Where else can you go from a sun-drenched beachfront blues festival to an intimate dinner show —all in one weekend? The Gold Coast is setting the stage for its biggest year of live entertainment. This 2025, it will bring everything from chart-topping concerts to immersive theatre experiences you won’t find anywhere else. If you love the thrill of a live show, consider this your ultimate guide.
Must-See Shows on the Gold Coast
Music Festivals & Concerts
- Blues on Broadbeach (15-18 May 2025)
Location: Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach
What to Expect: Blues on Broadbeach is one of Australia’s largest free music festivals. This music festival transforms the streets into an open-air concert venue, attracting world-class blues musicians from across the globe. This year, expect to welcome The Cruel Sea, Eli Paperboy Reed, DIESEL, The Harlem Gospel Travelers and many more to be announced!
- Groundwater Country Music Festival (17 October 2025)
Location: Broadbeach
What to Expect: A celebration of country music right by the ocean, this free festival brings together some of the best local and international country artists. For long-time fans of country tunes, Groundwater is an unforgettable weekend of music, food, and entertainment.
- Ultra Beach Gold Coast (11-12 April 2025)
Location: Broadwater Parklands, Southport
What to Expect: Electronic music lovers won’t want to miss this one. Ultra Beach brings some of the biggest names in dance music to the Gold Coast, complete with world-class production, immersive light shows, and a high-energy festival experience.
- Ministry of Sound Classical (3 May 2025)
Location: Home of the Arts (HOTA), Surfers Paradise
What to Expect: This event reimagines iconic dance anthems with a live orchestra, blending classical music with electronic beats. Award-winning conductor Vanessa Perica leads this show, featuring live vocals from some of Australia’s most celebrated artists.
Featuring Reigan (ARIA-nominated for Dreams), Karina Chavez (Show Me Love), and Rudy (featured on Dirty South’s In The Air), the lineup also includes Classical tour mainstay Lady Lyric and Luke Antony (The Voice), delivering an unforgettable musical experience.
- For The Love 2025 (5 April 2025)
Location: Burleigh Head National Park
What to Expect: With a backdrop of rolling waves and golden beaches, For The Love is the ultimate laid-back music festival. Featuring a mix of indie, pop, and electronic artists, this festival is all about good vibes, stunning views, and a strong focus on sustainability.
- Promiseland Festival 2025 (4 October 2025)
Location: Doug Jennings Park, Main Beach
What to Expect: Promiseland Festival celebrates Afrobeat, R&B, hip-hop, and reggae with some of the biggest international and local artists. It’s one of the most anticipated festivals of the year, attracting a diverse crowd looking for an unforgettable experience.
Theatre & Arts Extravaganza
- La Clique (19 March – 19 April 2025)
Location: HOTA, Surfers Paradise
What to Expect: A mix of circus, burlesque, and comedy, La Clique is an award-winning production that’s both outrageous and mesmerising. Expect jaw-dropping acrobatics, daring performances, and a playful atmosphere that makes this show a must-see.
- Macbeth (25 July 2025)
Location: HOTA, Surfers Paradise
What to Expect: A bold reimagining of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, this production brings a modern, visually striking take on Macbeth. It’s a powerful, intense performance that brings new life to one of the most famous plays ever written.
- BLEACH Festival (31 July – 10 August 2025)
Location: Various venues across the Gold Coast
What to Expect: BLEACH Festival is a celebration of creativity, blending contemporary art, live music, theatre, and dance. The festival is known for its site-specific performances, experimental storytelling, and a program that highlights both local and international artists.
- SWELL Sculpture Festival (12 September 2025)
Location: Currumbin Beach
What to Expect: Set on Currumbin Beach, this exhibition features 60 captivating sculptures, large-scale installations, digital artworks, and live performances. Showcasing the talent of local, national, and international artists, the event offers a rare opportunity to experience art in a breathtaking coastal setting.
- Surface, The Miami Street Art Festival (29 June – 13 July 2025)
Location: Miami, Gold Coast
What to Expect: This festival transforms the streets of Miami into a vibrant art space, featuring live mural painting, street performances, and interactive installations. It’s a deep dive into Gold Coast’s urban arts scene, bringing together emerging and established artists to create something truly unique.
Dinner & Show Experiences You Can’t Miss
- Dracula’s: Menagerie (Ongoing)
Location: Dracula’s Cabaret, Broadbeach
What to Expect: A mix of dark comedy, cabaret, and thrilling performances, Dracula’s is unlike any other show on the Gold Coast. With aerial acts, risqué humour, and live music, this dinner-and-show experience is both hilarious and a little bit twisted.
- The Pink Flamingo Spiegelclub (Ongoing)
Location: The Pink Flamingo, Broadbeach
What to Expect: A high-energy cabaret show with world-class aerial artists, dancers, and musicians, all set in a glamorous 1920s-inspired venue. It’s an electrifying night out, perfect for anyone looking for a mix of luxury and excitement.
Insider Tips for Booking
- Plan Ahead for Major Festivals and Concerts: Popular events like Blues on Broadbeach and Ultra Beach attract large crowds, so book tickets early for the best seating and VIP options. Many venues offer presale discounts, so sign up for event newsletters to stay informed.
- Make Use of Early Bird and Group Discounts: Festivals such as Promiseland and For The Love offer discounted pricing for early buyers and group bookings. If you’re attending with friends, check for bulk ticket deals.
- Best Time to Visit for Live Entertainment: The best time to experience Gold Coast’s vibrant music and arts scene is April to October, when major festivals, theatre productions, and cultural events take place.
- Where to Find Last-Minute Tickets: If a show is sold out, websites like Tixel offer secure resale options, and venues like Miami Marketta and The Pink Flamingo often have last-minute availability.
- Enhance Your Show Experience with Pre-Show Dining: For a perfect night out, enjoy pre-show dining at Mamasan Kitchen & Bar in Broadbeach or Palette at HOTA, both offering top-tier cuisine near major venues.
Why Stay at Boulevard Towers for These Events?
As the Gold Coast prepares for another thrilling year of live entertainment, now is the perfect time to plan your getaway around these must-see events. Staying at Boulevard Towers ensures you’re close to the action while enjoying a peaceful retreat after a night out. With absolute beachfront views, spacious self-contained apartments, and top-tier amenities, it’s the perfect base for eventgoers seeking both excitement and relaxation.
Book your stay now and make the most of Gold Coast’s vibrant events scene in comfort and style.
Image credit: Blues on Broadbeach
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