2026 turns up the volume on the Gold Coast’s event calendar. Car engines will roar through the streets during the Gold Coast 500, while stadiums fill for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup. These events Gold Coast has lined up are set to be major crowd-pullers, and timing your trip around them gives you the edge.
Avoid last-minute hassle and full-booked signs by planning ahead. Stay close to the action in modern comfort at Sandbar Burleigh, where you can relax after the buzz of the day. You bring the energy. We’ll keep your view unbeatable.
Events Gold Coast 2026 Preview
There’s no shortage of things to do in the Gold Coast next year, but these events take centre stage.
The events Gold Coast has planned for 2026 bring energy, scale, and serious atmosphere. They extend well beyond casual concerts or weekend markets. If you’re planning where to go in the Gold Coast or chasing standout entertainment, these are the ones worth marking down.
Expect:
- Motorsport and airshows with high-intensity energy
- Live music and cultural festivals are lighting up Surfers Paradise
- International sport is drawing crowds across Queensland
Each Gold Coast event adds something unforgettable. These are the events in Queensland that fill hotels, book tables fast, and turn an average stay into something special.
Major Sporting Events
The Gold Coast’s 2026 sporting calendar is packed with headline fixtures that attract global talent and passionate crowds. These key dates add momentum to any trip and are well worth planning around.
AFC Women’s Asian Cup (March 1–21)
This international football tournament returns with three weeks of high-level competition across Queensland. The AFC Women’s Asian Cup is a top entry among things to do in the Gold Coast, drawing in teams and fans from across Asia.
ASICS Gold Coast Marathon (July 4–5)
Recognised as one of the most popular running events Gold Coast hosts each year, this marathon combines a scenic coastal course with strong community energy. Expect a fast pace, strong turnout, and peak-season atmosphere.
Gold Coast Open (February 18–22)
This early-season tennis event brings five days of on-court action. Watch professionals rally for the win in a relaxed setting that suits both devoted fans and casual spectators. The Gold Coast Open delivers tight matches and a great spectator experience.
T100 Triathlon (March 21–22)
This elite-level Queensland event pushes athletes across swim, bike, and run disciplines. Spectators can expect closed roads, busy viewing areas, and a competitive field. The events Gold Coast hosts rarely match the pace and intensity of the T100.
Motorsport and Airshows
The Gold Coast does spectacle well, and 2026 keeps the tradition alive. These two high-energy events lock in plenty of action, sound, and crowd appeal.
Gold Coast 500 (Late October, 2026)
This October, mainstay returns with full-throttle energy on the Gold Coast 500 track, which is on the Gold Coast calendar. Expect street circuits filled with speed, noise, and grandstand atmosphere as Supercars tear through the heart of the city.
Pacific Airshow Gold Coast (August 14–16, 2026)
The GC Airshow paints the skyline with fast jets, precise aerobatics, and international talent. Held along the coastline, it draws thousands to the sand for three days of flight, sound, and open-air drama. It’s now a signature fixture among the events Gold Coast visitors plan around each year.
Music, Art and Culture
Trips tuned to rhythm and creativity have 2026 already humming. These festivals headline the coast’s cultural calendar with music, cinema and performance set against an ocean and city backdrop.
Blues on Broadbeach (May 14–17)
A key highlight of the live shows on the Gold Coast scene, this free festival spreads across Broadbeach with local legends and international acts. The vibe is relaxed, the streets come alive, and the soundtrack hits every note.
Cooly Rocks On (June 3–7)
Coolangatta throws it back with vintage cars, retro fashion, and rockabilly beats. Stroll the esplanade surrounded by chrome, swing skirts, and classic tunes. It’s feel-good nostalgia with a coastal twist.
Bleach Festival (October 1–2)
Expect theatre, movement, and installation art in unexpected settings. As the city’s leading arts program, Bleach Festival injects bold energy into the season’s entertainment in Gold Coast, and adds colour to the events Surfers Paradise is known for.
Gold Coast Film Festival (April, TBC)
This annual event champions cinema in all forms. The Gold Coast Film Festival screens homegrown talent and global premieres across pop-up venues and local theatres each April.
Family-Friendly Events
A Gold Coast trip with the whole crew calls for more than beach time. These events bring the energy, colour, and outdoor charm that keep kids entertained and adults relaxed.
Magic Millions Carnival (January 7–20)
This summer highlight pairs fashion and race-day buzz with a distinctly coastal backdrop. Magic Millions brings thoroughbred racing, social events, and family fun into one of the most festive events the Gold Coast runs each year.
Gold Coast Show (August 28)
Rides, food stalls, animal exhibits, and fireworks take over the city for this long-standing favourite. If you’re looking for what’s on the Gold Coast with broad appeal, the Show delivers classic community fun. It’s a reliable win when searching for where to go on the Gold Coast with kids.
Swell Sculpture Festival (September 12–21)
This open-air exhibition turns Currumbin Beach into a creative walkway. Oversized sculptures and interactive art installations bring a relaxed pace and a cultural lift to the list of Gold Coast things to do with family.
Planning Tips
A well-timed plan makes all the difference during peak events in Queensland.
- Dress smart: Summer calls for light clothing, but pack a layer or two for cooler evenings.
- Beat the rush: For any major Gold Coast event, rideshare or public transport is often quicker than finding a park.
- Book ahead: Rooms, restaurants, and event tickets near popular events Gold Coast tend to fill fast.
When narrowing down where to go on the Gold Coast, balance your itinerary with something slower paced, like a market stroll, a beachfront café, or an early dinner with a view.
2026 Wrap-Up
Aligning your travel dates with the major events Gold Coast has scheduled for 2026 adds purpose to your holiday. Music, sport, art, and large-scale festivals create more than background noise; they shape your entire stay.
Book early and keep your plans flexible. These aren’t just Gold Coast things to do. They’re the reason to pack your bags.
Where to Stay
Sandbar Burleigh gives you a stay that works with your plans. Set in Burleigh Heads, it sits close to major venues while keeping a relaxed, beachside pace.
Apartments are spacious, ocean views stretch wide, and local cafés sit right outside the door. Guests book here for easy access without giving up quiet, comfort, or a great location. For trips built around a calendar of events, this is the kind of base that makes everything easier.
Stay with us. Book direct at Sandbar Burleigh to secure your dates and best rate.
Image Credit: Football Australia