Diesel, Better Man, and festivals for flowers, beer and sculptures – what’s on this weekend
September is now well and truly under way, and the Gold Coast is coming back to life as spring blooms across the coast. If you’ve gotten to the end of your week just to realise you have no weekend plans, we’ve got you covered. We rounded up the best ways to fill your schedule this weekend, from a range of festivals celebrating everything from flowers and sculptures to all thing’s beer. Check out Diesel at Miami Marketta or experience a performance of the Tony Award-winning In The Heights at HOTA. Maybe you’re in the mood for laughs, arts or wellness – no matter your niche, the Gold Coast has something for everyone once Friday rolls around. 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 singer-songwriter Diesel is taking the Miami Marketta stage this Sunday afternoon to deliver a showcase of his signature vocals and extensive guitar and double skills. This one-of-a-kind solo concert tour is powered by audience requests that die-hard fans will revel in. Grab your tickets here.
Lin-Manuel Miranda’s four-time Tony Award-winnng musical In The Heights is coming to Surfers Paradise this Friday night. Acclaimed as a vibrant and cultural celebration, this unmissable show is a masterful blend of hip-hop, salsa and Latin beats. Grab your tickets here before they’re all gone.
Lo’ 99 is bringing his Rave Jams tour to elsewhere bar this Saturday and Sunday night, spinning his signature house and techno warehouse sounds that have earned him multiple #1 singles. With experience on the stages of Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival, EDC Las Vegas, Rabbits Eat Lettuce and many more, Lo’ 99 is bringing much needed festival rave energy to Surfers Paradise.
Comedian Luke Heggie is heading to HOTA on Saturday to share his latest findings on the newest trends, monetising your own identity and whether or not to trust what you read on the internet. He’s been described on the internet as a brilliant comedian but also a lefty wanker – make up your own mind and grab tickets here.
Brisbane-born pop-artist Ronan Maclean is bringing The Maniac Tour to Mos’ Desert Clubhouse in Burleigh Heads this Saturday, in a performance Ronan promises will leave his catchy tracks stuck in your head. Tickets are available here.
Let him entertain you! The Star’s production of Better Man – showing this Thursday night – will star UK’s Mike Andrew who has been endorsed by Robbie Williams himself. Renowned for his uncanny resemblance to the real deal, complete with mannerisms, swagger and tattoos, Mike’s performance may be just as good as Robbie’s. Find out for yourself and snag your tickets here.
Keen for a laugh? Kings of Comedy’s Showcase Special has a fresh new lineup ready to get you cackling. Head on down to the Oaks Hotel come Friday night for a dose of laughs. Book your spot here but hurry – there’s only a few left.
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Wanna be dancing in the moonlight this Saturday? Miami Marketta is hosting No Scrubs, a night dedicated to the tunes of 90s and early noughties, the perfect excuse to let loose after a week of hard work.
HOTA is getting jazzy this Saturday as the Gold Coast Jazz and Blues Club celebrates its 40th anniversary with two Motown-inspired shows – a Tribute to Joe Cocker and The Big Chillout Movie Soundtrack. Tickets are available here.
Markets, festivals and food events this weekend
Last weekend Brisbane Festival kicked off on Friday, giving Gold Coasters a great excuse to travel northward. The 23-day celebration of the city’s history, intensity and creativity has a slew of events on this weekend, including Leah Shelton’ BATSHIT, a Midsummer Night’s Dream remix The Lovers, GATSBY at The Green Light and much more. Check out the rest of the program here.
Celebrate Spring the right way. Opening on Friday, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is ready to deliver four weekends of blooms, bites and exciting new events to Queens Park Botanic Gardens and Laurel Bank Park. This week’s events include Floral Friday, the festival’s first-ever Lawn Party and Twilight Tours. Check out the program and ticket information here.
Starting this Friday, Currumbin Beach will host more than 80 large-scale artworks for the 10-day sculpture festival Swell, celebrating its 23rd year as a free exhibition by the people, for the people. Wander freely through the artwork laden sandscape, or take a guided walk to learn more about the local pieces. If all the creativity gets you feeling inspired, have a go at one of Swell’s workshops, or sate your cravings at Swell Fired Feast, a three-course artistic and culinary experience. Let loose at a Silent Disco Under The Stars this Saturday – there’s something for everyone at Swell.
Gold Coast is turning up the froth this Saturday as Crafted Beer Festival returns to Broadbeach for its ninth beachside brew-happy celebration. Don’t miss out on all the brews, tunes and vibes hitting Kurrawa Park this weekend. Grab your tickets here.
If the warmer weather has you craving a boogie, this Kirra Beach House and Aperol Spritz collaboration is just what you need. Apéro Disco is the new weekly sunset session that is launching this Friday – think golden hour, disco tunes and endless Aperol spritz. Complete with a pop-up bar, giveaways and groovy DJ sets, your Fridays are now sorted. Click here more info.
Get a dose of live music, gardenscapes and earthy activities this Saturday morning at Spring Wellbeing Garden Day, to celebrate the coming of spring with the Labrador Community Garden. Learn how to grow your own organic produce, decorate pots for your garden and stock up on tools from the market stalls.
Main Beach Street Festival is bringing live music, markets and kids entertainment to Main Beach this Sunday afternoon in a community event for the whole family. With extended trading hours for local restaurants and free entry, this a no-brainer for Sunday afternoon plans.
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.
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, Marina Mirage Market, Coolangatta Art and Craft Markets and Mudgeeraba Village Markets will be hitting the Gold Coast this weekend.
Art Exhibitions taking place this weekend
Keen on colour? This weekend, beloved Australian paint slinger, Ken Done, is bringing his iconic pieces to HOTA to showcase his joyful imagination and contagious optimism, in the Ken Done: No Rules exhibition. Check out pieces from the artist’s personal collection, and then stick around to see Ken in conversation to offer insights into his colourful world.
Head on down to HOTA to see In Conversation with Romance Was Born, the fashion label headed by duo Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales that brings Ken Done’s signature joyful colours to life. This free discussion is perfect for those passionate about fashion, art and storytelling and the imaginative and theatrical flair of Romance Was Born.
A local art exhibition, ECLECTICA, will be showing this Friday in Studio 8, showcasing the Gold Coast’s diverse artistry. Spanning a range of mediums, forms and colours, this display of local art represents the coast’s varied artistic community.
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
Get moving this weekend at Serve the Soul, the wellness festival taking over Cos Zantitios Park for the first time this Saturday. Stretch your legs at yoga, get inspired at the talks and workshops, relax with healing therapies and let loose to the live music. Saturday is your chance to serve your soul – tickets are available here.
Connect with the community at Be Kind Friday where a free community breakfast will be held in the name of embracing kindness and unity. With a smorgasbord of bacon and egg rolls, Lindt chocolates and other goodies on offer, as well as free line-dancing classes, this is the perfect opportunity to meet new people.
If you’re looking for a chance to learn more about Australian wildlife and get active in nature, this Saturday’s Koala Count Conservation Walk is perfect for you. As a koala conservation team and researchers from Currumbin Wildlife Hospital point out koalas in the wild, you help count and document the sightings.
For a taste of the Wild West, Harbour Town is transforming into a western-themed festival for its Get Outlet Sale, from Friday to Sunday. With extended trading, this weekend’s country bonanza will feature roaming entertainment, performances from The Voice’s Beau Shearer and Country DJ Nudge, as well as line dancing, prizes and giveaways. Check out all the fun, and all the discounts, this weekend only.
Wanting to give back this weekend? R U OK? Day is this Thursday, and Robina Town Centre is inviting people to come down to design and write postcards with messages of hope and encouragement, which will distributed to those who need them most.
Unwind under the stars this Saturday night with an outdoor nighttime screening of The Wild Robot, a touching story about technology and nature.