Sake Degustation at Kiyomi: Cutting-edge Japanese dining spot Kiyomi is inviting diners to explore the wonders of sake and develop a deeper appreciation of the traditional swill (or ‘nihonshu’ as it’s referred to in Japan) with its exclusive sake degustation menu. The fanciful feast features a specially curated eight-course food journey that has been expertly paired with top-flight sake – it’s all designed to open your eyes to the different styles and flavour profiles of rice wine, which are enhanced when paired properly with fine fare. Ready to take a (sake) flight around Japan without leaving the coast? Kiyomi’s two-person sake degustation is $150 per person, and is on offer each night (Tuesday to Saturday) throughout October and November. Head to here for details.

Catch the NRL & AFL Finals: It’s a pretty safe bet that most (all) of the sports bars across the coast will be screening the footy finals this weekend but if you are on the hunt for a last-minute venue, check out The Lucky Squire in Broadbeach, Harry’s Sports Bar in Burleigh Heads and Sports Bar at The Star Gold Coast. The Sporting Globe at Robina Town Centre and Crafty’s at Harbour Town are also excellent options for families.

Cox Plate at Gold Coast Turf Club: Giddy up, Gold Coast. The spring racing carnival is in full swing with the much-loved Cox Plate happening on Saturday October 24. According to racing enthusiasts, the Cox Plate is hailed as the race where legends are made so if that’s your jam, the Gold Coast Turf Club is the place to be.

Oktoberfest at The Island: Ladies and gents, it’s that time again – dig out your dirndl and lederhosen from the back of your wardrobe and raise a stein for Oktoberfest! Revel in German culture at The Island Gold Coast’s makeshift beer hall (aka the all-new Glasshouse) and feast on Bavarian comfort food – think schnittys bigger than your head, pork knuckles and wurst – prost to that, friends! Tickets to the daytime session have sold-out but the good news is that there’s still a hand full left to the evening sitting. Jump over here to grab yours.

Lime Spiders at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse: No, not the kind you sip, the kind that infiltrate your earholes. This Saturday, the legendary Lime Spiders are about to escape their green quarantine to launch the band’s sixth album LSD (Lime Spiders Delirium). Escape reality with the band’s compelling acid-rock hitting the stage at Mo’s as part of their Queensland tour leg. Keen? Slide over here for tickets.

Whisky Dinner at Yamagen: If you firmly believe that indulgence is best served with a touch of whisky, get along to Yamagen at QT on Thursday October 29 and kneel at the shrine of Japan’s most renowned distilleries. Your whisky-infused culinary journey will be guided by Yamagen’s Executive Chef Adam Lane and feature a six-course degustation menu with each course artfully paired with the masterful blends of Kurayoshi whisky. Tickets are $120 per person and if you’re keen to get along, jump over here to book.

Gold Coast Fashion Market at Robina Community Centre: If you fancy yourself a bit of a thrifter and love to bag a bargain, mosey on down to Robina Community Centre on Saturday for a good rack rummage. There will be coffee on hand to keep your energy levels high as you make your way through 10,000-plus pre-loved pieces – you just never know what you might uncover. Morena Espresso in Mermaid Beach is also hosting a clothes swap on Saturday.

Paint & Sip at SkyPoint: Does your inner artist needs a little liquid encouragement to reveal themselves? If you are nodding at your screen right now, this Paint & Sip class is for you. Spend your Sunday with a paintbrush in one hand and a glass of bubbles in the other soaking in the sensational view from 230-metres above sea level. The class is hosted by Pinot & Picasso, so you’re in excellent hands. You never know, you may just be the next Picasso, or perhaps not, but either way you’ll have a fun time and leave with your very own masterpiece. Tickets are $65 per person, jump over here to nab yours.

Sarah McLeod at HOTA: It’s no secret we’ve been pining for the buzz of a live crowd, the irrepressible cheer as performers take to the stage and the high you feel after witnessing an exceptional performance. Prepare yourselves, UPSPRING has officially kicked off at HOTA. The showcase invites you to enjoy intimate live gigs, stage plays, thought-provoking films and cabaret performances. This Saturday (October 24) you can catch a set from the exceptionally talented Sarah McLeod in HOTA’s intimate Lakeside Room. Head here for tickets.

Check out Robina Farmers Markets: Does your ideal Sunday morning involve wandering around a farmers market collecting your produce for the week ahead with a coffee in hand? Well, there’s a brand-new farmers market that you need to know about! Robina Farmers Market is a one-stop shop for all things fresh – produce, organic fruit and vegetables, gourmet and global foods, meat, fish, deli products, tunes, coffee and flowers. Open every Sunday from 6:00 am to midday at Robina State High School.

Get your fill at one of the coast’s night markets: As always, we’re spoilt for choice when it comes to night markets on the Gold Coast. Slide into your weekend with an early dinner at The Sanctuary Markets at Currumbin Sanctuary on Friday night or kick on after dark at Miami Marketta. BBQ Bazaar Night Market will also be slinging beers, bites and beats all weekend.