The Gold Coast has just entered one of the biggest months on its event calendar, with May set to deliver a bumper program of 12 major events from Snapper Rocks to Sanctuary Cove.
The world-class events showcase is largely free to attend and anticipated to draw more than 100,000 visitors to the region, reach millions of global broadcast viewers via broadcast and inject almost $60 million into the Gold Coast economy.
In addition to the return of global showcases like the Gold Coast Pro (1-11 May) and the milestone 25th anniversary of Blues on Broadbeach (14-17 May), the city will welcome it’s very first Women’s State of Origin match when it hosts Game III of the Ampol Women's State of Origin on 28 May.
Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said May was shaping up as one of the most exciting months on the Gold Coast calendar and would play a key role in supporting the city’s tourism industry.
“There is nowhere better to be in May than right here on the Gold Coast. This is our region at its absolute best,” Mr Warn said.
“To see the world’s best surfers in action, major sporting moments, cultural festivals and the pinnacle of marine events all take place in the same month shows the Gold Coast has made its mark as a world class events destination, delivering a calendar that few places can match.
“A large portion of these events are free or affordable, making it easy for everyone to be part of an unforgettable month on the Gold Coast.”
Kicking off over the weekend and running until 11 May, the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM makes its highly anticipated return to Snapper Rocks, bringing the world’s best surfers back to one of the planet’s most iconic right-hand point breaks.
Surf culture will continue its sweep of the Gold Coast, with Flotsam Film and Photography Festival popping up across the coast from 1–15 May, followed by the Australian Interschools Surfing Championships from 13-15 May.
Sessions Surf Festival (formerly Solento) will bring a week-long celebration of surf, music, film and art to the region from 23–30 May. For the first time, a Gromathon will give kids under 13 the chance to join the action in a friendly competition as part of the Burleigh Heads session.
Taylor Steele, Founder of Sessions Surf Festival, said Sessions will be the ultimate surfing showcase.
“Sessions is about showcasing surf culture in its full form, not just what happens in the water, but the creativity, music, film and community that exist around it every day on the Gold Coast,” Mr Steele said.
“Across the festival, people can move between live music performances, art exhibitions and film screenings, community hangouts, and either compete in or watch our Sessions surf day or check out the epic Surf of Origin event.
“The festival stretches out across the city, so you can experience different sides of coastal culture in some of the city’s most iconic locations. From the iconic Burleigh Heads surf break to cultural precincts Miami Marketta and HOTA, Home of the Arts, plus community hangouts at the Balter Brewing Taproom and The Mondrian."
Back on land, Blues on Broadbeach will celebrate its 25th anniversary when it takes over the Broadbeach precinct for four days of rhythm and blues from 14–17 May, including a ticketed headliner performance by The Teskey Brothers on Sunday 17 May.
From 21–24 May, Sanctuary Cove will welcome the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS), Australia’s premier marine event. The event will meld the high-end luxury of the superyacht world with family-friendly fun on and around the water.
Corey Rattray-Wood, General Manager - Events & Partnerships at Mulpha said SCIBS was anticipated to draw large crowds to the northern Gold Coast.
“Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show continues to cement its reputation as a world-class marine event, attracting strong interest from local boating and leisure enthusiasts alongside a growing number of intrastate and interstate travellers who plan their visit around the four-day show,” Mr Rattray-Wood said.
“We expect to host over 45,000 visitors at this year’s event, while also welcoming global marine giants who continue to invest in Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show as the premier destination for Asia-Pacific debuts.”
Full May event program
TRL QLD State Championships, 1 – 3 May
Gold Coast Pro (WSL Championship Tour), 1 - 11 May
Flotsam Festival, 1 - 15 May
Bowls Queensland State Championships, 11 – 24 May
Australian Interschools Surfing Championships, 13 – 15 May
Blues on Broadbeach, 14 - 17 May
Cooly Classic Ocean Swim Festival, 16 – 17 May
Careers Festival, 20 - 21 May
Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, 21 - 24 May
Sessions Surf Festival, 23 - 30 May
Ampol Women's State of Origin Game III, 28 May
Volleyball Queensland Intermediate Schools Cup, 29 – 31 May
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.