Billy Ocean, flower festivals and SWELL – what’s on this weekend
September is warming up this weekend and we don’t just mean the temperature. The Gold Coast is lighting up this weekend, as icon of soul Billy Ocean heads to the Star Theatre for one of his iconic performances, while to the west, Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is in full bloom. If you’re heading north, Brisbane Festival is celebrating the city with a number of performances and events, while down on Currumbin Beach, SWELL Sculpture Festival is offering plenty of opportunites to get creative. 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
The British icon of soul and platinum Grammy Winner, Billy Ocean, is heading to the Gold Coast this weekend for an unforgettable performance that will have everyone in the audience on their feet. Hosted at the Star Theatre on Saturday night, Billy Ocean’s ‘One World’ tour is your change to see the iconic performer in person. Tickets are available here.
The Star Gold Coast is offering a transcendent experience this Friday night with The Music of Coldplay by Candlelight, where world-class vocalists and musicians deliver ballads from ‘Yellow’ to ‘Sky Full of Stars’. Grab your tickets here before they’re all gone.
If you’re in the mood for something a little different, Sunday will see The Star celebrate the works of another legendary band with The Music of U2 by Candlelight. Direct from the UK, Sunday night’s show will feature a team of talented vocalists and musicians to deliver all your favourite hits by candlelight. Tickets are available here.
Curious about Ska? This Saturday, the Melbourne Ska Orchestra will bring their Ballad of Monte Loco tour to Miami Marketta, fresh off the plane from performing in Mexico and Canada. Celebrate your weekend with a blend of brass, funk and reggae tunes – grab your tickets here.
Get ready to laugh until your ribs ache, because award-winning comedian, Geraldine Hickey is heading to The SoundLounge in Currumbin for her ‘Meander’ tour to chat about the big things in life. Clear your Saturday night, because this is side-splitting show you won’t want to miss.
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Vinnies Dive will host alt indie band Eliza and the Delusionals this Friday night as the band celebrates the fifth anniversary of their breakout EP ‘A State of Living in an Objective Reality’. For a night of nostalgic rock and indie ballads, 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.
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 a celebration of First Nations stories at Baleen Moondjan, GATSBY at The Green Light, Laura Murphy’s The Lovers much more. Check out the rest of the program here.
Celebrate Spring the right way. Last week Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers finally kicked off 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 the Grand Central Floral Parade, the Paw Parade and flavourful tasting tours. Check out the program and ticket information here.
Currumbin Beach will host more than 80 large-scale artworks this month 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.
This Friday, SWELL is also offering up a unique hands-on experience with SeamTogether, the comedic performance from Polly and Esther, two seamstresses on a mission to beat fast fashion. These kooky characters like to interact with the crowd to tell their eccentric stories, so prepared to become part of the show. Tickets are availabe here.
Miami Marketta will transform into a celebration of culture this Thursday night with La Vie en Rosé, a French wine and art experience organised by GoWide Prints. This Paint & Sip night will bring people together through art, French elegance and wine. Ticket purchases include a glass of champagne on arrival and wine tastings, a French-style charcuterie and a relaxed painting session that will transport straight to the heart of France. Tickets are available 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.
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.
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
Spring into Paradise Centre this weekend as the precinct blooms in colour for eight days to celebrate the arrival of spring. The centre will be offering free activities, colourful workshops, foodie experiences and giveaways plus evening entertainment with fire shows, LED dancers and more.
Head on down to HOTA this Thursday for a life drawing session at Drawing For Life, where artists and performers will serve as the subjects, curating poses and performances for you to draw. Complete with drawing warm-ups, beach atmosphere and complimentary beverages, this is opportunity for seasoned artists and beginners alike. Tickets are available here.