Major Events on the Gold Coast

With magnificent beaches, a fantastic climate, a huge range of accommodation and a strong business infrastructure the Gold Coast is a helluva place to hold an event. That's why there's so much happening in this town.

Whether you like car races, golfing tournaments, tennis, musicals, surfing or lawn bowls, there's guaranteed to be something on the Gold Coast events calendar to suit you. The following is a brief guide to some of the major events held on the Gold Coast each year.

See what's happening on the Gold Coast this month at our event calendar, or read about some of the major events that happen on the Coast each year below.

Blues on Broadbeach

Spanning four huge days in May, it has become on Australia’s most iconic Blues festivals, attracting fans and artists from around the world. It is also the largest free music festival in Australia.

The festival nurtures local talent while providing a platform for international acts with artists performing day and night at a range of outdoor stages and venues throughout Broadbeach and the Gold Coast. It's a music experience like no other that still manages to remain a free event.

Find out more: bluesonbroadbeach.com

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show

The annual four-day event attracts visitors and exhibitors from across Australia and around the globe, and with a strong 30+ year history on the Gold Coast the SCIBS is a boating event not to be missed.

Showcasing the latest innovations, technologies and products within the marine industry, including power, sail, multihulls and superyachts, trailerable boats for fishing or family fun, ski boats, tenders, jet skis and more!

Wander through the marina, pavillions and through the Sanctuary Cove Marine Village and browse through the hundreds of exhibits and displays, watch exciting demonstrations of the latest watercrafts, and speak with industry professionals and other boating enthusiasts from all over the world.

Find out more: sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au

The Gold Coast Marathon

Participants from all over the world flock to the beautiful Gold Coast every year to compete in the Gold Coast Marathon. With the wonderful climate, low humidity, minimal wind and mild temperatures, the Gold Coast enjoys excellent running conditions perfect for a marathon.

The Gold Coast Marathon course runs alongside the Gold Coast's iconic surf beaches and Broadwater, and enjoys a reputation as one of the flattest, fastest and most scenic courses in the world, drawing in thousands of visitors to the Gold Coast each year during the winter months. 

Find out more: goldcoastmarathon.com.au

Schoolies Week

Australian school leavers have been flocking to the Gold Coast since the 1970s for a week of partying with friends by the beach, a tradition that still continues with Year 12’s migrating to the Gold Coast to have fun in the sun with new and old friends every year.

As the event has grown, so too have the support services that ensure students have a safe time while they let their hair down. It's safe to say that the suburb of Surfers Paradise becomes somewhat off-limits for the rest of us, but for school leavers it's THE place to be.

Find out more: www.schoolies.com

Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500

Initially known as the Gold Coast Indy 300, then the IndyCar Series, then later when A1 Grand Prix withdrew from the event, the popular V8 Supercars took over the show and after more name changes than Elizabeth Taylor had ex husbands, the annual event is now known as the Boost Gold Coast 500 (although was also briefly named the ARMOUR ALL, Castrol EDGE and Vodafone Gold Coast 600 as well for anyone playing at home) and delivers a week of show-stopping celebrations and three action-packed days of V8 Supercar street racing. 

If fast-paced motorsport racing isn’t your scene there are plenty of beach concerts, stunts, car shows and plenty of other celebrations happening during the event.

Find out more: www.supercars.com/calendar

Swell Sculpture Festival

Open all hours, you can walk amongst the sculptures under the warming spring sun or see them lit up under the southern sky. Over ten days there are twilight walks, talks from the artists, a Public Art Forum and the Swell Smalls Gallery for smaller pieces. So head down to Currumbin Beach to be inspired, amused, uplifted and touched by the artistic displays.

As well as the art displays, Swell also includes a number of participating events such as informative artist talks, entertainment programs, workshops and master classes to help the aspiring artists in all of us.

Find out more: www.swellsculpture.com.au

Magic Millions Horse Racing Carnival

Two One Million dollar races are the highlight of the raceday, with only graduates of the Magic Millions Sales eligible to compete. The Magic Millions Sales and raceday has established its reputation on the international scene, and has fast become a "must be there" event worldwide. 

Horse Racing and Thoroughbred Sales go hand in hand at Magic Millions. Horse racing is all about winning and Magic Millions Sales proudly claims it's share of legends cementing Magic Millions reputation as the place to buy world-quality thoroughbreds. Such success reflects the Company's relentless quest for excellence in all of the Magic Millions thoroughbred auctions wherever they may be held.

Find out more: www.magicmillions.com.au/racedays/gold-coast/

Pacific Airshow Gold Coast

Pacific Airshow Gold Coast is back and bigger than ever! Get ready for an adrenaline-packed weekend as Australia’s iconic Surfers Paradise transforms into a breathtaking aerial stage. In the month of August, world-class military and civilian pilots will defy gravity with jaw-dropping performances against the stunning backdrop of the Gold Coast skyline. This three-day festival promises to be a spectacular event, drawing visitors from across Australia and around the globe.

Created by the team behind California's famous Huntington Beach Airshow, this event brings a world-class experience to Australian shores. Surfers Paradise, with its vibrant atmosphere, world-class amenities, and easy accessibility, is the perfect location to enjoy this unforgettable spectacle.

Find out more: pacificairshowaus.com

BLEACH*

BLEACH* is a leading contemporary arts showcase that takes place on the Gold Coast every August 1-11. Experience Gold Coast proudly presents a dynamic program featuring local, national, and international artists. By transforming the Gold Coast’s iconic landscapes into extraordinary stages, BLEACH* delivers unforgettable arts experiences that inspire and captivate audiences. For current festival programs visit the BLEACH* website.

Find out more: bleachfestival.com.au

Groundwater Country Music Festival

Groundwater Country Music Festival is a free, three-day extravaganza that returns to Broadbeach each October. Experience the best of country music under the glorious Gold Coast sun as top Australian and international artists take to multiple stages across the vibrant precinct. From legendary performers to rising stars, Groundwater CMF offers something for every country music fan. Don’t miss this unforgettable event!

Get ready to dance and sing along to your favourite country hits while soaking up the unique atmosphere of the Gold Coast. For lineup updates and more information, follow Groundwater CMF on Facebook and Instagram.

Find out more: groundwatercmf.com

Images courtesy Tourism & Events Queensland, Tourism Australia, Destination Gold Coast, Getty Images & Magic Millions