Hola Marketta!, Peking Duk and nostalgic drive-in movies – what’s on this weekend
If you’re anything like us, you’ve been looking forward to warmer weather with the end of winter finally in sight. Nature’s recent cold snap might have dashed those hopes, but don’t let it keep ruin your weekend plans. We’ve compiled a list of the best outings to warm up to on the Gold Coast this weekend, from gigs and markets to sports games and drive-ins. See Australian legends like Peking Duk and Killing Heidi tear up the stage, or head to Yatala for a nostalgic movie night. If you’re more of a foodie, check out Hola Marketta for a taste of Latin culture or Southport Sharks for a Sunday buffet with the family. Check out our guide to what’s on across the Gold Coast this weekend.
Music and live shows on the Gold Coast this weekend
Aussie legends Peking Duk are bringing their Thrills Part II tour to the coast to put on one of their signature high-energy shows that is set to sell out as fast at Part I. The electronic/pop duo will be hitting Miami Marketta this Friday night. Grab your tickets here before they’re all gone.
Australian rockers, Killing Heidi, are coming to the GC this Saturday night to revisit their iconic tracks plus a couple of high-energy covers, as voted for by their fans. Celebrating Australia’s greatest pub hits, prepare to belt out legendary, nostalgic hits along with the band – and it doesn’t hurt a bit that tickets include a Wild Turkey on arrival.
In the mood for a messy theatrical drama? Neil Simon’s iconic play Chapter Two, directed by Clem Halpin, will have its first performance of a limited two-week run this Thursday at the Spotlight Theatre. Get your tickets here.
American punks LOWER CLASS BRATS are taking their tour to Australia for the first time ever this year and will be taking to the stage in the Gold Coast this Friday night. Vinnies Dive will host the optimistic nihilists who have made dancing at the end of the world their profession. Check out the iconic rockers for yourself and grab your ticket here.
Care for some cabaret? The Star Theatre will turn into an electrifying display of Parisian performance this Friday night with Cabaret De Paris, a topless burlesque show that is guaranteed to thrill. Come for the adagio dancers, aerial artistry and Cancan dancers but stay for the comedic circus flair. Don’t miss this unforgettable night – tickets are available here.
Guitar prodigy, Edith Pageaud will be bringing her extraordinary skills and awarded talent to Robina Community Centre this Sunday night. The young virtuoso will be taking on the works of Schubert, Gute Nacht, Aufenthalt and more. Many of Edith’s shows across Australia have already sold out, so grab your ticket here before they’re all gone.
On Saturday night, Miami Marketta will be hosting a Morgan Wallen appreciation night with DJs spinning the star’s country hits all night long. Grab a whisky and hit the dance floor after securing your final release ticket here.
You might like
Did someone say free? This Thursday night, three-piece rock outfit WoodHill will get unapologetically loud at Vinnies Dive to celebrate the release of their newest single ‘Afraid’. The gritty group will be bringing their raw rhythms and electric vocals to the stage, supported by Milk Before Bed and The Captive East.
Ready to be Thunderstruck? AC/DC tribute band Bon But Not Forgotten are bringing their electrifying show to Coolangatta on Saturday night. Turning memory lane into a Highway to Hell, these skilful musicians will honour the timeless classics and celebrate 5 decades of legendary rock ‘n’ roll. Grab your tickets here.
Markets, festivals and food events this weekend
Hola! This Sunday, Miami Marketta will transform into a celebration of Latin culture with Hola Marketta! Winter Latin Festival. Try out salsa dance lessons while live Latin bands provide the tunes, and chow down on tacos, empanada and arepas while wandering through the markets for crafts and treasures. Tickets are available here.
Luminous in the Regions returns to the Gold Coast for its second year this Saturday afternoon, inviting communities across the coast to get involved. This cultural celebration will feature workshops to handmake your own lanterns, while live music, performers and food trucks keep the energy high into the night.
Dine for a cause this Saturday with Lunch in the Cove at InterContinental Sanctuary Cove Resort for a dining experience in support of cancer research at Griffith University. Enjoy delectable three-course dishes, flowing drinks and a couple of sweet prize opportunities. Book your spot here.
Counting down! This Sunday, Pizzey Park Athletic Track will be celebrating 7 years to go until the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games. Enjoy live music, DJs, athlete interviews, sports activities, face painting, food trucks and more while taking part in the countdown to SEQ’s most anticipated event.
The Chevron Island Street Party is back by popular demand this Sunday. The free event will feature live music, market stalls and kids’ entertainment for an afternoon of community connection on Chevron Island, Surfers Paradise.
Southport Sharks now have Sundays sorted with the introduction of buffet breakfasts, family-friendly entertainment and special member rates, available every Sunday. Whether you drop by for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Sundays at Southport Sharks are offering up all-day fun for the whole family.
This Saturday, Mind, Body & Soul are hosting their annual women’s lunch event, the theme for this year being Change. Dine and make new connections while a lineup of inspiring speakers and a celebration of women’s achievements energise and refresh. Book your spot here.
Embrace the apres-ski vibes at Aviary Rooftop Bar’s Aviary Après this weekend! Throughout winter, 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.
This winter, high tea gets a decadent twist as Calleija Jewellers teams up with Sheraton Grand Mirage for an indulgent high tea experience at Pearls Bar. Running daily from June 1 to August 31, guests will be greeted with ocean views, a welcome cocktail and a parade of indulgent bites – think salmon caviar tarts, champagne-compressed watermelon and white chocolate pearl macarons. Plus, every guest goes in the draw to win a sparkling Tahitian pearl and diamond pendant, and a luxe two-night stay at Sheraton. Treat yourself! Book your spot here.
When the weekend rolls around, the golden coast turns into a lively hub of recurring produce markets and community gatherings. Miami Marketta Night Market, Palm Beach Farmers Market, Helensvale Farmers Market, Carrara Car Boot Markets, HOTA Farmers and Artisan Market, Robina Farmers Market and Marina Mirage Market will be hitting the Gold Coast this weekend.
Art Exhibitions taking place this weekend
Sculptor Vipoo Srivilasa is heading to HOTA this Saturday afternoon to discuss her newest exhibition Iconic Figures: Devas, Deities and Divas with Julie McLaren, HOTA’s senior curator. The exhibit is showing at Edwina Corlette Gallery in Brisbane from August 20 to September 16.
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.
Fun experiences hitting this Gold Coast this weekend
Ugh as if! This Friday night, Yatala drive-in will be showing 90’s classic Clueless on the big screen. Kicking off at 7 with some great snack deals, you’d be totally buggin’ to miss this. Grab your tickets here.
Yatala drive will keep the nostalgia coming this weekend with another cult-classic from the 90’s taking to the screen. 10 Things I Hate About You will be showing on Saturday night, so rally some friends and settle in.
Attention NRL fans! The NRL and NRLW Titans will be taking to Cbus Super Stadium for the next round of the season this Saturday. For an afternoon of action-packed clashes, secure your tickets here before they sell out – because they will.
This Sunday, Buddhist nun Gen Tsalden will be bringing her transformative workshop experience, Living The Dream to Ganden Kadampa Buddhist Centre. Covering topics like Buddha’s teachings, the nature of reality and our understanding of our minds in an enlightening opportunity. Tickets are available here.
Amped for AFL? This Saturday afternoon, the Gold Coast Suns will take on the Sydney Swans in AFLW Round 2 in their first home game of the year. Grab your tickets here for this game at People First Stadium.
Flock to Paradise Centre in Surfers Paradise this August for the chance to win one of seven Parties in Paradise packages curated for next-level fun. When you spend $10 or more at any participating Paradise Centre retailer, scan the QR code in-store to go into the draw to win a package worth up to $2500. The seven packages being offered up include prize money to spend at Timezone, MANIAX, Nahm Talay Thai, Surfers Beer Garden, Wahlburgers, Padlock’d or Celebrity Ink. With every $10 earning you another entry, head down to Paradise Centre for the chance to win an unforgettable party experience to share with the crew.
