A Latin festival, luxe lunches and a smorgasbord of comedy – what’s on across the Gold Coast this weekend
Whether you’re seeking a live gig, need to entertain the kids, are chasing a belly laugh or want to follow your nose to some tasty street food, this weekend has it all. A trio of comedy greats are in town, Miami Marketta is throwing a huge Latin American party, and a bounty of beautiful butterflies will descend on Australia Fair – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Here’s what’s on across the Gold Coast from Thursday January 16 to Sunday January 19.
Settle in for a lavish lunch at the L’Altro pop-up at The Valley Estate this Saturday and Sunday. L’Altro, a pop-up restaurant collaboration between Balboa Italian and The Valley Estate, returns this weekend for two exclusive lunches, serving up a menu that embraces cooking over open coals and flames. Think bites like crab agnolotti with amaretti sage butter, pangrattato and chervil, and mains like hibachi coral trout with white wine sauce, salmon caviar and shiso. If you’re looking to lunch this weekend and want to venture somewhere new, book a seat and make tracks to the Valley.
Take the kids on the ultimate nature adventure at the captivating Butterfly House at Australia Fair. Witness the magic of nature like never before with a visit to this colourful observatory-style habitat. You’ll be immersed in a sea of butterflies, with more than 200 fluttering beauties calling the clear-walled habitat home from January 13–19. Families can observe the delicate creates as they fly freely, enjoying daily feedings and interacting with vibrant plant life. This free, family-friendly experience is located in Centre Court on Australia Fair’s ground floor and opens from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm daily.
Gear up for a belly laugh courtesy of Mel Buttle this Friday night. Brisbane’s own comedy queen and TikTok mum Mel Buttle is in town to bring some LOLs for your Friday with a live at Currumbin’s Soundlounge.
Get your giggle on with Jimeoin at HOTA on Saturday night. You’ll be taught some handy tips like how to make your bed with little effort, how to prank your partner and get away with it and how to talk dirty in a nice way. The comedy great is in town for one night only, tickets are available via the HOTA website.
Soak up the Latin vibes at Hola Marketta! at Miami Marketta this Sunday January 20. Sip, snack and salsa the afternoon away at this fun-filled festival celebrating all things Latin American. There will be live music all afternoon and DJs taking you into the night, as well as salsa dancing and lessons, cultural markets and a whole heap of Latin American food stalls. Empanadas, anyone? It all kicks off at 2:00 pm.
Take a trip over the border for a belly laugh with Tommy Little this weekend. The comedy powerhouse is working up a brand-new show to take on tour, so he’s hitting the Brunswick Picture House stage this week with a string of nightly shows from Tuesday through to Sunday. The perfect excuse for a trip down south.
Dance the night away to Suzie Quatro this Friday January 17 and Sunday January 19. The rock legend is in town to take fans on a musical journey of her life with a trio of shows at Twin Towns this weekend. The Saturday night has sold out, but tickets remain for the Friday and Sunday night shows.
Sip pink tequila poolside at the Don Julio Rosado Poolside Takeover at The Langham, Gold Coast. You’ve got until January 27 to experience this vibrant fiesta of premium tequila and mouth-watering Mexican-inspired flavours – so don’t miss out! In collaboration with Don Julio Tequila, The Langham, Gold Coast’s talented mixologists shake up a selection of signature pink cocktails, expertly crafted to highlight the distinct notes of the Don Julio Rosado. Plus, there’s a pop-up taco hut serving an array of Mexican-inspired delights to snack while you sip.
Soak up the summer vibes with beachside table tennis, live music and sweet giveaways with Game, Set, Match at Paradise Centre. Until Monday January 20, Paradise Centre is transforming into a lively court of festivities to ring in this sun-kissed season. Gather the crew and rally it out at the free-play table tennis tables – there’s even a ball boy will be on site just in case you don’t nail that cheeky spin serves. Gelato Messina is also sweetening your Fridays with free gelato serves on a first-in, first-served basis (don’t miss the final freebies this Friday!), all you need to do is sign up to the Paradise Centre newsletter and grab your free gelato before they’re all scooped up. Feeling lucky? Spend more than $50 in one transaction at participating stores to take a spin on Paradise Centre’s giant prize wheel to score a sweet giveaway.
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Feast under the stars at the Dreamworld Night Market this Friday January 17 and Saturday January 18. If you haven’t checked out this weekly night market before, do it this weekend! Held every Friday and Saturday night at Dreamworld, the night market features a huge line-up of delicious food stalls from dumplings to slow-cooked meats, a bar, and a rotating music bill of local talent. It all starts at 5:00 pm.
Discover the best of contemporary Australian photography with The Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award 2024 at HOTA Gallery: With a $25,000 acquisitive prize, the award is the most prestigious photography prize in Queensland, open to all Australian artists working in contemporary photography. This exhibition is free to visit and open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm until May 11, 2025.
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.