Byron’s winter beer festival, brisket feasts and a big Brazilian party – what’s on this weekend
Got plans this weekend? You do now. Festival of The Stone is lighting up Byron Bay with beers by the fire, there’s plenty of Brazilian eats and beats to be found at Miami Marketta, and up at Distillery Road Market it’s all about brisket and barbecues. Check out our guide to what’s on across the Gold Coast this weekend.
Markets, festivals and food events this weekend
Festival of the Stone returns to Byron Bay this Saturday, celebrating the tapping of Stone & Wood’s annual Stone Beer. Now in its 11th year, the brewery bash features fresh pours, tasty eats and a killer music line-up including indie-rock trio Old Mervs, alongside ARIA Award-winning artist Josh Pyke, indie rockers The Belair Lip Bombs, post-punk quintet dust, Gen Z powerhouse FELONY and alt-rock six piece Stratford.
Embrace the apres-ski vibes at Aviary Rooftop Bar’s Aviary Après this weekend! From June through August, the popular Southport rooftop bar and dining spot transforms into a cosy alpine escape with fireside s’mores, spiked hot chocolates, mulled wine and some of the city’s best golden-hour views. It’s the perfect way to toast the season – no snow boots required! Read more about Aviary Après over here.
Festa Junina returns to light up Miami Marketta this Sunday with Brazilian street food, live music, vibrant costumes and high-energy quadrilha dancing. Expect family-friendly fun, from colourful performances to a mechanical bull. It’s a winter warmer packed with flavour and festivity – and kids under 12 get in free.
Keen to feast? Head down to Distillery Road Market on Saturday for a day of mouthwatering barbecued delights. The inaugural DRM BBQ Fest is back on in Eagleby for succulent barbecue feasts, live music and community vibes. Everyone who scans in at the event entrance will also be entered into a $1000 prize pack draw sponsored by Distillery Road Market and Lasso Country Music Festival. DRM is currently offering free tickets to the event here.
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Taylor Steele’s Solento Surf Festival wraps up with a huge three nights (Thursday to Saturday) of films at the newly opened Mondrian Gold Coast. Catch screenings like Milk and Honey featuring Steph Gilmore, The Granny Grommet and Doped Youth featuring Joel Parkinson and Mick Fanning. Grab all of the details here.
The Gold Coast Filipino Festival returns to Broadwater Parklands this Sunday for a lively celebration of culture, community and tradition. The day features traditional dances, Filipino food, OPM music and family-friendly fun. Entry is free, with festivities running from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Scenic Rim Eat Local Month has kicked off four weeks of flavour-packed road trips just an hour from the Gold Coast. From May 30 to June 29, the region comes alive with more than 100 events – from long lunches and fire feasts to veggie picking and foodie festivals. Each weekend explores a different pocket of the Scenic Rim, making it perfect for day trips or delicious weekend getaways.Head here to find out what’s on and escape to the country this weekend.
Indulge in diamond-inspired bites at Sheraton Gold Coast and Calleija Jewellers’ sparkling winter high tea. Served daily until the end of August, the luxe experience features a Sapphire Sour cocktail on arrival, as well as mouth-watering savouries and delectable sweets. Plus, all guests go in the draw to win a luxe prize including a Calleija diamond necklace and oceanfront Sheraton stay. Book your spot here.
Music, live shows and exhibitions on the Gold Coast this weekend
Mo’s Desert Clubhouse is turning it up this Saturday for DOG DAZE IV – a jam-packed arvo of bands, DJs, skating, prizes and icy beers. Expect live tunes across two stages, a carpark halfpipe with pro skaters, $12 frozen margs and good vibes all round. Kids welcome ’til 6:00 pm. Tickets are essential – don’t miss it!
Get ready to drop it like it’s hot – The Coolangatta Hotel turns up the nostalgia with its massive 90s + 00s Hip Hop and RnB party this Saturday. Expect wall-to-wall bangers from Destiny’s Child to 50 Cent. Doors open at 8:00 pm – rally the crew.
Have you heard? There’s a giant, ribbon-filled cloud floating above HOTA right now! CLOUD PLAY is a dazzling kinetic sculpture by Patrick Shearn, shimmering by day and glowing by night with light, sound and local voices. Catch this sky-high spectacle while it’s here and on display until July 13 as part of WONDER festival at HOTA.
Explore literary treasures at HOTA’s blockbuster exhibition Writers Revealed: Treasures from the British Library and National Portrait Gallery, London. The one-of-a-kind exhibition experience brings together over 100 rare manuscripts and portraits from literary legends like William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, the Brontë sisters, William Blake, Virginia Woolf, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Lewis Carroll, Sir Kazuo Ishiguro and Zadie Smith – many of which have never been seen outside the UK. Structured in five thematic sections, the exhibition spans 500 years of authorship, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of iconic English-language writers through their original works and portraits.
Marvel at illuminated night walk Astra Lumina at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. The cosmic after-dark journey will take you on a curated trail through Currumbin’s 27 hectares of pristine bushland by night, with immersive projections, incredible lighting and otherworldly soundscapes. It’s a must! Grab your tickets here.