Go out for some star spotting at the Gold Coast Film Festival: The city’s very own film festival is now on at HOTA until April 28 with a fantastic line-up of Australian and international films to see, and a fun-filled program of panels and special events including the Screen Industry Gala Awards on Thursday April 18 and Women In Film Lunch on Friday April 19. Check out the jam-packed program on the Gold Coast Film Festival website.

Let the dogs out and celebrate your furry friends at this pawesome market: Dog lovers do not want to miss a day out at the Dogs on the Green Market on Sunday April 21, showcasing a huge range of products and services from local small businesses who cater for our furry friends. The market consists of more than 70 dog related stalls plus a great selection of food and drinks. 

Take a date to a juicy burger pop-up: No. 35 Cabarita burger night is making a comeback on Sunday April 21. They’ll be slinging patties from 12:00 pm until sold out. Get your chomps around a classic with Angus patty and pickles, a spicy chicken with buttermilk fried chicken and spicy mayo, a fish sandwich with fried snapper and zuni pickle, or a fried mushroom available for all the veggie lovers out there. Top that all off with fries and finish off with a tiramisu. It’s a burger night you won’t want to miss!

Prepare your taste buds for a feast at Dreamworld’s Food Festival: Dreamworld’s main street has become an explosion of taste, scent, and activity these school holidays with its annual Food Festival. The street is lined with new food and beverage options in pop-up stalls, food trucks and existing outlets every day during the April school holidays until April 21.

See the Mona Lisa come to life in this interactive art exhibition: HOTA Gallery’s expansive exhibition space has transformed into a vibrant symphony of light, colour, sound and fragrance as Italian Renaissance Alive transports visitors to the splendour of the 14th to 17th centuries and celebrates the period’s artistic and cultural influences. 

Browse handmade goods at Marketta Arts Creative’s new night market: Miami Marketta is going back to where it all began with Marketta Arts Creative on Thursday April 18. Showcasing the Gold Coast’s most talented local makers and creators, you can fill your boots to the brim with eclectic pieces of vintage clothing, special designer pieces and one-of-a-kind artworks.

Go roadtripping in search of ripper live tunes with Queensland Music Trails: Queensland Music Festival has a star-studded lineup to headline the 2024 Outback Trail, which will celebrate iconic Aussie music for nine action-packed days amongst the raw beauty of rural Queensland from April 13 to 21. The final days of the festival will be in Tambo, Charleville and Roma, featuring Bush Beatz, Paul Dempsey, Pierce Brothers, Mitch King and Maddy Thomas.

Feel the need for speed? Try out a Murf E-Bike on the Rail Trail: Come along on Sunday April 21 to the first Murf Owners Ride for a fun-filled day exploring the Northern Rivers Rail Trail with your Murf. If you don’t own a Murf Electric Bike but would like to try one for the ride, you can hire a Murf from Valley E-Bikes. There will also be a sausage sizzle and drinks after the ride.

Dine amidst a floral dreamland at this Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival: Be transported to Japan when you ascend the stairs to The Collective’s rooftop bar where the pink cherry blossoms of the spring season have burst to life. Treat it like a mini getaway and indulge in the exclusive drinks menu highlighting Japanese tipples, and savour the Japanese flavours when you order from Umami, one of the five restaurants slinging delicious dishes at The Collective. Escape to Japan without leaving the Gold Coast.

Rally your lamb-loving pals for a Greek Long Lunch on Capri: Manolas Deli Bar Bistro is celebrating its 30-year anniversary on Sunday April 21, serving up an authentic four-course feast, featuring some of Mama’s most delicious recipes, designed to share. There will be live music to bring the Greek island holiday vibes and selected regional Greek wines and beers to keep the celebrations flowing.

Take a walk to remember around Currumbin and surrounds: Walk with the community on Sunday April 21 around Currumbin and Tugun to help raise awareness for veterans who have lost their lives to internal battles. The 8-km walk, starting at 8:00 am, will commence from Currumbin RSL Reserve out by the creek with the halfway turning point being at Tugun Surf Life Saving Club. All funds raised will be donated to the Veterans’ Support Centre in Currumbin.

We do our best to remove cancelled events but be sure to check the organiser’s own event page for the most current updates. 

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.