Christmas carols and Black Friday bargains – here’s what’s on the Gold Coast this weekend
This weekend marks the tipping point where we enter December. The final month. From here it’s a straight shot through the holidays out into the new year. But before you freak out too much about the unceasing trample of time, remember to stop and sniff the roses. There are some festive crackers scheduled for this weekend like the Mayor’s Christmas Carols and Grinch-themed high teas, as well as Black Friday pop-ups, painting workshops and so much more. We’ve rounded up the very best of what’s happening this weekend from November 28 to December 1.
Get in the holiday state of mind at the Mayor’s Christmas Carols this Saturday from 6:00 pm: In its thirteenth year, City of Gold Coast’s Mayor’s Christmas Carols is being staged at the HOTA Outdoor Stage and HOTA Parklands and will be headlined by the GC’s very own Budjerah.
Jingle all the way to Aviary Rooftop Bar for Grinchmas High Tea on Sunday December 1: This festive celebration is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season with a themed menu that will make your taste buds dance and live entertainment that will have you singing along.
Enjoy a line-up of ink, drinks and moustache treats at one-night-only event, INKED at Stingray: On Saturday, 30th November, QT Gold Coast’s Stingray Lounge is set to transform into a bustling tattoo parlour hosting the Queen of Ink, Lauren Winzer and local talents Sean Henry and Matt O’Brian all in the name of men’s health. Flash tattoos are priced at $100, with 100% of the tattoo proceeds being donated to Movember.
Laugh it up with Takashi Wakasugi at HOTA: As seen on the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala, Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow, Comedy Up Late, Thank God You’re Here and Task Master, rising comedy superstar Takashi Wakasugi stops off at Comedy Underground to present his unique comedic insights into Australian culture.
Friday November 29 is the Black Friday, of sales fame: If you are keen to steal some deals this weekend you can stop by The Strand at Coolangatta for a chance to win a $500 Gift Card, or head to Robina Town Centre’s pop-up lounge bar and enjoy a mid-shopping spree drink courtesy of Capricorn Distilling and Cocktail Candy. Harbour Town Premium Outlets is pulling out all the stops this Black Friday with an actual Human Claw Machine, where shoppers can snag a share of $15,000 in prizes (there’s a $1,000 gift card up for grabs every session!). Oh, and with extended trading hours, you have even more time to bag bargains.
Munch on moreish morsels of Middle Eastern cuisine at The Harvest Buffet: From November 1–30, Harvest Buffet chefs have curated an offering of rich flavour profiles and even richer cultural heritage that hails from the Levantine region. Diners can enjoy a wide variety of classic favourites, including falafel, baba ganoush, pita bread and hummus, chicken kebabs marinated in spiced yoghurt and lamb shoulder adorned in a succulent array of seven spices.
Get your head in the game at Queensland State Cup Touch Football Carnival; Kicking off the Gold Coast’s 10-day Festival of Touch, The Queensland State Cup is the premier affiliate touch football competition in the state, bringing together more than 1500 participants from across Queensland, interstate and internationally.
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Celebrate local creativity at the Gold Coast Triennial: The Gold Coast Triennial at HOTA Gallery showcases 43 local artists through diverse works, including installations, video art, sculpture and 2D pieces. The dynamic exhibition has transformed seven interconnected spaces, highlighting the region’s artistic diversity. Spanning generations and personal histories, it celebrates emerging talent and seasoned professionals alike. With free entry, the Triennial is a must-see cultural event on the Gold Coast.
Play with colour at Llewellyn Skye’s two-day painting workshop: As part of the Gold Coast Triennial Public Program, one of the exhibiting artists Llewellyn Skye, will be leading this two-day painting workshop opportunity suitable for all skill levels from beginner to advanced.
Stock up on fresh-local produce, bespoke goodies and street food snacks at one of the weekly markets as well. Burleigh Heads Art and Craft Markets, Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets, and the Robina Farmers Market are open and trading this weekend. For our night owls still craving the delicious market fare but can’t beat the ‘snooze’ button – hit up Moonlight Night Market. On Sunday December 1, you can check out a brand new Gold Coast maker’s market at Circle on Cavill, Surfers Paradise from The Market Folk.
Wander through the latest Mater Prize Home in Helensvale and envision your future at this breathtaking property: From now until December 20, you have the opportunity to step inside the Mater Prize Home and see the grand prize for yourself. Open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm until December 20, explore this stunning seven-bedroom property and all that comes with it. All visitors until Sunday will receive automatic entry into weekly $1,000 prize draws.