The Gold Coast Show, jazz funk and theatrical magic – what’s on this weekend
With a public holiday on Friday and Sunday marking the last day of winter, this is a weekend worth celebrating. Start your long weekend with a bang by dancing away the work week to Cat Empire’s jazz funk beats on Thursday night before paying a visit to the Gold Coast Show – now in its 118th year – on Friday. On Saturday, challenge yourself to a trail run through Lamington and Springbrook National Parks, before unwinding to the swamp rock sounds of John Fogarty’s Creedence show. On Sunday, take your pick from the coast’s many markets, a breakfast buffet at Southport Sharks or the mysterious magic of Cosentino, plus so much more. Check out our guide to what’s on across the Gold Coast this weekend.
Music and live shows on the Gold Coast this weekend
Australian music icons The Cat Empire are returning to the touring scene with their fresh new album Bird In Paradise, an energetic showcase of the band’s jazz funk roots. Miami Marketta will host The Cat Empire on Thursday August 28, as they put on an unforgettable performance of their tenth studio album. Prepare for a wild and exhilarating night of soul-stirring vocals, passionate tunes and spectacular visuals that you won’t want to miss. Grab tickets here.
In the mood for a messy theatrical drama? Neil Simon’s iconic play Chapter Two, directed by Clem Halpin, will be playing this Thursday, Friday and Saturday at the Spotlight Theatre. Get your tickets here.
Craving a taste of Vegas? This Friday night, the Star Theatre will open its doors to VEGAS IN CONCERT: The Ultimate Tribute Spectacular, a dazzling celebration of history’s most iconic singers. The live, three-hour experience will honour the timeless tunes of Elvis, Elton John, Roy Orbison and more. Secure your tickets here.
Ready for a revival? Creedence – The John Fogarty Show is coming to the Wallaby Hotel this Saturday night for its national Down on Your Corner Tour. As one of three surviving members of Creedence Clearwater Revival, this show is your chance to see lead vocalist, guitarist and songwriter, John Fogarty in person – grab your tickets here.
Prepare to be tricked. ‘International Magician of the Year’ and famed illusionist Cosentino is bringing his theatrical stage show TRICKED – an Evening of Wonder to HOTA this Sunday. Cosentino’s captivating magic and thrilling escapes have captured the attention of audiences all over the world, and now it’s your chance to experience the mystery up close. Grab your tickets here.
As part of its Cheeky Midweeky program, Mo’s Desert Clubhouse is proud to welcome ARIA-certified Australian powerhouses, Kingswood to the stage this Thursday night. Known for their electrifying blend of vintage rock and modern country, Kingswood’s smooth yet potent American-inspired sound will be supported by Chloe Styler, award-winning country and indie pop singer-songwriter. Tickets are available here.
You might like
Hitting Mo’s Desert Clubhouse this Friday, is surf rock legends LAZY GHOST, fresh off supporting Old Mervs on their Queensland tour, and just before they hit BIG SOUND next week. Supported by Ferny Fairway, Cosmic Vice and Vacant Valley, this Friday night is set to be chaotic in the best way possible. Grab your tickets here.
This Friday, elsewhere is teaming up with Taste Club to present the Southampton-based speed garage crowd-puller skeptic. Start your long weekend with this high-energy all-night party, with a stacked line-up of supporting acts. Secure your tickets here before they sell out.
Gather ‘round rock lovers! Melbourne hard-rock masters of mayhem Dead City Ruins are crashing the Vinnies Dive stage this Friday night for one of their signature loud, sweaty, octane-infused performances. Prepare your vocal chords and your ears for this gritty, unfiltered night of pure adrenaline. Tickets are still available here – for now.
Paradise centre is heating up! This Friday and Saturday night, the Fire and LED Spectacular will brings fire twirlers, LED dancers and more to the centre. Enjoy dinner and a (free) show by booking a beachfront table at one Paradise Centre’s buzzing restaurants.
Slainte! The Shamrock Tenors are bringing their five-part harmonies and Irish charm all the way from Belfast and London’s West End to HOTA this Friday. Playing classics like ‘The Parting Glass’, ‘Wild Rover’ and ‘Danny Boy’, there’s only one place to be this weekend if you’re keen to explore the music of Ireland. Tickets are available here.
Families, flock to the Star Theatre this Sunday morning for a brand-new show from award-winning children’s entertainer, EMMA MEMMA. Her shiny new show Dance Island Party invites families to dance and sing along while enjoying immersive visuals and a surprise troupe of her dearest friends. Tickets are available here.
Attention swifties! This Friday night, Miami Marketta will be celebrating all the eras with Taylor’s Versions: Taylor Swift Appreciation Night, hosted by Club Soda. Expect back-to-back Taylor tracks spun by Pia Pressure, best dressed comps, giveaways and themed cocktails. Get your friendship bracelets ready and snag your tickets here before they’re all gone.
Mo’s Desert Clubhouse is bringing the bass this Saturday night with Gold Coast Bass Night, presented by Fully Mammoth. Celebrating bass music, this event is the new hub for Gold Coast bass fans, showcasing 140/Dubstep, Garage, Bassline and more. Tickets are available here.
Markets, festivals and food events this weekend
The show is back in town! For the 118th year in a row, the Gold Coast Show will bring three jam-packed days of show bags, festival food, fireworks, thrilling rides, entertainment and more to Broadwater Parklands. With free entry and a public holiday on Friday, there’s no reason not to pay a visit to the Gold Coast’s biggest celebration.
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.
The People’s Esplanade’s Pop-Up Grand Opening will take place this Saturday, giving the Gold Coast an exciting space to connect, explore and experience. The Pop-Up will feature 5 activity hubs including the social Beach House, playful Action Hub, Joytopia, Chill Cove and Locals yard. To kick off the launch of the People’s Esplanade Pop-Up this weekend’s launch will feature live all-day music – including DJ Luke Fletcher – as well as skate workshops, dance classes, face painting and more.
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
No, this isn’t a reminder to do your laundry. softwash Full Foam Rinse and Spin is the bubbly artist-led program hitting Tweed Heads on Saturday afternoon. Hosted where Terranora and Cobaki creeks meet, softwash will feature live and experimental art, workshops and a reading club. Buy your tickets here.
This weekend, Gallery 8 will be hosting another of its Pop-Up Art Weekends featuring local art from emerging and established artists. With free entry, fine art, coffee and wine, pop on down this weekend to see what Gold Coast’s best artists have been working on.
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
Ready for a challenge? Wild Earth Coastal High Trail Run invites you to take your running route to the Gold Coast Hinterland on Saturday, traversing two World Heritage listed National Park – Lamington and Springbrook. Take your pick of the 50km or 28km trails which will explore sub-tropical rainforests, open forests, waterfalls and cliff tops. Book your spot here.
Looking for a blast from the past? This weekend, Yatala Drive-In will be featuring classic movies as part of their Retro Films showings. Catch Mean Girls on Friday, Scream on Saturday, and Jaws all weekend long in celebration of the film’s 50th anniversary. Take your pick here.
What’s better than comedy and beer? This Friday night, Madocke Beer Brewing Company will host their weekly Live Comedy night, welcoming Dusty Rich and Shayne Hunter. Grab your tickets here.
Still reeling from Raygun? This Friday, Battle of the Breakdancers comes to the People’s Esplanade at Surfers Paradise, where breakdancers will get spinning and battle it out in this free event.
Who ya gonna call? This Sunday, you can catch the newest instalment in the Ghostbusters series, Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire at Chill Cove on the Esplanade. And the best part? It’s free.
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.