The Gold Coast’s festival season is calling. Autumn 2025 is packed with major events, each offering its own flavour of fun—from coastal swims and sand-side volleyball to nationally loved music festivals.
These are the festivals Gold Coast locals rave about and travellers plan their trips around. Want to be part of the excitement without the stress? Stay in Burleigh, and you’ll be perfectly placed to enjoy every moment. Let’s dive into what’s on and how to catch it all.
A Festival-Packed Season on the Gold Coast
Over three action-filled months, the region transforms into a magnet for music lovers, surf fans, and outdoor enthusiasts. From beach volleyball tournaments to sunset concerts and national surf championships, the festivals Gold Coast is famous for return in full swing for 2025.
This guide breaks down the biggest events and how to make the most of your stay during one of the coast’s most vibrant seasons.
Surf, Sun & Serious Talent: Coastal Competitions
These major events draw crowds from across Australia, creating an atmosphere as thrilling as the competition itself. If you’re planning your itinerary around high-energy experiences, here are some of the most exciting things to do in Burleigh Heads this season.
Hyundai Australian Boardriders Battle Grand Final
8–9 March, Burleigh Heads
Walk straight from your apartment to the beach and into the action. This national final brings together Australia’s top boardrider clubs for two days of high-stakes surf, live commentary, and food stalls—ideal for travellers looking for coastal excitement close to home.
The Aussies – Australian Surf Life Saving Championships
29 March – 6 April, Tugun & North Kirra
Just a 20-minute drive south, this massive championship brings together over 7,000 competitors. With ocean swims, rescue events, and crowd-pleasing beach relays, it’s one of the best family things to do on the Gold Coast this season.
Cooly Classic Ocean Swim Festival
12–13 April, Coolangatta
This open-water swim event offers options for every level of swimmer. It’s an accessible and memorable way to be part of the activities on the Gold Coast that combine fitness with iconic coastal backdrops.
Gold Coast Pro – WSL Championship Tour Event
3–13 May, Snapper Rocks
While technically nudging into winter, this world-class event is still part of the seasonal buzz. Watch the globe’s best surfers take on Snapper’s legendary right-hand point break—just 35 minutes from Burleigh.
Music, Vibes, & Natural Backdrops
For those who prefer live beats to beach breaks, the Gold Coast has something special in store. The music scene in early autumn blends natural beauty with laid-back energy. These events are perfect for those seeking Gold Coast entertainment with the bonus of open-air settings and sweeping coastal views.
For The Love Festival 2025
5 April, Burleigh Head National Park
This music festival has built a loyal following thanks to its blend of indie acts, DJS, and a location like no other. Nestled at the edge of the headland and just minutes from Burleigh Heads beachfront accommodation, this event is a must for anyone looking for atmosphere, scenery, and live tunes all in one.
Active Days & Outdoor Energy
There’s more than one way to experience the Gold Coast’s event season, and for some, it starts with movement.
Looking for activities to do in Gold Coast, Australia, that blend sport with a lively social atmosphere? These upcoming festivals bring an exciting, outdoorsy pulse to the calendar.
Gold Coast Volleyslam Beach Volleyball Festival
21–30 March, Coolangatta
Featuring junior tournaments through to elite-level competitions, Volleyslam transforms Coolangatta Beach into a ten-day sporting precinct. This is one of the largest events of its kind and a great option for those searching for Gold Coast things to do beyond the usual sightseeing.
Von Bibra Gold Coast Running Festival
27 April, CBus Stadium Robina
With multiple distance options—from 2km fun runs to half marathons—this event invites runners of all levels to take part. The stadium vibe, combined with a scenic course, makes this one of the more inclusive things to do in the Gold Coast for family holidays.
Plan Ahead & Make the Most of the Season
The best events can fill up quickly, so a little planning goes a long way.
Between March and May, the festivals Gold Coast hosts often come with limited capacities, parking considerations, and prime viewing areas. Booking tickets early, checking transport routes, and planning your day around key event times ensures you don’t miss out. As you map out your trip, be sure to mix and match between festivals, QLD, beach competitions, and scenic concerts.
What’s more, keeping a few evenings open for spontaneous discoveries often leads to the most memorable moments. After all, what’s on the Gold Coast changes almost weekly during the event season.
Soak It All In This Autumn
No matter your interests—surfing, music, sport, or family-friendly fun—there’s something that fits your style. These Gold Coast festivals deliver variety and energy with each passing weekend, and many are easy to reach from one central location. To experience the season to its fullest, this is the ideal moment to start planning your getaway.
Stay Closer to the Coastline Fun
To get the most out of the festivals Gold Coast offers, staying near the action makes all the difference. Burleigh Surf Apartments puts you in the perfect position—just steps from the sand and within walking or short driving distance to major events.
After a day of music or surfside cheering, return to your modern, self-contained apartment and relax with panoramic ocean views. You’ll also be close to top Burleigh Heads attractions, including dining, parks, and of course, the legendary beachfront.
*Image Credit: Gold Coast Volleyslam
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