It may be known for its beaches and warm climate, but there are plenty of things to do on the Gold Coast in the cooler months, too. From street art and hip hop festivals, to fireworks and 1950s car shows, here are the top 10 events happening on the Gold Coast this winter.
SeaFire 2023 // June 3, Surfers Paradise Beach
Presented by City of Gold Coast, SeaFire is an iconic fireworks festival taking place just off Surfers Paradise’s golden shore. While the event’s most dazzling details are yet to be announced, previous years have seen the world’s best pyrotechnicians battle it out on the water for the coveted title, while event goers enjoyed live music, street food, roving entertainment and more on land.
Cooly Rocks On // June 7 – 11, Marine Parade, Coolangatta
Each year, Cooly Rocks On packs a punch with an incredible line up of some of the best rock ‘n’ roll, swing, rockabilly and tribute artists from around the world. So much more than just the music, the festival offers a strong motoring element, with an impressive collection of vehicles on display in what is renowned as one of Australia’s best Show ‘N’ Shine displays.
Rhyme Festival // June 17, Broadwater Parklands
Some of Australia’s hip hop OGs – including illy, Drapht and Thundamentals – will roll into the Gold Coast for Rhyme Festival this winter. With old favourites and up-and-comers on the line up, the music will be unbeatable – as will the food and drinks on offer, thanks to the local breweries and distilleries serving up their best offerings on site.
Mudgeeraba Agricultural Show // June 24 – 25, Mudgeeraba Showgrounds
The ultimate celebration of agriculture on the Gold Coast, the Mudgeeraba Show is back in 2023 for its 93rd year. Don’t miss equestrian competitions, woodchopping demonstrations, working dogs in action, live bands, showbags and rides. There will also be delicious food, live music and fireworks to end the day with a bang. It’s wholesome, old-school fun.
Pub Choir: Can You Relax? Tour // July 13, Miami Marketta
Pub Choir is the unbelievable, hilarious, extremely low pressure show that proves no matter how much of a dud musician you are, singing is easy! The national phenomenon is heading across Australia to ask the question, “Can you relax?”. It will unite thousands of people across the nation in one mega singalong.
Surface Street Art Festival // July 2 – 16, Miami
The Miami Street Art Festival, SURFACE, returns to Gold Coast streets for its third annual year – just in time for the winter school holidays. Artists spanning a variety of mediums will showcase their work throughout Miami in cool and creative ways, inviting you to walk, ride, roll and stroll through the streets and watch it all unfold. There will also be live laneway concerts, gallery nights and large live murals.
Billy Elliot The Musical // July 1 – July 30, The Star Gold Coast
Based on the international smash-hit film and featuring a score by music legend Elton John, Billy Elliot is a theatrical experience that will stay with you forever. Set in a northern English mining town during the 1984 miners’ strike, this is an inspiring celebration of a boy who hangs up his boxing gloves for ballet shoes. Coming to The Star on the Gold Coast, you don’t want to miss it.
BLEACH* 2023 // August 3 – 13, Currumbin
One of the Gold Coast’s premier arts festivals will return with a bang in August 2023. While the official event program is yet to be released, a look back on the 2022 festival – which included performances from the likes of Kate Miller-Heidke, interactive art installations and delicious food – tells us this year’s event is not to be missed.
Kungka Kuṉpu: Strong Women // June 17 – August 27, HOTA
Don’t miss this showcase of major contemporary works by celebrated female artists from the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Lands. Working individually and collaboratively, these women leaders share an irrepressible desire to create ground-breaking works, deeply embedded with cultural knowledge and rich in ceremonial song and performance.
Dracula’s presents: Sanctuary // Ongoing, Dracula’s
‘Sanctuary’ opens with a sharp crack to the skull, followed by a spicy combination of the undead and criminally insane. Sit back and inject a little lust into your life as you bear witness to performances from Dracula’s resident psychopaths. From death-defying aerial acrobatics to groin-aching vocals, you’ll experience the thrill of seduction as the perversion overcomes you.