What’s on across the Gold Coast this weekend
From beach days to weekend escapes, there’s plenty to see and do from July 17-19. Here’s your guide to what’s on across the Gold Coast this weekend.
Very Short Film Festival – HOTA, Surfers Paradise
A bold new wave of Australian storytelling arrives to Gold Coast this weekend for Very Short Film Festival (VSFF). Following the recent premiere in Hobart, Queensland audiences will now have the opportunity to experience a range of short films on the big screen. Created specifically for VSFF, each film offers a distinct voice in responding to the festival’s prompt of ‘Signature’. The screening will be followed by a Queensland filmmaker showcase and Q&A. To view the full program, head here. (Image credit: Version 1.0 – Chanelle Le Roux and Michael de Lange)
Friday July 17 | 6:30–8:30 pm
Battle of the Bands 2026 – Den Devine
Battle of the Bands 2026 returns to Den Devine in Broadbeach this July, running for five weeks with original bands in both under and over 25 categories, and an additional cover band competing for the top prize. The Grand Final will take place in the fourth weekend in August to coincide with Den Devine’s sixth birthday (Image credit: Den Devine).
Tuesday July 14 to Sunday August 23
Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever – Broadwater Parklands
Join over 200 people at the Great Lawn in Broadwater Parklands for an afternoon of fun and frivolity. Dress in red, learn the dance and participate in a group routine of Kate Bush’s ‘Wuthering Heights’ music video. The event will start with an introduction and showing of the dance moves before jumping into the big group performance. All ages are welcome to participate with a portion of donations going to support DV services.
Saturday July 19 | From 2:00 pm
Adventure Race – Surfers Paradise
This Saturday, challenge yourself to run, kayak, mountain bike and navigate your way over an unmarked 15km or 30km off-road course with up to six hours to collect all the checkpoints and reach the finish line. The team-based events invites pairs to test their skills across Surfers Paradise, kicking off at 7:00 am on Saturday morning. Teams can register here (Image credit: Adventure Race).
Saturday July 18 | 7:00 am
Weezer Tribute – Vinnies Dive
The Great Southern Band presents a Weezer tribute show this Saturday night at Vinnies Dive – playing only the first two albums, Blue Album and Pinkerton (which true fans know are the only good albums). Daniel Southern, Ryan Beveridge, Adrain James and Lindsay McDougall are only bringing the best of Weezer this weekend, with support from Teigan Le Plastrier from Being Jane Lane.
Saturday July 18 | 7:00 pm
BLADEXC + Friends – Superbar
Kindacool and Superbar present BLADEXC + Friends this Saturday night, following standout shows across Melbourne, Sydney and Wollongong. Gold Coast-born Samoan talent BLADEXC, one of Australia’s most talked-about electronic artists, returns home for his biggest headline show yet. He will be joined by Friend Of Mine, CHOOFA, Lily Steel, BANDIT, Dub Dealer, Off Tap and Ayana for a special night at Superbar.
Saturday July 18 | 8:00 pm
The Kokoda Challenge – Nerang Velodrome
After celebrating 20 years in 2025, The Kokoda Challenge is heading back to Nerang again – bigger, tougher and more inspiring than ever. Choose from 30km, 48km, or 96km, and take on the rugged hinterland trails in teams of 2-5, where steep climbs, creek crossings, and the infamous ‘Big 5’ mountains await. Find more information here. (Image credit: The Kokoda Challenge)
Saturday July 18 – 7:00 am | Sunday July 19 – 11:00am
WAXX OFF – elsewhere bar
Frontline DJ and producer WAXX OFF is bringing one of his high-impact, high-energy performances to elsewhere bar in Surfers Paradise this Friday night. With his ability to command the dance floor through purposeful, momentum-driven programming, WAXX OFF’s productions have gained global traction and established himself as one of the country’s most exciting producers. Tickets to Friday night’s show can be found here (Image credit: Niche Productions).
Friday July 17 | 9:00 pm
Glow at the Cove – Sanctuary Cove
Running throughout July, the month-long wellness initiative brings together some of the precinct’s leading beauty and wellness operators, including Elite Skin, LuxBodi, Studio Eclettico and Jala Head Spa. Guests who purchase a participating experience in July will also go into the draw to win the Ultimate Glow at the Cove Escape. Find more information here. (Image Credit: Sanctuary Cove).
Wednesday July 1 to Friday July 31
Go Gold Coast Fitness Festival – Coolangatta
Get ready to move, sweat and connect at Gold Coast’s annual fitness festival, bringing fitness and wellness legends to Queen Elizabeth Park for a morning of workouts, community and good times. Classes include Pilates Rave, Slow Flow Yoga, Circuit Workout, 80s Aerobics, Breathwork and Line Dancing – there’s something for everyone whether you’re a season fitness fanatic or keen to try something new. Find more information here.
Saturday July 19 | 7:00 am to 12:00 pm
Sundown – Southport
The ultimate pop-up music event celebrating homegrown talent is back in Southport this Saturday night, along with a lineup of some of the Gold Coast’s best musos. Pacific Avenue, Letters to Lions, The Colliflowers, Laurel Hill, Yours to Keep and HAEL will take to the stage at Nerang Street for a full blown free-entry street party. Miami Booze Traders, Carafe Wines and Precinct Brewing Co. will provide the drinks while the talent provides the vibes. More info here.
Saturday July 18 | 3:30 to 8:00 pm
Cover image credit: Steven Via Unsplash
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