Food, Drink and Markets
Ease into the weekend with beer and tunes at Fridays on the Lawn at HOTA (this week, ELSKA is providing the sounds) or if you’re a little further south, get along to Friday Crafternoons at Club Talle – a month-long series of beer tastings with local brewers, and this week it’s Stone & Wood’s turn with meets, greets and tastings. How about a gnocchi feast this weekend? Head on down to Espresso Moto at Coolangatta – it now transforms into an after-dark gnoccheria on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights (you can read more about it here). The Hellenika Long Lunch is taking over Miami Marketta on Sunday for the ultimate Greek feast – you can still nab tickets here. South of the border, dreamy southern spot Mavis’s Kitchen is hosting Fair Game: a feast of wild venison on Sunday at midday, with multi-award winning chef Dariush Lolaiy showcasing cultural traditions and innovative techniques with his wilderness-to-fire approach, with a delicious lunch prepared the old fashioned way over an open fire! Dog lovers among us will not want to miss Paws at the Park at Mudgeeraba Showgrounds this Saturday – it’s the coast’s biggest doggie market with more than 100 stalls, demonstrations and talks, food, music and even a best-dressed-pup competition! On Sunday, gather the brood for the Nerang Family Funanza at Country Paradise Parklands, set to feature rides, an animal farm, food trucks, market stalls, stage performances and more!

Live Music, Comedy and Arts
There are plenty of live and local gigs to treat your ears this weekend. On Friday, catch Mason Rack band at Southport Sharks or rock out at the INXS tribute show at BBQ Bazaar in Burleigh. Keen for a good belly laugh? Head to the Sound Lounge at Currumbin on Friday night to witness the satirical magic of Fiona O’Loughlin. Good news for people who like to party – Vinnie’s Dive in Southport has its Late Night Launch Party is happening on Saturday night – a monthly emo/pop/punk party featuring Vices and this month’s headliner, Electric Zebra! Over at The Star Gold Coast, Mondo Rock is bringing its greatest hits to the stage on Saturday night, while at Miami Marketta you can catch the Soul Movers on Friday night followed by the How Dare Yous on Saturday. Keen to unearth your inner creative this weekend? There’s Watercolour and Wine at Mo’s Dessert Club House on Saturday and a Resin Art Workshop at The Craft Parlour, while on Sunday you can head back to The Craft Parlour for a Floral Centrepiece Workshop or head up to the Paint & Sip session at Cabana Bar and sip wine while you design.