4 June 2026
ASICS GOLD COAST MARATHON SMASHES 40,000 ENTRIES BARRIER
The ASICS Gold Coast Marathon 2026 has reached a major milestone, surpassing 42,000 entries with just one month to go before race weekend on 4–5 July.
Following a record-breaking 2025 event that attracted 39,000 runners, demand for the 2026 edition has surged, with participants already registered from a record 59 countries.
The growing popularity of the event has also seen the marathon, half marathon and 10km races sell out, cementing the Gold Coast’s reputation as one of the world’s premier running destinations. Organisers say the strong interstate and international demand is expected to deliver another major boost for the city’s visitor economy, with tens of thousands of runners, supporters and spectators set to travel to the region.
Limited places remain available in the Gold Coast Airport 5km and Australia Fair 2km Dash, while charity entries are also still available for sold-out events.
GOLD COAST WELCOMES BACK WORLD’S BIGGEST BOWLS FESTIVAL
The Australian Open 2026 will return to the Gold Coast from 5–19 June 2026, with entries now open for what is shaping up to be the biggest and most inclusive edition of the event yet.
The world’s biggest and richest bowls festival on the Bowls Australia calendar will feature 18 disciplines across 15 host clubs throughout the Gold Coast, attracting thousands of competitors from Australia and around the world.
The 2026 event introduces three new disciplines for the first time, including mixed pairs, intellectual open singles and deaf and hearing-impaired open singles, reinforcing the event’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
With more than AUD$350,000 in prize money on offer, the Australian Open continues to attract elite and grassroots bowlers alike, with no qualifying requirements and divisions catering to junior, open, senior, able and para-athletes.
Adding to the excitement, Bowls Australia’s Annual Awards Night will also be held during the Australian Open for the first time since 2011.
INTERNATIONAL CRICKET RETURNS TO THE GOLD COAST THIS SUMMER
International cricket is set to return to the Gold Coast this November, with Australia vs England Men's T20 International 2026 locked in for 24 November at Gold Coast Stadium.
Following the success of last summer’s Australia V India fixture, Australia will take on fierce rival England in the second Men’s T20 International of the series, bringing another blockbuster sporting event to the city.
The match will mark the first time England’s men’s team has played on the Gold Coast, giving cricket fans the chance to see some of the world’s best players in action in a fast-paced T20 showdown.
With the Gold Coast continuing to attract major international sporting events, the fixture is expected to draw strong crowds and deliver another exciting atmosphere at Gold Coast Stadium.
Ticketing information and match timings will be released soon via Cricket Australia. Register for the pre-sale to be first in line.
COOLY ROCKS ON RETURNS TO THE GOLD COAST
Australia’s largest nostalgia festival, Cooly Rocks On, has returned to Coolangatta, transforming the iconic beachside precinct into a vibrant celebration of rock ‘n’ roll, classic cars, vintage fashion and retro culture. Running from 3–7 June, the five-day festival attracts tens of thousands of visitors from across Australia and overseas, with highlights including the renowned Show ‘N’ Shine featuring more than 1,000 classic vehicles, the internationally recognised Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, live music, swing dancing and the ever-popular Pin-Up Pageant.
Produced by Experience Gold Coast, the festival continues to be a major drawcard for the region, delivering significant economic and tourism benefits while showcasing the city’s unique coastal lifestyle. With an extensive program of free and ticketed entertainment, international performers, the Saturday Night Car Cruise and a host of family-friendly attractions, Cooly Rocks On reinforces the Gold Coast’s reputation as a premier events destination. Last year’s festival attracted more than 160,000 attendees across the five days, while delivering a record economic boost to the region.
THE GOLD COAST IS WHERE DANCE DREAMS COME TO LIFE!
The Gold Coast has strengthened its reputation as a national hub for performing arts and creative events, with the 2026 Aussie Dance Tour delivering record participation, strong visitation outcomes and genuine international career pathways for emerging talent.
Held from 7-10 April at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre, the event attracted more than a thousand participants and families, with over 75% travelling from outside the region. Supported for the first time by EGC, the program has rapidly scaled since its launch in 2024, with participation numbers tripling in just two years and demand continuing to grow across Australia and internationally.
The event featured 20 leading choreographers from Australia, New Zealand and New York City delivering world-class workshops across multiple dance styles, alongside live auditions and scholarship opportunities with global organisations including the Joffrey Ballet School and Broadway Dance Centre. International cruise lines Disney and Celebrity Cruises hosted live auditions with contracts awarded to the best performers, highlighting the event’s important role in creating meaningful career pathways for the next generation of creatives.
VIEW THE 21 MAY 2026 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.