Gold Coast festival guide
Gold Coast music festivals, beachfront events and live music weekends
A rolling guide to Gold Coast music festivals, from Broadbeach favourites and beachfront events to major touring festivals, country weekends, arts programs and nearby South East Queensland escapes.
From free multi-stage festivals and large-scale dance events to coastal arts programs and nearby Northern Rivers favourites, this page keeps track of the festival weekends shaping the Gold Coast music calendar.
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Looking beyond the Gold Coast? Jump to another YELO festival guide, or keep scrolling for major Gold Coast festivals and nearby favourites.
Australian country singer-songwriter Abbie Ferris performs at Groundwater Country Music Festival on the Gold Coast. Photo: Facebook.
Major Gold Coast festivals
The Gold Coast’s biggest festivals move between Broadbeach, Coolangatta, Southport and the wider city, mixing dance events, free multi-stage festivals and major touring brands.
Laneway Festival
February 7
Held at Southport Sharks, Laneway Festival became one of the Gold Coast’s biggest festival additions in 2026 after shifting from Brisbane.
Ultra Beach
April 12
Ultra Beach brings large-scale EDM production and international festival energy to the Gold Coast, built around dance music, big stages and a beachside setting.
Blues on Broadbeach
May 14–17
Blues on Broadbeach brings major blues, roots and soul acts to venues and outdoor spaces across Broadbeach. The free festival has become one of the Gold Coast’s signature live music events.
Cooly Rocks On
June 3–7
Cooly Rocks On celebrates rock ’n’ roll, swing, rockabilly and vintage culture across Coolangatta. Its live program makes it a standout event on the Gold Coast calendar.
BLEACH*
October 1–11
BLEACH* is the Gold Coast’s flagship contemporary arts festival, combining music, performance, visual art and large-scale public events across multiple locations.
Groundwater Country Music Festival
October 16–18
Groundwater Country Music Festival turns Broadbeach into a multi-stage country music hub across three days, mixing established and emerging artists.
Gold Coast and nearby favourites
Gold Coast audiences also move between nearby Brisbane, Northern Rivers and South East Queensland events, with the wider region helping shape the festival year beyond the coastline itself.
Open Season
May 25 to July 25
Open Season is Brisbane’s annual winter music and arts program, spanning multiple venues and public spaces across the city.
Festival of the Stone
June 2026
Festival of the Stone is Byron Bay’s annual brewery and music event, bringing live music, beer and a relaxed Northern Rivers atmosphere together.
Keep exploring
Find more Gold Coast gigs, Queensland festivals, venues and live music guides across YELO.
Read more on YELO
Latest Gold Coast festival stories
More festival stories, music news and local scene updates from the Gold Coast and nearby Queensland music world.
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Ministry of Sound brings Summer Dance Festival to the Gold Coast
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Groundwater Country Music Festival returns October 16-18
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Cooly Rocks On in Coolangatta from June 3-7
Cooly Rocks On is on at the Coolangatta Hotel from June 3-7, bringing classic rock ’n’ roll, swing and retro-inspired…
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Spilt Milk expected to return to Gold Coast
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Blues on Broadbeach returns May 14-17
Blues on Broadbeach returns from May 14–17 in 2026, celebrating its 25th year with a packed blues, roots and soul…
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Laneway Festival gearing up for Gold Coast
Laneway Festival lands on the Gold Coast at Southport Sharks on February 7 in 2026, with major international and Australian…
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Kendrick Lamar and Doechii to headline Spilt Milk 2025, full lineup announced
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