15 January 2026
YOUR 2026 GOLD COAST EVENT BUCKET-LIST STARTS HERE
Then comes “Magic March” - a month set to firmly place the Gold Coast on the world stage. Headlined by the AFC Women’s Asian Cup™, March also welcomes the T100 Triathlon World Tour, the inaugural Australian WPGA Championship, and the iconic Australian Surf Life Saving Championships (“The Aussies”), bringing together an extraordinary lineup of world-class and homegrown events across every corner of our city – from stadiums to beaches and waterways.
Momentum continues through May, with the WSL Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro returning to its spiritual home at Snapper Rocks, alongside 2025 Queensland Tourism Award-winning music festival, Blues on Broadbeach, celebrating its 25th year. The Women’s State of Origin Game Three match kickstarts a packed mid-year calendar, followed by Australia’s biggest nostalgia festival, Cooly Rocks On, transforming the streets of Coolangatta into a celebration of motors, music and lifestyle of yesteryear. Thousands of runners then hit the coast under clear winter skies for the legendary ASICS Gold Coast Marathon, before eyes turn skyward in August as the landmark Pacific Airshow returns following last year’s cancellation due to TC Alfred.
The year concludes with a bang, featuring the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500, an extraordinary Rugby League World Cup triple-header, and one of the most beloved events on the Australian country music calendar, Groundwater Country Music Festival, bringing Broadbeach alive in October. November then sees the return of the biennial Pan Pacific Masters Games, transforming the city into a celebration of participation sport and community. From beaches to stadiums, the Gold Coast continues to cement its place as Australia’s premier destination for world-class events.
DON’T MISS HIGH-STAKES NBL ACTION ON THE GOLD COAST THIS MONTH
Midweek basketball action returns to the Gold Coast as the Brisbane Bullets continue their Ignite Cup campaign at the Gold Coast Sports & Leisure Centre on Wednesday 28 January (6:30–8:30pm).
The Bullets will host the Adelaide 36ers in the NBL’s new in-season tournament, where every quarter earns points toward a separate Ignite Cup ladder, rewarding consistency and high-intensity play from tip-off to the final buzzer.
This game is the second of two Bullets fixtures on the Gold Coast, following their clash with the New Zealand Breakers in November. With a unique game-day atmosphere and elite talent on show, fans are encouraged to secure last-minute tickets now.
LAST CHANCE FOR LANEWAY FESTIVAL GOLD COAST TICKETS
Australia’s iconic Laneway Festival is set to make its Gold Coast debut at Southport Sharks on Saturday 7 February 2026, with last-minute tickets now on sale. Celebrating its 21st year, Laneway arrives following a record-breaking, sold-out 2025 tour across Australia and New Zealand, reaffirming its status as one of the country’s most influential contemporary music festivals. The Gold Coast edition is expected to draw more than 30,000 music fans for a full day of live music.
This year’s lineup delivers a powerful mix of global stars and emerging talent, led by Chappell Roan, alongside PinkPantheress, Wet Leg, Wolf Alice, Lucy Dacus, BENEE, Mt. Joy, Yung Lean & Bladee, and more.
Taking over Southport Sharks for the first time, Laneway marks a major new chapter for the city’s evolving live music scene. Tickets are limited so secure yours now and be part of this landmark Gold Coast debut.
AACTA FESTIVAL 2026 UNVEILS MAJOR NEW PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
AACTA has unveiled an exciting new wave of events for the 2026 AACTA Festival, further elevating an already blockbuster program. With the latest announcements, the festival now boasts close to 100 events with more still to come.
Fans of Bridgerton can look forward to an exclusive conversation with Australia’s Yerin Ha, who will discuss stepping into the global phenomenon, complete with special clips from the new season. Severance audiences will also be treated to a virtual appearance from acclaimed Australian actor Dichen Lachman, joining live from Los Angeles to reflect on her role in the hit series.
These additions sit alongside standout events including the Australian premiere of EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert from visionary director Baz Luhrmann, the world premiere of Paramount+ series Two Years Later, and a special anniversary reunion celebrating Shine.
Running 4–8 February, AACTA Festival transforms HOTA into a five-day celebration of screen culture, with many free events.
VIEW THE 11 DEC 2025 EVENTS UPDATE
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.