Best things to do on the Gold Coast this weekend
Trying to figure out the best things to do on the Gold Coast this weekend? You're in the right place. Whether you've got the kids in tow, you're after a big night out, or you just want a lazy Sunday with good coffee and an ocean view, the Coast turns it on every weekend of the year. Here's our local guide to what's on — and how to find the events happening near you right now.
For the live, up-to-the-minute list of every gig, market and festival on between Friday and Sunday, check what's on the Gold Coast this weekend on Festlio — it updates daily, so you'll always see what's actually on.
Start with the beach (because of course)
Nobody does a weekend like the Gold Coast, and it usually starts with sand between your toes. A few local favourites:
- Burleigh Heads — grab a coffee on the hill, walk the Burleigh Head National Park track through the rainforest to Tallebudgera Creek, then flop on the grass at Justins Park.
- Currumbin Alley — calm water, great for a paddle with the little ones, and a proper local feel.
- Snapper Rocks & the Superbank — pull up a spot and watch some of the best surfers in the country do their thing.
- Tallebudgera Creek — flat, clear and family-friendly; pack a picnic and make a day of it.
Mornings are golden here — beat the heat, beat the crowds, and you've still got the whole day ahead of you.
Catch some live music
The Coast's live music scene punches well above its weight. On any given weekend you'll find everything from touring acts to local legends across venues like HOTA, Miami Marketta, The Star Gold Coast and the buzzing Burleigh strip.
Miami Marketta in particular is a weekend institution — street food, a bar and live bands every Friday and Saturday night under the fairy lights. If music's your thing, browse live music on the Gold Coast to see who's playing this weekend.
Wander a weekend market
Gold Coast markets are half shopping, half social event — and a brilliant (mostly free) way to spend a morning or evening.
- Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets light up the Esplanade on Wednesday, Friday and Sunday nights.
- The Village Markets at Burleigh bring fashion, vintage and design on selected Sundays.
- Carrara Markets is the Coast's biggest weekend market — hundreds of stalls, rain or shine.
See the full rundown of markets on the Gold Coast, including which ones are on this weekend.
Get into the hinterland
Ten minutes off the beach and you're in a completely different world. The Gold Coast hinterland is made for a weekend day trip:
- Springbrook National Park — chase waterfalls at Purling Brook Falls or the glow-worms at Natural Bridge after dark.
- Tamborine Mountain — galleries, wineries, the rainforest Skywalk and a proper main-street wander.
- Currumbin Rock Pools — a freshwater swimming spot tucked into the valley, ideal on a warm day.
Pack the car, grab a bakery lunch on the way, and you've got a weekend the whole family will remember.
Big-ticket fun for the kids
If you're entertaining children, the theme parks never disappoint — Sea World, Movie World, Wet'n'Wild and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary are all on the doorstep. They're a splurge, but a guaranteed crowd-pleaser when the forecast looks good.
Chasing options that won't cost a cent? There's loads of free things to do on the Gold Coast too — from national park walks to free outdoor events and markets you can browse for nothing.
A night out, sorted
When the sun goes down, the Coast keeps going:
- Broadbeach — buzzing restaurants, bars and the regular weekend events around the dining precinct.
- Surfers Paradise — the classic strip, beachfront bars and the night markets rolling through.
- Nobby Beach & Mermaid Beach — where the locals go for low-key bars, good food and a cocktail or two.
- The Star Gold Coast — dinner, a show, a flutter and late-night bars all under one roof at Broadbeach.
How to plan your weekend in two minutes
Here's the local hack: don't try to remember it all. The events, gigs and markets change every single week, so the smartest move is to check a live list before you head out.
- Open what's on this weekend to see everything on between Friday and Sunday.
- Filter by what you're feeling — live music, markets, family, or free.
- Save the ones you like, check the times, and you're set.
The short version
The best things to do on the Gold Coast this weekend come down to mixing it up: a beach morning, a market wander, live music after dark, and maybe a hinterland adventure if you've got the time. Whatever the weather and whoever you've got with you, there's always something on.
Ready to lock in your plans? Browse the full list of Gold Coast events this weekend on Festlio and find what's on near you.