teaming up to throw a huge BBQ at Justin’s Park in Burleigh from 11:00 am – with no seed oils, refined sugars or questionable ingredients in sight. The ‘clean’ BBQ will be serving sausage sandwiches made with Prime Valley Organic Meats’ organic sausages, Burleigh Baker’s lacto-fermented sourdough bread and Gevity Rx bone broth sauces. Plus, there will be a DJ on site to keep the good vibes flowing. You can secure your sausage via the Eventbrite page.

Rock out at Metal Mayhem at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse this Friday January 24. Those that like it live and loud can make tracks to Mo’s for a night with Brisbane icons Dreamkillers and thrash-metal outfit F.U.C, alongside locals Kaosphere and Chavez Cartel. Doors open at 7:00 pm, and El Ranchero opens at 5:30 pm for pre-show drinks and eats.

Enjoy sunset sips while listening to soulful tunes with Taylor Henderson at Live on the Lawn at The Star Gold Coast this Sunday January 26. Garden Kitchen & Bar is delivering the goods this long weekend, with beloved singer-songwriter Taylor Henderson gracing the Live on the Lawn stage. Entry is free and it all kicks off at 5:30 pm – head in early to grab prime position on the lawn.

Enjoy live beats and tasty bites at Dreamworld Night Market this Friday January 24 and Saturday January 25. Held every Friday and Saturday night at Dreamworld, the night market features a huge line-up of delicious food stalls from dumplings to slow-cooked meats, a bar, and a rotating music schedule. This Friday, you can rock out the the Wave Raiders, then on Saturday the Kissperience is sending big tunes sky-high.

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Sip pink tequila by the seaside at the Don Julio Rosado Poolside Takeover at The Langham, Gold Coast. This is the final weekend to experience this vibrant fiesta of premium tequila and mouth-watering Mexican-inspired flavours – so don’t miss out! In collaboration with Don Julio Tequila, The Langham, Gold Coast’s talented mixologists shake up a selection of signature pink cocktails, expertly crafted to highlight the distinct notes of the Don Julio Rosado – which you can enjoy in the sunshine while watching the rolling waves.

Check out light-filled wonder Magic by Moonlight at Southport’s Broadwater Parklands. Home to an incredible 400 captivating larger-than-life 3D light sculptures, featuring more than 30,000 lightbulbs, Magic by Moonlight is sure to enchant. Wander through the underwater aquatic wonderland with bobbing jellyfish and sea turtles, spot lions on the prowl in the animal kingdom, and step back into a prehistoric world with dinosaurs and a towering volcano. It’s a must-see!

Discover the best of contemporary Australian photography with The Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award 2024 at HOTA Gallery: With a $25,000 acquisitive prize, the award is the most prestigious photography prize in Queensland, open to all Australian artists working in contemporary photography. This exhibition is free to visit and open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm until May 11, 2025.

Celebrate local creativity at the Gold Coast TriennialThe Gold Coast Triennial at HOTA Gallery showcases 43 local artists through diverse works, including installations, video art, sculpture and 2D pieces. The dynamic exhibition has transformed seven interconnected spaces, highlighting the region’s artistic diversity. Spanning generations and personal histories, it celebrates emerging talent and seasoned professionals alike. With free entry, the Triennial is a must-see cultural event on the Gold Coast.