We’ll try to play it cool, but we do get excited when big stars come to town. HOTA is rolling out the red carpet for the city’s very own film festival this weekend, but as well as that there’s so much to see and do from Thursday April 18 to Sunday April 21. From a furry friend market and country road trips to a burger pop-up and a Cherry Blossom Festival, you can be the star of your own life this weekend. more
Wherever you are in the world, a trip to the local market can tell you more about a city than any guide book ever could. Miami Marketta is the melting pot of markets on the Gold Coast and it’s just announced a new market supporting local artists and designers. We’re gathering all the tote bags we own for a fun late-night shop. more
The holidays may be over, but don't fret – there's a long weekend just around the corner, and it's time to get planning! The summer vibes will be high over at The Star Gold Coast for the entire three days (January 26–28) so you can fill your long weekend with everything from Italian-style sunset sipping sessions to dance-worthy Motown parties and knee-slapping fun with Jimeon. more
Summer has arrived and 2024 is coming in hot – so it's time to lean into the season, let your hair down and treat your ears to some sweet beats. The Star Gold Coast has all of your sun-kissed afternoons and balmy nights sorted throughout December, with some of Australia's most in-demand DJs and live performers headlining a sizzling summer of free music at Live on the Lawn. All you need to do is grab a cocktail and get ready to dance. more
Ah, summer. Those glorious months where the days seem to stretch on forever, allowing plenty of time to soak up some vitamin D and make the most of the Gold Coast's glorious surroundings. Whether you're a fan of the heat or prefer to spend your days and nights in the comfort of aircon, The Star Gold Coast has an itinerary jam-packed with activities to guarantee a funner summer. You can fill your calendar with free live music, Italian-inspired sipping and snacking sessions, sundowners by the pool and dynamite dining deals. more
As spring rolls around and the weather starts to warm, us Queenslanders take on a different personality. Our social calendars fill up and the need to make up for winter nights spent inside kicks in. Be sure to clear your diary on September 16 and 30, as Distillery Road Market (DRM) is once again bringing a loaded line-up of piping-hot events. From food-truck feasts and terrific tunes to artisan goods and fresh seasonal produce, DRM has something for every market-goer. more
If the recent influx of adorable pictures of kids dressed in fairytale-esque costumes wasn't an obvious enough sign, another edition of Book Week has just passed. If you're keen to continue showing literature some love and rediscover the beauty of books, take your kids to HOTA Gallery's newest kid-friendly exhibition, Colour Your Imagination – Just add books. This enchanting exhibition offers an immersive and super-fun experience springing from the colourful imagination of Gold Coast artist Victoria Reichelt. more
The end of winter is nigh and there's no better way to send off the chilly season than with Garden Kitchen & Bar's Snow Party on The Lawn. Happening this Saturday August 26, this frosty festivity is bringing together toasty tipples, belly-warming eats, sizzling entertainment, and perhaps the most exciting seasonal feature of all – snow! more
We all know and love Distillery Road Market for its mouth-watering mix of fresh produce and enticing eats, alongside the spectacular selection of small-batch producers, local artisans and vintage goods. This month the lifestyle, food and entertainment hub has returned with a pleasing line-up of markets, alongside two super-fun nights of events, including a Roller Disco and a pulse-accelerating skateboard competition. So don your skates and elbow pads and let's roll into all of the details ... more
In case you missed the exciting news, the Pacific Airshow is flying into Surfers Paradise from August 18–20. The best seats in the house are at none other than Paradise Centre, which is celebrating the aviation event with Paradise Air, an airshow extravaganza that promises non-stop thrills, flavoursome fare, fabulous freebies and even some feathered friends. Ready to board? Leave your passport at home and come along with us to this beachside plane party. more
North Stradbroke Island (Minjerribah) is well known for being an oasis for sun-soaked summer adventures, snorkeling, surfing, whale watching and weekends away. Alongside its natural beauty, North Straddie also boasts a rich history of arts and culture, which is showcased in its talented local artists and makers. You can witness this talent in the flesh from August 11–14 with the return of the Straddie Arts Trail. Keep reading to discover all of the details ... more
The big blue holds a lot of secrets, especially when it comes to the marine life that calls it home. If you want to deep-dive into the ocean and learn all about marine animals then we know an event that is sure to cure your curio-sea-ty. This National Science Week, Griffith University’s Shark Ecology Australia team is hosting The enigmatic world of sharks, whales and jellyfish, a free community event that's jam-packed with knowledge, expert speakers and sensory experiences. more
Gearing up for its 12th year, BLEACH* Festival is marking the milestone with its most ambitious program to date – 300 artists, 218 performances and 38 events including two world premieres across five hubs. Go ahead and block out your calendar from August 3–13, because you're not going to want to miss a minute of the fun. Here's what the 2023 iteration of the Gold Coast's premier arts and cultural festival has in store ... more
In case you missed it, Mother's Day is just around the corner (it's on Sunday May 14, for those who are wondering). If the usual flowers, soaps, candles and other trinkets seem repetitious this year, why not take Mum out for a fun-filled day of freebies, live music and a plethora of dining options. You'll find all of this and more in the heart of Surfers Paradise this Mother's Day ... more
Easter is just around the corner, and that means the school holidays have arrived! To celebrate the annual chocolate-filled occasion, shopping, lifestyle and dining precinct Paradise Centre will be serving up all things sweet these school holidays with Sweet as Easter from April 1–16. You can expect to snag some truly great freebies, breakdance with bunnies and dance to some dynamite DJ sets. Here's all the need-to-know deets ... more
If you blinked and missed it (you’d be forgiven for doing so), we’ve arrived in autumn. With the sweltering summer heat mostly behind us, we’re keen to capture the best of the season alfresco style, and most importantly, with a cocktail in hand. The vibes can only be amplified by some live music, and that’s exactly what you can expect from Garden Kitchen & Bar's latest season of Live on The Lawn. The Star Gold Coast's signature free live-music venue is serving up the ultimate trio of bevvies, bites and bangers every weekend, and you can expect some huge headline entertainment. So, if you're fond of a drop and free live tunes, you can enjoy entertainment at Garden Kitchen & Bar every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. more
There's nothing better than a block party. Wait, scratch that – there's nothing better than a carpark fiesta! On Saturday March 25, that’s exactly the type of celebration that the crew behind Tugun Market Co is hosting – and you're invited along for the ride. You can expect an afternoon where food trucks serve up flavourful fare, cocktails are poured out of a retro caravan and smooth tunes fill the air. more
Just when we were starting to recover from New Year's Eve, along comes Lunar New Year! Get set for lion dancers, red lanterns and Peking duck-filled feasts to usher in the Year of the Rabbit, which is said to be the luckiest of all 12 zodiac signs. There are plenty of events happening across the Gold Coast throughout January and into February, so if you’re keen to get in on the Lunar New Year action, here are a few top picks, hop to it! more
And just like that, December is upon us. As your weekends fill up with festive gatherings and you frantically finish up work for the year while trying to dodge (or embrace) Mariah's Christmas jingle, it's important you still find some time for yourself. If you've got a few spare dates left on the calendar for December, or if you're ready to emerge from the chrysalis of your couch and embrace life as the ultimate social butterfly, The Star Gold Coast has a bounty of events to keep you busy well into the new year. From tacos on the lawn and scenic sundowners to weeknight delights and your Christmas and New Year's Eve plans, The Star has your December sorted. Let's dive in, shall we? more
Do you hear that? The sound of shopping centres and homes across Australia collectively blowing the dust off their Christmas decorations and Mariah Carey albums, ready for the most wonderful time of the year! If, like us, Christmas has you jingling with joy, you'll want to schedule a visit to Sanctuary Cove this festive season. While they can't promise snow, they can promise a sparkling line-up of Christmas food, events, prizes and festivities against the backdrop of blue skies, glistening waterfronts and snow-white yachts. Here's everything you need to know about the holy jolly times on the cards for Hope Island this December. more
