Unmissable Gold Coast Events

Photo // supplied.

If you can catch just one of these events on the Gold Coast, your visit will be hugely enriched...

•2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games - April
The pinnacle of Queensland's world-class events line-up, the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games will marry electrifying sporting action with extraordinary arts and culture, entertainment and stunning natural surroundings to create a uniquely Queensland spectacle.

•Surfers Paradise Live - May
Held over three days, this showcase of diverse music takes place on multiple stages throughout Surfers Paradise, with many genres represented. Local artists take to the stage alongside big-name bands at this exhilarating free event. Big screens relay all the action at The Beach Hut so you won't miss a beat.

•Blues on Broadbeach - May
Some of the biggest names in blues will be performing at Australia's biggest free music festival, situated in and around the heart of Broadbeach. Catch the tunes then chill out with a sundowner at the restaurants, cafes and bars.

•Cooly Rocks On - June
The '50s and '60s nostalgia-fest is back with a star-studded line-up of rock 'n' roll and rockabilly bands performing throughout Coolangatta. Iconic events include the Miss Cooly vintage glamour pageant and a poodle parade.

•Gold Coast Airport Marathon - July
Since the trailblazers pulled on their joggers in 1979, the Gold Coast Airport Marathon has grown into an iconic international event with 27,000 participants. Rub shoulders with Aussie running legends Pat Carroll and Benita Willis.

•Viva Surfers Paradise - July
Take a step back in time as the best tribute artists from around the world gather to bring back the music of yesteryear. Many of the greatest music legends will be honoured during 10 days of free entertainment, including the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest.

•Broadbeach Country Music Festival - July
Boardies meet banjos as the best known faces (and voices) in country music from Australia and overseas take to the beachside stage for this free event that gets bigger and better every year.

•Swell Sculpture Festival - September
This engaging 10-day outdoor art festival brings more than 50 works by renowned artists to a free public exhibition on the beautiful beaches of Currumbin. Visit by day or take a twilight stroll and see the sculptures lit up under the southern sky.

•Supercars Gold Coast 600 - October
The race Jamie Whincup once called home transforms the bustling residential, commercial and holiday destination of Surfers Paradise into a temporary 2.98km street circuit – high excitement and even higher speed.