9 April 2026
ENTRIES STILL OPEN FOR THE GOLD COAST RUNNING FESTIVAL
The 15th Gold Coast Running Festival returns on 26 April, celebrating community, fitness, and the Gold Coast lifestyle. The festival caters to all abilities, offering race distances from a 1 km family fun run and 2.5 km dash, up to 5 km, 10 km, half marathon (21.1 km) and three-quarter marathon (31 km).
All races start and finish at Cbus Super Stadium in Robina, with competitors following a fast, flat closed-road loop course around the surrounding streets, with one lap for shorter distances and multiple laps for longer events. This safe, spectator-friendly setup creates a vibrant finish-line atmosphere for runners, families, and visitors alike.
With most race entries still open, the festival continues to be a major tourism draw, showcasing the Gold Coast as an active, welcoming destination with fun, entertainment, and community spirit for all ages.
PACIFIC AIRSHOW PERFORMER ANNOUNCEMENTS AND CORPORATE HOSPITALITY ON SALE
Pacific Airshow Gold Coast is ready to soar back into Surfers Paradise 14-16 August. Set along almost two kilometres of beachfront, the Airshow combines breathtaking aerial displays with on-sand entertainment, performer signing sessions, a NXTGN STEM Lab interactive hub, local food and drink, and the PA Kids Zone.
Highlights of the first performer release include a US Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey, the Yak 110 flown by Jeff Boerboon, the T-33 piloted by Greg Colyer, a Queensland Fire Department air attack demonstration, and the Screaming Diamonds aerobatic team, with additional displays to be revealed in the coming weeks.
Emma McDonald has been appointed as the event’s ambassador. Known for her daring aerobatic displays and strong presence in the cockpit, Emma has become one of the most popular and exciting pilots in the Pacific Airshow line-up. Her journey from underdog to world-class aerobatic pilot embodies the spirit of the event and aims to inspire the next generation.
Premium hospitality is now on sale, offering a suite of beachfront experiences ideal for client entertainment. From the exclusive Private Chalet and Cabana options for larger groups, to the all-inclusive Beach Club and vibrant new Garden Bar, there are options to suit a range of group sizes, budgets and hosting styles. Set against the iconic Gold Coast skyline, it’s a standout opportunity to entertain clients in a high-impact, uniquely local setting.
GOLD COAST WELCOMES BACK OUT 2 LUNCH FESTIVAL IN 2026
The OUT 2 LUNCH Festival with Vodafone is returning to the Gold Coast in 2026, bringing a full day of music, entertainment, and citywide energy to locals and visitors alike. This year, the festival will take over a new location at Doug Jennings Park on Sunday 3 May, marking a fresh chapter for one of Australia’s most popular daytime music events.
The Gold Coast event promises a major homecoming, headlined by FISHER and supported by Gorgon City, Skream, Sarah Story, Azzecca, Little Fritter, Juicy Romance, TwofaceD, Richy Penny, Greg 99 and Shimmy. Blending world-class music with food, drink and social experiences, OUT 2 LUNCH delivers a vibrant, beachside festival atmosphere.
As one of the Gold Coast’s cultural events in May, the festival draws thousands of attendees, highlighting the city as a key destination for live music, lifestyle experiences, and large-scale events.
TWO PRESTIGIOUS SCHOOL SPORTING EVENTS ANNOUNCED FOR THE GOLD COAST IN 2027
The Gold Coast will host two of Queensland’s premier school sporting events in 2027, with the QISSN Queensland Independent Schools Netball Carnival (QISSN) and Confraternity Rugby League Carnival taking place from 27 June to 2 July. The QISSN Carnival, Australia’s largest secondary school netball competition, will be held in Carrara, while the Confraternity Carnival, the premier rugby league competition for Catholic and independent schools since 1980, will be hosted by Aquinas College, Ashmore, with games at Runaway Bay.
Together, the events will welcome around 6,000 competitors, families, and supporters, showcasing the state’s best young athletes and fostering teamwork, school pride, and lasting memories. Many past participants have gone on to represent Queensland and Australia in netball and rugby league, including Cameron Munster, Johnathan Thurston, and Vicki Wilson OAM. Both carnivals feature state and national selectors scouting emerging talent. Hosting these iconic competitions highlights the Gold Coast as a leading destination for elite youth sport, community celebration, and the next generation of Queensland sporting stars.