What’s the perfect way to spend a weekend on the Gold Coast? Most guests start with the beach, but it doesn’t stop there. The weekends here are buzzing with events. Music fills the streets, farmers’ markets bring in local colour, and festivals create a sense of community you can’t replicate.
You’ll be in for a treat when searching for what’s on this weekend, Gold Coast. You could stumble across a mural in progress, join in a live gig just around the corner, or catch a sunrise market. It’s all within minutes of Princess Palm.
What’s on This Weekend, Gold Coast?
These nearby experiences promise to fill your itinerary with the perfect blend of creativity and relaxation.
Live Music at The Collective Palm Beach
Type: Free local entertainment with dining
Distance: 7-minute walk from Princess Palm
Entry: Free when you are dining
Local tip: Book a table in advance if visiting on a Friday or Saturday night
This is one of the easiest ways to experience Gold Coast entertainment without travelling far. It’s family-friendly, and local favourites often perform acoustically under the string lights.
Palm Beach Farmers Market
Type: Weekly community market
Distance: 15-minute walk
Entry: Free
Local tip: Arrive between 7–8 am for the best produce and shortest lines
One of the most beloved Palm Beach attractions, this Saturday morning staple is your go-to for seasonal produce. Held on the grounds of Palm Beach Currumbin High School, it’s a great start to the day and an essential stop if you’re wondering what to do in Palm Beach. Bring a keep cup, a tote bag, and a good appetite.
What’s Coming Up This Winter & Spring
The momentum that starts in March builds into a full-scale celebration across the coast by June. These signature events are well worth building a weekend around.
Cooly Rocks On – 4 June, Coolangatta
Event type: Vintage cars, live rock’n’roll, swing dancing, street parades
Distance: 25-minute drive
Travel tips: Street closures are common—arrive early and consider public transport from Broadbeach, then ride-share
Family suitability: Very family-friendly with free entertainment throughout the day
Website: coolyrockson.com
Classic cars, 50s-inspired fashion, and live performances spilling out onto the streets make Cooly Rocks On one of the most unique Gold Coast events of the year.
SURFACE Festival – 29 June to 13 July, Miami
Event type: Street art festival, live mural painting, open studio tours
Distance: 20-minute drive
Travel tips: Parking is limited—use the G: link to Broadbeach, then Uber to the Miami precinct
Family suitability: Great for families, especially during daylight mural walks
Website: surfacefestival.com.au
SURFACE Festival showcases street art and visual storytelling across large-scale walls in Miami. A definite favourite among fans of festivals, QLD is proud to host.
You can follow the trail, meet the artists, and experience interactive pieces. It’s colourful, expressive, and perfect for a weekend walk with a coffee in hand.
BLEACH Festival – 31 July to 10 August, Burleigh
Event type: Contemporary arts, performance, live music, community storytelling
Distance: 15-minute drive
Travel tips: Limited beachside parking—use local side streets or rideshare for easier access
Family suitability: Most shows are family-friendly; check listings for free performances
This festival brings the Gold Coast concert scene to life in the most creative ways. It blends music, art, theatre, and community spirit, often staged in unexpected outdoor spaces. You’ll find pop-up theatres in parks and cultural moments that stay with you long after. It’s one of the best things to do on the Gold Coast each winter.
Whale Watching Season – June to October
Event type: Wildlife experience, guided boat tours
Distance: Departures from Main Beach and Tweed – approx. 30-minute drive
Travel tips: Morning cruises offer calmer waters; book ahead during school holidays
Family suitability: Excellent for all ages; onboard facilities available
Website: seaworldcruises.com.au
Winter marks the return of one of nature’s most breathtaking sights—whale watching Gold Coast style. Migrating humpbacks pass close to shore, and several trusted tour operators offer cruises departing nearby. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many and easily ranks among the top things to do on the Gold Coast for family trips.
Need a Break Between Events?
Luckily, the area surrounding Princess Palm is just as generous with its calm as it is with its culture. These nearby nature escapes are ideal for a breather between activities. They are local favourites that tick the box for both relaxation and recreation.
Tallebudgera Creek
Distance: 10-minute drive
Type: Natural waterway, family-friendly swimming and kayaking spot
Why go: Crystal-clear water, shady picnic zones, safe spots for kids
Local tip: Bring towels, a picnic basket, and your snorkel gear
Tallebudgera Creek is one of the Gold Coast’s natural treasures. It’s peaceful, accessible, and especially loved by families for its gentle entry points and scenic setting.
Burleigh Head National Park
Distance: 15-minute drive
Type: Coastal walking trails, lookouts, wildlife
Why go: Ocean views, rainforest paths, chance to spot dolphins and whales
Local tip: The Oceanview Track is the easiest and most scenic route
For those compiling a weekend of the best things to do in Gold Coast, Burleigh Head National Park offers a great contrast to the urban buzz. It also quietly supports the more tranquil side of things to do in the Gold Coast for family travellers.
Even if your itinerary is packed, there’s always time to take in a peaceful corner of the coast. These natural escapes round out the weekend, offering space to enjoy the Gold Coast’s quieter moments.
A Weekend Worth Planning Around
Every season brings its colour. Every weekend offers something new. Cultural festivals, early-morning markets, and nature walks with ocean views all come together to make your time on the Gold Coast meaningful. What makes it even better is how connected everything feels.
You can go from discovering a mural in progress to paddling calm waters at Tallebudgera within an hour. It’s a place where planning your weekend means choosing how much you want to do. And no matter how you spend it, you’ll leave with stories worth sharing.
Stay Close to the Action at Princess Palm
Positioned right on the beachfront, Princess Palm Resort puts you within easy reach of the Gold Coast’s best weekend experiences. After a day spent exploring what’s on, the comforts of home are waiting. A heated spa, a spacious balcony with ocean views, and the sound of waves at your doorstep.
You might wind down in the games room, head out for an evening beach walk, or start planning your next outing—everything feels close, calm, and connected.
Want to see more of the area? Explore all the Palm Beach attractions waiting just beyond your doorstep.
*Image Credit: Must Do Gold Coast
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