If you are planning a 2026 holiday and searching for Gold Coast events, this guide is for you. It is a shortlist of big, well-known dates worth planning around, all within about 30 to 40 minutes by car of Broadbeach Savannah Hotel & Resort.
You will find sport, live music, arts, and family days out, plus a few easy add-ons for food and markets. People searching for what’s on the Gold Coast, Australia, often want a neat list that saves time.
One of the best things to do on the Gold Coast is choose one or two weekends you love, then lock in your accommodation early. Many major dates sell out fast, and the Gold Coast entertainment calendar moves quickly.
Quick Look Calendar For 2026
Here is a quick, save-it-now list of what’s coming up.
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January: Magic Millions Carnival (Bundall), International Futsal Cup (Carrara)
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April: Gold Coast Film Festival, Gold Coast Running Festival (Robina)
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May: Blues on Broadbeach (Broadbeach), Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (Hope Island)
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July: ASICS Gold Coast Marathon (Southport)
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August: Pacific Airshow (Surfers Paradise), Gold Coast Show (Southport)
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October: BLEACH Arts Festival, Groundwater Country Music Festival (Broadbeach), Gold Coast 500 (Surfers Paradise)
Dates and ticket details can shift, so it is smart to check official event pages closer to travel.
Easy Event Planning In Broadbeach
Broadbeach is a smart base because it keeps you close to the action. Major festivals run right in Broadbeach, with Surfers Paradise close by. Getting around is easy by tram, taxi, or a short drive. If you are driving, allow extra time on big weekends, especially for Southport and Surfers Paradise.
January can be hot and humid, so pack sunscreen, a hat, water, and light clothes. For winter and spring nights, bring a light layer and comfortable walking shoes.
Summer Gold Coast Events (Jan To Feb)
Magic Millions Carnival (Bundall)
A classic Gold Coast summer week with racing, fashion, and a big crowd vibe, perfect if you want one polished event day and an easy dinner back in Broadbeach after.
Dates: Magic Millions Gold on 10 January 2026, Magic Millions Raceday on 17 January 2026
Where: Gold Coast Turf Club precinct, Bundall
Tickets: There are free entry areas plus ticketed options, depending on the day and viewing areas
Getting there: Easy drive from Broadbeach. Rideshare is popular on race days.
Local tip: Aim to arrive early for a smooth entry and better spots. After the races, head back to Broadbeach for dinner. It is an easy way to keep the night relaxed.
Gold Coast International Futsal Cup (Carrara)
An energetic indoor tournament that is great for sports fans and families, and a smart option if the weather is humid or stormy.
Dates: Monday 19 January 2026 (listed start date)
Where: Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, Carrara
Tickets: Usually ticketed for sessions and finals, depending on the schedule
Getting there: Short drive from Broadbeach.
Local tip: If you are travelling with kids or a sports group, this is a great add-on. It is also a good indoor option if the weather turns stormy.
Autumn Highlights (April to May)
Gold Coast Film Festival (Gold Coast)
A great “one night out” event with screenings and special sessions across the coast, ideal for pairing with a planned dinner in Broadbeach.
Dates: 22 April to 3 May 2026
Where: Venues across the Gold Coast, often including hubs close to Broadbeach
Tickets: Ticketed screenings and special events, depending on the session
Getting there: Many sessions are easy by tram or a short drive, depending on the venue.
Local tip: Pick one night for a feature screening and pair it with a Broadbeach dinner booking. Restaurants can fill quickly during festival periods.
Gold Coast Running Festival (Robina)
A well-organised race-day experience at the stadium precinct, with a strong community feel and a smooth option for runners and supporters alike.
Date: 26 April 2026
Where: Cbus Super Stadium precinct, Robina
Tickets: Ticketed, and prices vary by distance
Getting there: Short drive. Parking and road access can be busy on race morning.
Local tip: If you are running, organise your kit the night before and plan a simple breakfast. If you are supporting someone, choose a clear meeting spot after the finish.
Blues On Broadbeach (Broadbeach)
A crowd favourite with live music across multiple stages, where you can wander, dip in for a set, and keep the night as relaxed or as lively as you like.
Dates: 14 to 17 May 2026
Where: Broadbeach precinct
Tickets: Often free, with some ticketed experiences depending on the program
Getting there: Walkable from Broadbeach Savannah
Local tip: Go earlier in the evening if you want an easier time moving between stages. Later sessions can get crowded, especially on Saturday.
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (Hope Island)
A polished day out on the marina with boats, marine gear, displays, and plenty of browsing, especially if you like lifestyle events and waterfront scenery.
Dates: 21 to 24 May 2026
Where: Sanctuary Cove, Hope Island
Tickets: Ticketed
Getting there: Drive, and allow extra time for peak traffic
Local tip: If you love marine gear, go early and take breaks. It is easy to lose track of time.
Southport Events: Marathon And Show
Southport hosts two big dates that feel very different, but both work well for a Broadbeach stay.
ASICS Gold Coast Marathon
A big winter weekend with high energy and great spectator moments, whether you are racing or just want to cheer along the Broadwater.
Dates: 4 to 5 July 2026
Where: Southport and Broadwater Parklands precinct
Tickets: Ticketed for runners, free for spectators
Local tip: Spectators should pick one viewing area and stick to it. The course is long and it is easy to miss someone if you move too much.
Gold Coast Show
A classic family day with rides, showbags, animals, and entertainment, best tackled with an early start if you want the easiest pace.
Dates: 28 to 30 August 2026
Where: Broadwater Parklands, Southport
Tickets: Ticketed entry
Local tip: Go earlier in the day for families. Nights are exciting too, but they are busier and can run later than expected.
What's On Surfers Paradise: Airshow And Supercars
If you love big crowds and big energy, Surfers Paradise is a must. Some of the loudest and most talked-about Gold Coast events take place here.
Pacific Airshow Gold Coast
A headline beach weekend where you can post up on the sand and watch aircraft roar overhead, with a proper holiday atmosphere around Surfers.
Dates: 14 to 16 August 2026
Where: Surfers Paradise beachfront
Tickets: Ticketed viewing areas are sold, and many people also watch via public beach vantage points
Local tip: Arrive early for the best views. If you are with kids, pack snacks and water, and plan a shaded break.
Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 (Supercars)
Big racing, big noise, and big crowds on the street circuit, with enough energy to make even one day feel like a major event weekend.
Dates: 23 to 25 October 2026
Where: Surfers Paradise Street Circuit
Tickets: Ticketed, with different access levels
Local tip: If you are not a die-hard motorsport fan, a single-day ticket can be enough. Plan dinner in Broadbeach afterwards to skip the busiest part of the crowd.