Events Update

30 July 2026

PACIFIC AIRSHOW GOLD COAST UNVEILS EXPANDED 2026 LINE-UP

With just over two weeks until Pacific Airshow Gold Coast returns to Surfers Paradise from 14–16 August, organisers have unveiled an expanded performer line-up, adding even more excitement to what is shaping up to be the biggest event yet. The latest announcement includes the Royal Australian Air Force F-35A Lightning II, the United States Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, the United States Air Force Wings of Blue Parachute Team, the Yak-110 and the Australian debut of the BO-105 aerobatic helicopter. 

The newly announced performers join an already impressive program featuring the Roulettes, Matt Hall Racing, Greg Colyer's Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star and a collection of historic military aircraft. Across three days, spectators can look forward to precision aerobatics, high-speed military demonstrations, parachute displays and heritage aircraft flying against the backdrop of Surfers Paradise. 

Pacific Airshow Gold Coast continues to bring together military aviation, civilian aerobatics and historic aircraft in a unique beachfront setting, making it one of the most distinctive events on the Gold Coast calendar.

COUNTDOWN BEGINS TO THE PAN PACIFIC MASTERS GAMES

With just over three months until the Pan Pacific Masters Games returns from 6–15 November, preparations are well underway for one of the Gold Coast's largest participation sporting events. More than 16,000 competitors and supporters are expected to compete across 42 sports at venues throughout the city. Open to athletes from 18 years of age in selected sports through to competitors aged 90 and over, the Games attract participants of all abilities from across Australia and more than 30 countries. 

The 2026 program introduces padel for the first time and welcomes the return of badminton, while six nights of entertainment at Pan Pacs Central, the event's social hub at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, will feature opening and closing celebrations, themed party nights and headline performances by The Potbelleez and Casey Barnes. Renowned for its friendly atmosphere, the Games are as much about connection as competition, with many participants returning every two years to reconnect with teammates and friends. 

The event is also a major driver of visitation and economic activity for the Gold Coast. In 2024, the event attracted almost 29,000 visitors to the region, generated nearly 82,000 visitor nights and injected tens of millions of dollars into the local economy. With entries now open, the 2026 edition is expected to once again deliver strong tourism outcomes while reinforcing the Gold Coast's reputation as a premier destination for major participation events.

GOLD COAST WELCOMES QUEENSLAND'S TOP SCHOOL VOLLEYBALL TALENT

The Gold Coast will welcome more than 3,500 Year 11 and 12 students from across Queensland for the 2026 Volleyball Queensland Senior Schools Cup from 7–9 August. Recognised as one of the state's premier school volleyball events, the three-day competition brings together a record 367 teams from 171 schools from the state, Catholic and independent education sectors, providing opportunities for athletes of all skill levels to compete, connect and represent their schools. 

The tournament will be played across multiple venues, including the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, Coomera Indoor Sports Centre and Runaway Bay Indoor Stadium, with over 1,000 matches taking place over the three-day festival. 

The Senior Schools Cup forms part of a strong annual calendar of Volleyball Queensland events on the Gold Coast, supported by Experience Gold Coast, alongside the Beach Schools Cup, Intermediate Schools Cup, Senior State Championships and Junior Schools Cup. Together, these events attract thousands of athletes, officials and supporters to the destination each year, strengthening the Gold Coast's position as a leading host of school and state volleyball events.