culture
Gold Coast Events & Festivals 2026 Guide
What's on the Gold Coast in 2026? Complete calendar of festivals, races, and events including Magic Millions, Marathon, and Blues on Broadbeach.
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Gold Coast's Major Annual Events and Festivals
The Gold Coast events calendar reflects the city's outdoor, active and entertainment-focused character. From Australia's largest marathon and one of the country's richest horse races to international music festivals and world-class surf contests, the Gold Coast delivers a year-round events program that draws visitors from across Australia and internationally.
January, Magic Millions Race Day and Yearling Sale
The Magic Millions Race Day at the Gold Coast Turf Club is one of Australia's richest racedays, featuring the $2 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic, the richest race for two-year-old thoroughbreds in the Southern Hemisphere. The associated yearling sale at the Gold Coast Convention Centre is the country's premier thoroughbred auction.
May, Blues on Broadbeach
Blues on Broadbeach is one of Australia's largest and most beloved free music festivals, presenting three days of blues, roots and soul music across multiple outdoor stages in Broadbeach over the May long weekend. Over 40 acts and 100,000 visitors make it a fixture of the national music calendar.
July, Gold Coast Marathon
The Gold Coast Marathon is Australia's most popular marathon by participant numbers, drawing over 30,000 runners from across Australia and internationally across race weekend in early July. The flat Gold Coast foreshore course between Southport and Broadbeach produces fast times and is an AIMS-certified international marathon.
September to October, Swell Sculpture Festival
Swell Sculpture Festival at Currumbin Beach presents large-scale sculptures along the beach and esplanade over ten days in September, with works by Australian and international sculptors. Free entry and a spectacular setting make Swell one of the Gold Coast's most unique cultural offerings.
Surf Competitions, Year-Round
The Gold Coast's Superbank at Snapper Rocks hosts international surf competition throughout the year. The Quiksilver and Roxy Pro, part of the WSL Championship Tour, is held at Snapper Rocks and the Tweed Coast in late February to March.
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