Chinderah Chilli Festival, free hot cross buns and Varsity’s Easter party – what’s on across the Gold Coast this weekend
The weekend is here, the rain is clearing (huzzah!) and there’s plenty to do! From street-food feasts to Easter parties and a red-hot chilli festival, here’s what’s on across the Gold Coast from Thursday April 3 to Sunday April 6.
Get your taste buds fired up at the Chinderah Chilli & Chocolate Festival this Sunday. The annual flavour festival is taking over Seagulls Club for a huge day of wild heat and indulgent sweets. The family-friendly event will feature chilli tastings (from condiments to jerky), chocolate tastings, food trucks, eating competitions and plenty of mouth-watering desserts. The fun starts at 11:00 am and entry is $2 in support of RuralAid.
Get amongst the sky-high skating action at the Betty Diamond BOWLAPALOOZA this Sunday. The Gold Coast’s annual skateboarding fiesta is taking over Tugun Skatepark from midday for an action-packed day of skateboard comps, BMX demos, scooter jams, food trucks, live music and more! Entry is free and there are cash prizes, workshops and plenty of all-ages fun across the day.
Hop to Paradise Centre in Surfers Paradise for free (yes, free!) hot cross buns this Saturday. From 10:00 am, the Easter bunny will deliver 100 freshly baked six packs – all you need to do is spend $10 at any Paradise Centre store, sign up as a Paradise Centre VIP, and take your receipt to the Sweet As Easter display near Newsextra between 10:00 am and 1:00 pm to claim your free hot cross buns. This weekend kicks off a huge two weeks of Easter-themed fun at Paradise Centre, with Easter bunny visits, free face painting, huge giveaways (including a $50 gift voucher when you spend $100 or more in a single transaction in the centre!) and a whole heap more. Find all of the sweet details here.
Dance the night away at Ministry of Sound: Testament at Miami Marketta. This special series of live shows is held over 12 nights in eight cities across three weekends, celebrating the golden era of clubbing – the 90s and 00s. The fun kicks off at midday!
Take the little bunnies along to Easter at Frascott Park. Get the Easter vibes rolling early at Varsity’s annual eggstravaganza – there will be plenty of family-friendly entertainment including a petting farm and climbing wall, live performances, music, food trucks and a visit from the Easter bunny. The event caps off with an outdoor screening of Wonka at 6:15 pm. The best part? It’s free!
Rock out to your favourite pop-punk tunes at the Emo & Pop Punk Party at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse. That’s right, a whole night of hits by Blink-182, Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance, Paramore, Panic! At The Disco, Green Day and more. Doors open at 7:00 pm – gather the crew and have some fun!
Strap yourself in for a wild night at La Clique. Sexy, hilarious, daring and edgy, this mesmerizing performance is now hitting the stage at HOTA with performances from Wednesday to Sunday until April 19. With thrilling acrobatics, jaw-dropping stunts, bold burlesque and riotous comedy, the Olivier Award-winning show – which had rave reviews from audiences from New York to Paris – is an absolute must-see! Be quick to grab your tickets from the HOTA website.
Have some boot scootin’ fun at Nashville Rock at The Wallaby this Friday. In your country music era? Don’t miss this popular high-energy five-piece band as it bring modern country classics and today’s biggest hits to life at the beloved Mudgeeraba local.
Don the stretchy pants and grab a bite at Street Feast in Pimpama this Friday. The travelling street-food feast will land in Bim’bimba Park this Friday from 4:00 pm with a huge selection of street-food stalls, from international eats to sweet treats. Arrive hungry!
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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.
Feast your way through the Dreamworld Night Market. The weekly northern Gold Coast night market returns this Friday and Saturday night with a stellar line-up of food stalls, live music and DJ beats, rides and attractions and more from 5:00 pm.
Sip spritzes and enjoy live tunes at Jazz & Gin on Thursday night. Garden Kitchen & Bar at The Star Gold Coast is getting the party started early, serving up drops of juniper and smooth live tunes at Jazz & Gin nights every Thursday from 6:00 pm. Each week, there will be an array of Bombay Sapphire gin creations to sip, including refreshing sips like the rosemary, lime and yuzu gin spritz – the perfect match for those feel-good jazz vibes.
Check out the brand-new Mater Prize Home in Miami. Mater Prize Home has revealed its breathtaking new Gold Coast masterpiece, Magnolia – a luxurious five-bedroom home in Miami that could be yours as part of a $4.5-million prize package. The doors are open, giving you the chance to explore this luxurious double-storey haven and start imagining your dream life in paradise. Be sure to pay it a visit this weekend!
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.