
Comedy, arvo gigs and cornhole tournaments – What’s on across the coast this weekend
Summer’s disappearing faster than a Frosty Fruit after a day in the sun, so we’re packing in the activities while we can. Luckily there’s plenty of events making the most of the long days and balmy nights this weekend, like musical bingo, a double-day blues-barbecue and bottomless lunches. Some of the coast’s best venues are putting on cracker parties for the Hottest 100 countdowns, with live music and tasty treats to boot. Here’s a snapshot of what’s on from Thursday January 21 to Sunday January 24.

Ash Grunwald at Miami Marketta: Known for his raucous live shows, Ash Grunwald is credited for bringing blues and roots music to a new generation. His signature style blurs any traditional lines between genres with foot-stomping blues tracks buoyed by blistering guitar, hip hop beats and synth. Lyrically, he’s is inspired by the fiery breath of injustice, political and environmental mismanagement and rampant capitalism and he’s bringing it all to the stage at Miami Marketta on Saturday January 30. If you’ve not had the pleasure of catching Ash Grunwald live, do yourself a favour and grab your tickets here.
The Wayward Suns, Dogtags, Die For Mushies and Dreams of Indigo afternoon show at Vinnie’s Dive Bar: Is it just us or did this year’s Hottest 100 feel a little … mellow? More so than previous years (including that year that Angus and Julia Stone took out the top spot with ‘Big Jet Plane’). If the whole thing left you craving something a little more fast-paced, make haste to Vinnie’s Dive Bar on Saturday January 30 from midday to catch some sublime arvo sets from The Wayward Suns, Dogtags, Die For Mushies and Dreams of Indigo. Jump over here for tickets.

Image credit: Luke Heggie Facebook
Comedy Underground with Luke Heggie at HOTA: If you eat bananas with the string still attached to the side of the shaft, you are in charge of a blog, you play competition frisbee, or you wear a t-shirt with the word finisher on it, then this is not the show for you. If none of those things apply, then roll in to catch professional funnyman Luke Heggie in the Basement on Saturday January 30. Keen to laugh so much it hurts? Get tickets here.
Akmal at CBD Live Southport: Have you always wanted a perfect body, with rock hard abs and buns of steel without ever getting out of bed? If you’ve ever wanted to be so stinking rich that you could pay Rupert Murdoch to drop his pants and perform a silly dance while singing in a high pitch voice, just for a laugh. In this one-hour show, Akmal will be asking the audience if they know how he can achieve these things. It’s a guaranteed good time – tickets are $50 and available here.

Escape the heat at the new-look JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa: Looking for something a little special? Spend your weekend relaxing poolside at the new-look JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa (formerly Surfers Paradise Marriott) with a cocktail delivery from the bar. The dreamy tropical aquatic area includes both a saltwater lagoon and a freshwater pool and is enveloped by a picturesque white sandy beach, tropical gardens and a cascading waterfall – bliss! The best part? There’s an accomodation package from $474 which includes overnight accommodation for two, breakfast for two in Citrique, followed by a calming Broadwater experience either via paddle board or kayak. Complete your stay relaxing in the tropical lounge surrounds of Chapter & Verse with an afternoon JW cheeseboard and lavender crafted cocktail. To learn more, head here.
To find out more about what’s on in the Gold Coast, head to our Event Guide.