Spit-fired feasts, FISHER’s festival and world-premiere film screenings – what’s on across the Gold Coast this weekend
Hellooo, long weekend! From spit-fired feasts and FISHER’s beach party to world-premiere screenings at the GC Film Festival, take your pick from this list of what’s on across the Gold Coast this Labour Day long weekend.
Concerts, markets and food events on the Gold Coast this weekend
FISHER’s OUT 2 LUNCH FESTIVAL is taking over Southport’s Broadwater Parklands (PSA – location was changed from Surfers Paradise!) this Saturday and Sunday for a huge two days of music. FISHER will be performing both nights, alongside big names like Chris Lake, Hayden James, Little Fritter and Shimmy. Grab last-minute tickets here.
Ready to dance? Ministry of Sound: CLASSICAL returns to HOTA this Saturday night after consecutive years of sold-out shows. Celebrate the greatest moments in dance music with an incredible lineup of DJs culminating in an incredible classical performance by the Ministry of Sound Orchestra.
Catch all of the surfing action at the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro. The WSL tour lands in Burleigh Heads (relocated from Snapper Rocks) from May 3–13, bringing with it a wave of surfing superstars and plenty of entertainment in and out of the water. Along with the surfing battles, Burleigh will be abuzz with entertainment – catch live music Budjerah on Friday arvo followed by Bad Dreems on Saturday before Spiderbait takes the stage on Sunday with special guest Steph Gilmore.
Attention creative mamas! The Craft Parlour is popping up at The Strand at Coolangatta for a series of Mother’s Day workshops – and it all kicks off this weekend with the Terracotta Pot Painting workshop. Sip on tea or coffee while painting a terracotta pot – each session this weekend features a different style, so you (or mum) can join multiple workshops and try out new techniques. The fun continues from next weekend (May 9–11) with Watercolour Painting workshops, where mums can unwind with brushstrokes and create their own unique artwork, inspired by botanical themes and native Australian animals. Jump here for all of the info.
Sip agave flights and margaritas in the sunshine at Sueño’s Cinco de Mayo celebration this weekend. The Nobby Beach rooftop is turning up the heat with live Mexican cooking and demonstrations, agave tasting flights and margarita specials that are sure to keep spirits high. On Saturday DJ XUJA will bring the energy from 4:00 pm, and the party continues on Sunday with DJ Red Like Fire taking the decks from 3:00 pm. It’s a rooftop fiesta filled with flavour, rhythm and good times – don’t miss this.
Venture south on Saturday for a spit-fired feast at Festival of The Farm – The Farm Byron Bay’s tenth birthday bash. The paddocks will come alive with music, Three Blue Ducks food, fun games, DJ beats and good vibes. Jump here for the details and schedule of events.
Unofficial cool-girl outfitters Sabbi is filling the racks for one heck of a warehouse sale in Currumbin this Saturday. Everything is priced to make your wallet weep happy tears and there will be a coffee van slinging coffee, DJ beats and snacks on hand. Grab the details here.
Indulge in mini lobster rolls at Tweed River House’s luxe high tea this Friday. The colonial-style plantation manor is inviting guests to a high-tea experience on the waterfront, with bites like ocean trout gravlax with lemon myrtle labneh, beef tartare on sourdough and delicate lobster mini rolls. Seats are $90 per person – jump here for more info.
Live shows and exhibitions on the Gold Coast this weekend
Catch back-to-back docos and world-premiere film screenings at the first weekend of the Gold Coast Film Festival. The 11-day program is stacked – this weekend you can catch the Australian premiere of Ballkids, the Queensland premiere of Funny Birds, fall in love with Audrey Hepburn (again) with a screening of Breakfast at Tiffany’s and so much more. Scope out the full festival program here.
Get inspired at the first weekend of Flotsam Surf Film & Photography Festival. Back for its fourth year, this weekend marks the start of the festival’s two-week celebration of surf, stories and creativity. There’s everything from ocean-inspired pop-up film nights, photography exhibitions, live music, projection art, workshops and more. Jump here to peep the full program of events and get tickets.
Explore literary treasures at HOTA’s blockbuster exhibition Writers Revealed: Treasures from the British Library and National Portrait Gallery, London. The one-of-a-kind exhibition experience brings together over 100 rare manuscripts and portraits from literary legends like William Shakespeare, Jane Austen, the Brontë sisters, William Blake, Virginia Woolf, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Lewis Carroll, Sir Kazuo Ishiguro and Zadie Smith – many of which have never been seen outside the UK. Structured in five thematic sections, the exhibition spans 500 years of authorship, offering a rare glimpse into the lives of iconic English-language writers through their original works and portraits.
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.
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.