Live music, a pop-up skate plaza, mural artists and a huge interactive art installation inspired by retro arcade games is all set to land in Surfers Paradise for SPRINGTIME this September!
Less than one month out from the return of the Gold Coast’s newest free music, arts and skate festival SPRINGTIME has unveiled its program for three days and nights of good times making for the perfect spring long weekend.
With a stacked lineup of more than 30 artists across two stages, the Vans Skate Plaza, live art murals, a new participatory performance installation from the team behind 2022’s smash hit ‘The Cleaners’, DJ workshops and more, SPRINGTIME is once again set to blossom.
Kicking off on the Gold Coast’s ‘Show Day’ public holiday on Friday 1 September, day one of the three-day event kicks off at noon with live music from some of the country's favourite artists, including sets from Brisbane pop act Sycco, electro-pop outfit Boo Seeka, internationally acclaimed group Girl and Girl who will be lighting up the newly-named Dr. Martens Street Stage, and a special DJ slot on the SPRINGTIME Beach Stage from beloved dance duo Bag Raiders.
Complementing the live music element of the program, live art mural painting will add even more colour to the festival, with the candy-coloured aesthetic of renowned Korean-Australian artist YEAHYEAHCHLOE and Yuggera - Minjungbal - Nyangbul - Ugarapul land duo Malara Rise both kickstarting their live mural painting showcases as part of the ever popular SPRINGTIME arts program.
For punters of all ages looking to engage directly with art and test their skills, the creative minds at Shock Therapy Arts are set to surprise SPRINGTIME fans with another hit - Quest of Chaos, a totally new participatory performance installation that’s one part obstacle course, one part live action video game, one part retro art installation, and a whole lotta fun.
Commissioned for SPRINGTIME, Quest of Chaos lifts influences from Japanese game shows, retro video games and animated series and will take participants through a series of obstacle course challenges. Players will put their physical and mental skills to the test as they attempt to defeat King Chaos and his gang of interdimensional troublemakers, in this totally unique fun interactive experience.
More than just art and music, SPRINGTIME will also welcome back the newly named Vans Skate Plaza. Kicking off at 12:00pm daily, the beach-side skatepark will showcase skate demos from some of the country’s most revered skateboarders, including Gold Coast locals Jesse Noonan, and 22-year-old Nixen Osborne and at just 17 years old, Newcastle local Rome Collyer across all three days of the festival. Experienced skaters are encouraged to come down to this Skaters Paradise and show off their skills as well.
Vans couldn’t be more excited to be teaming up with SPRINGTIME festival this year!” said the team at Vans. “We want this to be a place for self-expression and creativity, so come hang out and showcase your skills alongside some of Vans best riders!"
Music and fun will continue at the Paradise Centre shopping mall with an opportunity for budding DJs to hit the decks. For the first time, SPRINGTIME will be teaming up with Paradise Centre to provide people of all ages the chance to drop in and learn to spin the decks and mix like a pro, with a series of totally free workshops run by DJ Skool every day of the long weekend.
As the sun rises on day two of SPRINGTIME, get ready to enjoy another packed day of live music including a special performance from Sunshine & Disco Faith Choir, who will be bringing their unique live show of disco-house, gospel, and dancing from Melbourne to the beachfront, plus we welcome international superstar BENEE to the SPRINGTIME stage! Fresh from massive performances at Coachella, Splendour In The Grass and Day Trip Festival, the highly renowned Kiwi performer will guarantee good times on the Saturday night, totally free of charge!
For music fans still hungry for more on day three, SPRINGTIME will still be in full bloom with live sets from Gold Coast local Bella Amor, Eliza & The Delusionals, Perth multi-instrumentalist Mitch Santiago and Byron Bay psychedelic pop outfit Babe Rainbow.
As the sun sets on the final day of SPRINGTIME, audiences are invited to round out the weekend with the sand between their toes down at the Beach Stage, as iconic Australian artist Matt Corby slows things down, bringing his signature mix of indie, soul and folk for a not-to-be-missed set on the beachfront.
“We can’t believe it’s less than a month now until we bring in spring with a bang, at the second annual SPRINGTIME,” said Festival Director Mark Duckworth. “The 2023 program is really going to shine a spotlight on the range of musical talent we have here in Australia and right in our backyard on the Gold Coast. We’re also pumped to welcome the incredible BENEE to the SPRINGTIME Beach Stage from New Zealand.”
SPRINGTIME is proud to again be partnering with the Gold Coast Music Awards (GCMAs) in 2023 to celebrate and support the local music scene. The festival will be kicking off the fun early at the GCMAs after-party presented by SPRINGTIME on Thursday 31 August at Home of the Arts (HOTA).
The good vibes and live music will continue across Surfer Paradise all long weekend in our Friends of SPRINGTIME venues. Visit springtimegc.com for more information.
Plan your long weekend of live music, entertainment and good times on the beach by downloading the SPRINGTIME festival app. Spring can’t come soon enough!
The Quest of Chaos project received funding from the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.
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