If you are planning a summer holiday or a quick weekend escape, the Gold Coast has a packed calendar. This guide covers key events within about a 30 to 40-minute drive of Burleigh Heads, with simple tips to help you plan.
If you are searching for activities to do in Gold Coast, Australia, January often brings crowd favourites like the Water Lantern Festival and the Magic Millions races. Programs can change, so check official event pages as you lock in dates.
Things to do in Burleigh Heads
Before you head out, set aside time for a few easy wins close to home. These ideas also tick off classic Gold Coast attractions.
- Start with a beach walk at sunrise. Burleigh is at its best early.
- Keep it simple with a swim and a café breakfast, then head out for the day without rushing.
- Plan one no-car day, so you can slow down and settle into holiday mode.
Food, Lights and Easy Summer Nights
This is where you get that food festival Gold Coast buzz without overplanning.
The Taste Festival Gold Coast
A relaxed January night out with food stalls and entertainment.
- 23 to 26 January 2026, Currumbin
- Drive from Burleigh Heads: around 10 to 20 minutes
- Local tip: arrive early, eat first, then settle in for the entertainment before it gets busy
What’s On the Gold Coast: Film and Culture
When you want a change of pace after the beach, these Gold Coast activities suit all weather.
AACTA Festival
Australian screen culture, talks, and screenings at HOTA over five days.
- 4 to 8 February 2026, HOTA
- Drive from Burleigh Heads: around 20 to 30 minutes
- Local tip: pick one daytime session and one evening session, then leave space for a late dinner in Broadbeach on the way back
Gold Coast Film Festival
Screenings and panels across HOTA and partner venues.
- 22 April to 3 May 2026, HOTA and venues
- Drive from Burleigh Heads: around 20 to 35 minutes
- Local tip: weekday sessions can feel more relaxed than weekends
SWELL Sculpture Festival
A free outdoor gallery along Currumbin Beach.
- 11 to 20 September 2026, Currumbin Beach
- Drive from Burleigh Heads: around 10 to 20 minutes
- Local tip: go early for softer light and fewer crowds
Gold Coast Entertainment: Music Festivals
If you want to know what to do on the Gold Coast, options that are easy to dip in and out of, these are ideal.
Laneway Festival Gold Coast
A full-day music festival at Southport Sharks.
- Saturday 7 February 2026, Southport Sharks
- Drive from Burleigh Heads: around 30 to 40 minutes
- Local tip: leave Burleigh earlier than you think, traffic builds fast for major events
Blues on Broadbeach
Live blues across multiple stages in the Broadbeach precinct, with plenty of free shows.
- 14 to 17 May 2026, Broadbeach
- Drive from Burleigh Heads: around 15 to 25 minutes
- Local tip: grab an early bite, then wander between stages
Cooly Rocks On
Classic cars, rock and roll, and a lively Coolangatta atmosphere.
- 3 to 7 June 2026, Coolangatta
- Drive from Burleigh Heads: around 20 to 30 minutes
- Local tip: go on a weekday night if you want a calmer vibe
Groundwater Country Music Festival
Three days of free country music across Broadbeach.
- 16 to 18 October 2026, Broadbeach
- Drive from Burleigh Heads: around 15 to 25 minutes
- Local tip: start early, then finish with a sunset walk on the beach
Here Comes The Sun
A beachside music festival at Queen Elizabeth Park.
- Saturday 2 May 2026, Coolangatta
- Drive from Burleigh Heads: around 20 to 30 minutes
- Local tip: make a full day of it with a morning swim, then head south mid-morning
Surfing Competitions Gold Coast Visitors Should Not Miss
Surfing is part of daily life here, and these are two favourites to watch.
Gold Coast Open
Burleigh Heads comes alive, and you can watch from the headland.
- 18 to 22 February 2026, Burleigh Heads
- Walk time from Burleigh Surf Apartments: minutes, depending on where you watch
- Local tip: bring a hat and arrive early for a good spot
Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro
World-class surfing at Snapper Rocks.
- 2 to 12 May 2026, Snapper Rocks, Coolangatta
- Drive from Burleigh Heads: around 20 to 30 minutes
- Local tip: check conditions each morning, the best viewing times can change with the swell
Sport and Spectacle Weekends
These dates suit anyone chasing a big Gold Coast activity, even if you only pop in for a few hours.
Gold Coast T100 Triathlon
Elite racing and a strong spectator vibe.
- 21 to 22 March 2026,
- Drive from Burleigh Heads: around 30 to 40 minutes
- Local tip: Use public transport or arrive early; road closures are common
Pho3nix Luke Harrop Memorial Gold Coast Triathlon
Another popular weekend for sports fans and supporters.
- 11 to 12 April 2026, Gold Coast
- Drive from Burleigh Heads: around 30 to 40 minutes
- Local tip: pack sunscreen and water, it can be a long day outside
ASICS Gold Coast Marathon weekend
Even if you never plan to run it, the marathon weekend brings a buzz to the city.
- 4 to 5 July 2026
- Drive from Burleigh Heads: around 25 to 40 minutes
- Local tip: book early and plan your transport, road closures start before sunrise
Pacific Airshow Gold Coast
A massive family-friendly weekend with aerial displays and on-sand entertainment.
- 14 to 16 August 2026, Surfers Paradise
- Drive from Burleigh Heads: around 20 to 35 minutes
- Local tip: bring ear protection for kids and arrive early for the best viewing
Gold Coast Show
A classic family day out with free entry, showbags, animals, rides, and plenty of food stalls.
- 28 to 30 August 2026, Broadwater Parklands
- Drive from Burleigh Heads: around 30 to 40 minutes
- Local tip: go earlier in the day for shorter queues
Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500
A major street circuit weekend with big crowds and road closures.
- 23 to 25 October 2026, Surfers Paradise
- Drive from Burleigh Heads: around 20 to 35 minutes
- Local tip: plan tram or park-and-ride options and leave the car behind if you can
Make Burleigh Surf Your Base for 2026
With so many events spread across the year, the best plan is simple: pick your must-dos, then stay somewhere that keeps everything easy.
Burleigh Surf Apartments gives you a beachfront base in Burleigh Heads, so you can spend less time commuting and more time enjoying the trip. Have your big event day, then come back for a quiet swim, a spa, or a relaxed night in.
When you are ready to lock in your dates, check availability and book your stay at Burleigh Surf Apartments.
Image Credit: Silks Under The Stars Race Evening
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