Miami’s block party, Christmas markets and a big bingo rave – what’s happening this weekend on the Gold Coast
Keen to make the most of your weekend? Allow us to help you out. We’ve rounded up some of the best things happening on the Gold Coast from Thursday December 7 to Sunday December 10, from the iconic Cooly Christmas Carols to Miami’s boozy block party and the world’s biggest bingo rave. Read on for more ideas on how you can spend your days off …
Sip your way through Miami’s Block Party: Get into the Christmas spirit(s) at Miami’s first-ever Block Party this Sunday – a mini street festival hosted by the bars and breweries of Miami’s booziest block (aka the pocket bordered by Hibiscus Haven, Christine Avenue and Lemana Lane). FIZZ, Precinct, Black Hops, Granddad Jack’s, Pretty Handsome and Haven are all throwing open their doors from 11:00 am, so avid sippers can do their own bar crawl through the precinct enjoying one-day-only specials, entertainment from DJs and live musicians, as well as delicious food options and even lucky door prizes.
Shop under the stars at The Village Markets’ Robina pop-up: Beloved Burleigh-based boutique-fashion and lifestyle market The Village Markets is popping up at Robina Town Centre for an enchanting twilight Christmas market this Thursday. Taking over The Promenade from 4:00 pm, the market will feature 30-plus stalls, craft workshops, a glitter station and a pop-up cocktail bar so you can sip while you shop.
See Santa parachute onto the beach at the Cooly Carols: Coolangatta’s iconic beachside Christmas carols are taking over Queen Elizabeth Park this Sunday December 10, with an all-star cast of singers and dancers bringing your favourite festive tunes to life. There will be a delicious assortment of savoury and sweet food trucks, as well as an explosive fireworks display to cap the night off. Head down from 5:30 pm and get your eyes to the sky – we hear Santa has his parachute packed and ready to go.
Dabble in lip-sync battles and dance-offs at the world’s biggest bingo rave: Yes, a bingo rave! Bingo Loco is heading to The Star Gold Coast for a night of shenanigans this Friday December 8, with plenty of confetti, lip-sync battles, thrilling prizes and, of course, a chance to yell those five sweet letters – bingo! When you’re not frantically listening for your winning number, you’ll be entertained by comedian MCs, dancers and plenty of crazy theatrics. Expect the endorphins to be running hot all night long. Final tickets to Bingo Loco can be purchased here.
Get festive at Dreamworld Night Market’s Christmas edition: Held every Friday and Saturday night until Christmas, the Dreamworld Night Market is pulling out all the stops with festive-themed entertainment, live music, street art, delicious food stalls and Christmas movie screenings to get you into the spirit. This Friday, Making Moves Music will hit the music stage and Rise of the Guardians will be on the big screen, then on Saturday 42 Band will provide the tunes while the kids kick back to watch Arthur Christmas. Gates open from 5:00 pm.
Enjoy a festive flick under the stars at HOTA: Gather the brood and roll out the picnic rug this Saturday night – the HOTA team is firing up the big screen under the stars for a special outdoor screening of 8-Bit Christmas. Head down at 5:30 pm to enjoy tasty bites from food trucks, sips from the pop-up bar, then kick back for a night of Christmas cheer with the whole family!
Wander through a Christmas wonderland at The Valley Estate: Currumbin’s The Valley Estate will transform into an illuminated Christmas wonderland each night from December 7–10, with locals invited to venture behind the gates. You can meander through the lush grounds to witness the estate’s incredible lighting installations, stopping off at Santa’s den and the elves’ workshop, while enjoying plenty of photo-worthy moments. Limited tickets are available here, and you can also pre-order luxury picnic hampers to enjoy on the lawn under the glittering lights. Be quick to book!
Put your best foot forward at HOTA’s sneaker-themed exhibition: Discover the phenomenon of footwear and how it has challenged performance design, inspired subcultures, and shaken the world of fashion at Sneakers Unboxed: Studio to Street. On display at HOTA Gallery this summer, the must-see exhibition charts the design and cultural journey of sneakers, and how they have become symbols of our time. From iconic brands and collaborations to the world’s first biologically active shoe and the high-fashion reinvention of sneakers, this showcase will sweep you off your feet. Tickets are available through the HOTA website.
Don your festive best at Southport’s annual Christmas bash: Haven’t quite planned your Friendsmas yet? Jingle & Mingle is back to light up Southport Sharks this Saturday night – so gather your pals, office besties or family for the ultimate Christmas party! The festive cocktail-style affair features an indulgent three-course feast, a four-hour drinks package and live music from The Baker Boys Band. If you need somewhere to rest your head, discounted accommodation is available at Mantra at Sharks for those attending the event and wanting to stay the night. Be quick to scoop up final tickets here.
Experience a White Christmas at Movie World: The wildly popular annual Movie World White Christmas, aka the closest we’ll ever get to an actual white Christmas on the Gold Coast, makes its return to Movie World this Friday night. On select nights from now until December 23, the theme park will transform into a spectacular winter wonderland with a huge nightly schedule of festivities, precincts and special events to celebrate the festive season. It’s truly one of the most magical Christmas wonderlands you’ll ever see, and the kids will have absolute ball. Book your tickets (be quick – dates are already selling out) over here.
Slurp up $2 oysters at Room 81: If you’re keen to soak up the lavish surroundings of Room 81, make sure to stop in for Apéro Chic. Described as ‘a time in the early evening reserved for relaxing, catching up with friends and indulging in drinks, canapes, cold cuts and cheeses’, this sipping and snacking session runs from 4:00–6:00 pm from Tuesday to Saturday. The best bit? You can score $2 oysters as you while away until dusk with wine and cocktails.
Shop ’til you drop at these weekend markets: If you’re eager to stroll through some stalls and stock up on some fresh fruit and veg over the weekend, be sure check out these markets happening – Burleigh Farmers Market, Gold Coast Organic Markets, HOTA Farmers & Artisan Market, Helensvale Farmers Markets, Palm Beach Food & Farmers Market and Marina Mirage Farmers Markets. For delicious nighttime eats, hit up family-friendly twilight event Dreamworld Night Market.
Want more? Head to our comprehensive Event Guide for all of the fun around town where you can search by category, date, location and more! We do our best to remove cancelled events but be sure to check the organiser’s own event page for the most current updates.
To find out more about what’s on in the Gold Coast, head to our Event Guide.
