Before the Halloween celebrations take over at the end of the month, October first brings an annual celebration of German culture. Gold Coasters have two options to choose from this Saturday, with Burleigh Brewing’s Frothtoberfest and Oktoberfest in the Gardens bringing beers and Bavarian party energy to the coast. If you’re more of a lover, Trent Dalton’s Love Stories takes over HOTA for three days while Mo’s Desert Clubhouse lets loose for their sixth birthday for a four-day-long Freakshow celebration. With more live music, food festivals and more on offer, there’s a little something for everyone from October 9 – 12. Check out our guide to what’s on across the Gold Coast this weekend.
Burleigh’s most iconic live music venue, Mo’s Desert Clubhouse, is celebrating their upcoming sixth birthday with a four-day-long bender, FREAKSHOW, headlined by electric acts from the Gold Coast and beyond. The long weekend of beer-soaked raving will culminate on Saturday afternoon, transforming into a stacked mini-festival. From Thursday to Sunday, you can find artists including King Parrot, Testeagles, Sycco, The Delta Riggs and many more as food trucks and all ages entry until 6:00pm mean you can bring the whole crew along to celebrate Mo’s six years of live music pioneering. There will also be a Freakshow dress theme, games, prizes and Mo’s signature madhouse energy as the partying hits its peak. Check out tickets here.
Prepare to fall in love. From Thursday October 9 to Saturday October 11,best-selling author Trent Dalton’s iconic Love Stories heads to the HOTA stage for a heart-wrenching portrayal of Brisbane’s answers to one question; ‘Can you please tell me a love story?’ Only running for three days’ worth of showings, this is a theatrical love story you do not want to miss – tickets are available here.
This Saturday, elsewhere bar will lend its stage to tech house icon, Lavern, hailing all the way from the Netherlands. Having earned over one billion streams and touring across the world and with Martin Garrix, Lavern will showcase his new school stutter house sound in a performance supported by Latour and Harpoon. Grab your tickets here.
Kiwi rock’n’roll icon Jordan Luck hits the Miami Marketta stage this Sunday afternoon with support from rock legends Hello Sailor. On the setlist is a mix of Exponents tracks, Kiwi classics and more, as the Jordan Luck Band host a night of New Zealand music appreciation. Tickets can be found here.
Canadian powerhouse and former INXS frontman, JD Fortune returns to Australia this Thursday for his first headline tour with his band, performing the best of INXS. After stepping in at the helm of INXS in 2005, JD Fortune spent seven years as the band’s frontman – now he will honour the legacy of one of Australia’s most cherished bands at Miami Marketta. With few tickets remaining, be sure to grab yours here before they’re all gone.
To celebrate 16 years of glamour, The Australian Burlesque Festival is bringing The Big Tease Soiree to the Miami Marketta stage this Friday night for an evening of local and international entertainment and dazzling artistry. Grab your tickets here.
Renowned guitarist Xuefei Yang is bringing her cross-cultural skills and ancestral melodies to Robina this Sunday night for one her masterful performances that have captivated more than fifty countries. Having been named one of the top six guitarists of the century by BBC Music Magazine, Yang’s performance is not to be missed. Tickets are available here.
Jimmy Barnes is ready to tell the rest of his rock’n’roll story with his new film documentary Jimmy Barnes Working Class Man, showing at HOTA for one night only this Sunday. Witness the highs and lows of one of Australia’s biggest rock careers in this exclusive showing. Grab your tickets here.
Prost! This Saturday, Burleigh Brewing are transforming their iconic Taphouse into a German beer hall for their biggest year of Frothtoberfest yet. Expect authentically made German beer, non-stop entertainment, a keg tapping ceremony and a limited-edition Frothtoberfest half-litre glass stein with each ticket purchase. Grab your tickets here.
ArtBeat Music and Arts Festival is back for another year of mental health awareness and support at Gold Coast University Hospital Parklands this Friday afternoon. Along with live music, food trucks, community stalls and giveaways, ArtBeat is offering free mental health resources to the Gold Coast for Queensland Mental Health Week with aims to remove the stigma and cultivate community.
Dust off your lederhosen because Oktoberfest in the Gardens is returning to the Gold Coast with enough beers and bratwurst in tow to make this one to remember. Frothy German beers, ciders, wines and other beverages will be flowing all afternoon long at this Bavarian-style party while authentic German fare, music, entertainment and competitions keep the energy roaring. Snag a ticket here.
In celebration of spring, Sheraton’s Pearls will be hosting the Pink Ribbon Spring High Tea in support of the National Breast Cancer Foundation, running from Wednesday October 1 to Thursday November 20. Five dollars from every booking will be donated to fund life-changing breast-cancer research and community programs. Wear a touch of pink while dining on delicacies like rose and vanilla eclair and lemon-butter-curd tarts. Book your spot here.
How’s your spice tolerance? This Saturday, Bilinga will host the third Gold Coast Chilli, Beer and Sausage Festival, home to mouth-burning chilli sauce stalls, an international selection of sausages and enough beer and beverages to wash it all down. With ticket sales supporting Prostate Cancer Research and Rural Aid, and events like the Men’s Wet T-Shirt competition and the chilli challenge, this celebration of flavour is not the for the feint of heart.
Consider yourself a master of the thrift? This Saturday, Lenny’s Pizzeria and Bar laneway will transform into Old Soul Vintage’s Thrifting Market 2.0, showcasing thousands of wares from a variety of local stalls. Come round for the thrifting, but stay for a drink and a slice, while DJ tunes keep the energy mellow.
Chirn Park Street Festival returns this Saturday afternoon for another community celebration featuring live music, roving performers, kid’s entertainment, local food and business stalls and more. Find out more about this free-entry, council-supported party here.
Head to Pimpama this Saturday night for a colourful celebration of Indian culture and local talent at Diwali Festival of Lights & Fireworks. Food trucks allow you to sample the flavours of India, while live music and dance performances provide dazzling entertainment along with an artistic display by local students. With fireworks scheduled for later in the night, this bright free-entry celebration brings the community together for a vibrant party.
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 and Mudgeeraba Village Markets will be hitting the Gold Coast 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.
Poet and activist, Huda Fadlelmawla, will host a night of artistic expression and social change this Saturday at HOTA with Voices of Black Ink: A Night of Poetry & Panel Discussion, joined by a line-up of BIPOC artists. Expect dynamic and moving performances, an enlightening panel discussion and a celebration of the spoken word. Tickets are available here.
Join artists Tony Albert and Dylan Mooney at HOTA this Saturday afternoon for their industry insights on portraiture, cultural resistance and collaboration. Celebrating the release of Artists by Artists, a book of original portraits by artistic pairings, the two will provide their thoughts on the importance of collaborative work. Register for free here.
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.
Break out the bike for a good cause this Sunday morning to take part in Mater’s Brisbane to Gold Coast Cycle for Cancer ride to raise awareness and vital funding. The 100km ride kicks off from South Brisbane through the traffic free Southeast Busway to Broadwater Parklands. Registration information can be found here.
Attention thrill-seekers. This Thursday night, The Adventure Reels Film Tour is bringing two and a half hours of high energy action to HOTA’s big screen. From death-defying jumps and wild rides to ski stunts and mountain biking, this year’s lineup celebrates the courage and skills the world’s adrenaline junkies. Grab your tickets here.
Pilates, coffee and DJ tunes are heading to Surfers Paradise this Sunday morning for stretchy beachside take on the popular coffee rave trend. The Reset Rave is teaming up with Surfers Paradise Surf Life Saving Club to sling $4 coffees, lead a full body Pilates flow class and play groovy rhythms while prioritising rest and raising awareness for mental health. Bring a mat, your mates and some dance movies to the Esplanade bright and early this Sunday – register for free here.