Planning a 2026 holiday and looking for a simple guide to what’s on is common. This list is built for people searching for what’s on the Gold Coast, Australia, with dates, suburbs, and practical tips, so planning stays easy.
Many highlights are close to Broadbeach, so you can head out, enjoy the atmosphere, and then be back near the beach for dinner. Below is a quick calendar first, then the top picks near Broadbeach, then the bigger events that still work as an easy day trip.
2026 Calendar At A Glance
Here is a quick scan of the biggest Gold Coast events in 2026, all within about 30 to 40 minutes of Broadbeach.
January
- Australia Day Celebrations at HOTA Parklands Mon 26 Jan 2026, 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
February
- AACTA Festival and Awards, 4 to 8 February 2026 (Gold Coast, with major events at HOTA)
- Laneway Festival (Gold Coast), Saturday 7 February 2026 (Southport)
- Gold Coast Open, 18 to 22 February 2026 (Burleigh Heads)
April to May
- Gold Coast Film Festival, 22 April to 3 May 2026 (Gold Coast, with events at HOTA and partner venues)
May
- Blues on Broadbeach, 14 to 17 May 2026 (Broadbeach)
June
- Cooly Rocks On, 3 to 7 June 2026 (Coolangatta)
July
- ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, 4 to 5 July 2026 (Southport)
August
- Pacific Airshow Gold Coast, 14 to 16 August 2026 (Surfers Paradise)
September
- SWELL Sculpture Festival, 11 to 20 September 2026 (Currumbin Beach)
October
- Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500, 23 to 25 October 2026 (Surfers Paradise)
Tip: If you are reading this after January, the Magic Millions dates may have passed, but they are worth bookmarking for next year.
Near Broadbeach Picks
These are the easiest options from Broadbeach.
Blues Festival Gold Coast: Blues On Broadbeach
Dates: 14 to 17 May 2026
Where: Broadbeach precinct
Rhythm and blues runs across venues, with free sets and ticketed sessions, so arrive early and pack a light layer after sunset.
Budget: Free to low, depending on what you book
Comfort tip: Comfortable shoes, you will be walking between stages
GCCEC And The Star Gold Coast Nights
Where: Broadbeach
Check what is on at GCCEC and The Star Gold Coast, then plan dinner nearby.
Transport tip: Walk if you can, or take a short rideshare to avoid event parking
Budget: Mid to high, depending on the show and dining choices
Family note: Earlier sessions can work well for families who prefer a night out that finishes at a sensible time
Pacific Fair Events And Pop Ups
Where: Broadbeach
Pacific Fair events are a handy add-on for school holidays or a slower day, with pop-ups and entertainment.
Local tip: Go earlier in the day for an easier park and lighter crowds
Budget: Low to mid, depending on what you do
Festival Gold Coast Highlights
Key festival dates sit here.
AACTA Festival And Awards
Dates: 4 to 8 February 2026
Where: Gold Coast, with major events at HOTA
AACTA week features screenings and talks celebrating Australian film and television, with free and ticketed sessions.
Transport tip: Consider public transport if you are heading to Surfers Paradise for HOTA
Comfort tip: Bring a light layer for indoor venues and evening sessions
Gold Coast Film Festival
Dates: 22 April to 3 May 2026
Where: Gold Coast, with events at HOTA and partner venues
Pick a few must-sees across screenings, panels, and special events.
Local tip: Choose one weekday session if you can; it is often a calmer experience
Budget: Low to mid, depending on the sessions you choose
Laneway And SWELL
Date: Saturday 7 February 2026
Where: Southport Sharks, Southport
A full day ticketed music festival, so eat beforehand, bring a refillable water bottle if allowed, and plan your trip home.
SWELL Sculpture Festival
Dates: 11 to 20 September 2026
Where: Currumbin Beach
An open-air gallery along the sand and paths, suited to a slow daytime outing.
Packing tip for both: Hat, sunscreen, and a light layer for late afternoon
Sport And Spectacle Weekends
Big atmosphere weekends that suit families.
Gold Coast Open (Burleigh)
Dates: 18 to 22 February 2026
Where: Burleigh Hill, Burleigh Heads
Tickets: Free
Surfing runs at Burleigh Hill with great viewing from the headland, so go early and bring sun protection.
Transport tip: Parking can be tight, so consider arriving early or using public transport where possible
Comfort tip: Sunscreen, a hat, and a towel to sit on
ASICS Gold Coast Marathon Weekend
Dates: 4 to 5 July 202
Where: Broadwater Parklands, Southport
Great spectator buzz at the start and finish area, so check road closures if you are driving
Local tip: Pick a cheering spot, then plan breakfast nearby
Budget: Free to watch, paid if you are entering races
Comfort tip: A warmer layer for early morning starts in winter
Pacific Airshow And Gold Coast 500
Dates: 14 to 16 August 2026
Where: Surfers Paradise
Aerial displays run above the beachfront with ticketed viewing zones, so book early and pack ear protection for younger kids.
Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500
Dates: 23 to 25 October 2026
Where: Surfers Paradise
Racing and entertainment take over the precinct, so expect busy roads and arrive earlier than you think you need.
Comfort tip for both: Sun protection, water, and patience for queues
Gold Coast Markets And Easy Add-Ons
Gold Coast markets are an easy add-on between big events. Go early for treats and fresh food, then pair it with a swim or café lunch.
Local tip: Go early for the best produce and easier parking
Budget: Low, you control what you spend
FAQ: Tickets, Transport, And Packing
Ticket Requirements
Many events are free, including viewing at Burleigh Hill for the Gold Coast Open. Ticketed events can include Laneway, Pacific Airshow viewing zones, and the Gold Coast 500.
Free Events
These can be some of the best Gold Coast family things to do because the atmosphere comes with little to no spending.
Getting Around
Rideshare and public transport can beat parking in Broadbeach, Surfers Paradise, and Southport, while early arrivals help if you drive to Coolangatta, Currumbin, or Burleigh.
What To Pack
Summer needs sunscreen, a hat, and a water bottle. Winter starts can be cold, so pack a warmer layer.
Ready to Plan Your 2026 Stay
Pick one or two anchor events, then keep the rest easy with beach time in Broadbeach. Boulevard Towers puts you in a handy spot, so it is simple to bounce between live music, major sports weekends, and relaxed market mornings without spending half your holiday in traffic.
You can walk to plenty of dining and entertainment nearby, then come back to Ocean Air and have an easy wind-down at the end of the day. Lock in your key dates early, keep a little space for last-minute plans, and let your calendar do the heavy lifting while you stay relaxed.
Image credit: Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500
