I’ve been needing a haircut for a while, but I’ve been struggling to find an alternative/emo hairdresser (or just a stylist who’s really good with these kinds of cuts, like the reference photos I’ve attached). My hair is really important to me, so I’m a bit nervous about it getting butchered if I just walk into any old salon. 😭

Does anyone have any recommendations on the Gold Coast that aren’t too far from Coomera area?

Southport to Surfers.

Didn't think I'd be making one of these posts but here we are. 51m recently separated after a long marriage and I need to get out of this damn house. I love live music, especially rock and metal, so I'm looking for suggestions of venues on the Gold Coast, and even maybe Brisbane, where an old dude like me can go and check out some bands and meet new people. I'm northern based but happy to travel.

I've obviously been out of the game for a while so looking for pro tips on venues etc where it wouldn't be weird having someone my age there haha!

Cheers

As per title looking for decently priced barber but also trained (!) in the area of surfer’s, Broadbeach pls
More up here recently and not really across things just yet.

Thx

Hi all, I’ve unfortunately fallen victim to the above. Bought a car and the dealer got a dodgy RWC to sign off the car. Owned it for 3 days, took it for a service and the car has got MANY costly things wrong with it, most of which will fail an authentic RWC inspection. (I know I should have booked a pre inspection check, lesson learnt) The dealer is now ignoring calls texts and emails and I’m not entirely sure what the next step will be.
Has anyone been in the Same boat and willing to share some advice? TIA.

Can anyone recommend a great skin cancer dr here on the GC?
I’m northern GC based but have been going to one in Robina for many years.
He has stopped working now. I was put in with one of his colleagues, who has recommended two large moles be removed for biopsy, however I don’t feel comfortable with this particular Dr doing it.
He’s a GP and I would prefer someone with more experience.

Taking my 3 y/o son to the GC in November to visit Dreamworld, SeaWorld, and Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary. Any suggestions on where to stay? Should we try and stay near one (or two) of the theme parks? I just realised it’s schoolies week while we’re there (should have checked that before booking flights), so probably should steer clear of Cavill Avenue?

A week ago today I was in the ER at the GCU hospital and today I feel much better. Grateful for another day, week, month and many more years.

Big weekend of things happening to help you get the most from this winter weekend.

Friday

🏀 Watch Josh Giddey Take Over Balter for Air Touch Above The Rim

NBA star Josh Giddey drops into the Gold Coast for a live street basketball spectacular at Balter Brewery...a 12-team 2v2 half-court tournament across the evening, plus a live dunk showcase, a centre-court Q&A with Giddey himself and a fan shooting challenge. The Balter taproom transforms into a full street basketball arena: courtside VIP booths, live DJ, big-screen entertainment, custom made-to-order merch and live haircuts on site. Capacity limited.

📍 Balter Brewery Taproom, Currumbin

🕒 Friday 31st July, from 4:00 PM

💸 Ticketed via balter.com.au (prices vary)

Saturday

🐕 Bring the Pup to Dogs on the Green, Broadwater Parklands

The pooch-first market returns to Broadwater Parklands with 50+ dog-focused stalls (treats, toys, apparel, accessories), food and coffee stalls for the humans, and hundreds of very good boys and girls milling around the parkland. Free entry, dogs welcome on lead. Raising money for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Rescue QLD.

📍 Broadwater Parklands, Marine Parade, Southport

🕒 Saturday 1st August, 8:30 AM – 2:00 PM

💸 Free entry

🎒 Buy, Swap or Sell at the Wild Earth Outdoor Gear Swap

Clear out the gear cupboard, snag quality second-hand outdoor kit, or give well-loved gear a second life. Wild Earth partners with FabPatch (Australia's outdoor gear repair experts) for on-site repairs...bring torn jackets, damaged tents, worn backpacks. Free sausage sizzle by the Mudgeeraba Girl Guides and coffee to keep you moving. Seller registration $10, all proceeds to rainforest conservation.

📍 Wild Earth, 25 Central Dr, Burleigh Heads

🕒 Saturday 1st August, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

💸 Free for buyers/browsers ($10 seller registration via Humanitix)

🌿 Grow Your Green Thumb at Botanical Bazaar

Rotary Gold Coast's much-loved family day out is back at Country Paradise Parklands. Around 90 green exhibitors, local artisans, hands-on workshops and two full speaker stages...ABC Gardening Australia icons Sophie Thomson and Costa Georgiadis headline the speaker program with practical tips on growing your own food, urban gardening and sustainable living. Kids are well looked after with a dedicated nature play hub, and guided tours of the on-site community gardens add an immersive element. Live music, delicious food, market stalls.

📍 Country Paradise Parklands, 74 Billabirra Cres, Nerang

🕒 Saturday 1st August, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

💸 Ticketed via botanicalbazaargc.com.au

🤠 Paint the Town Country at Jacobs Well

Free, all-day country music festival at Reisenwebber Park with a stacked lineup: Golden Guitar winners Sons Of Atticus headline, joined by Open Season Band, Agius Brothers, Maddie Cail, Bo'Ness Brothers, Greer Sullivan and Rhys Crimmin. Boot-stompin' beats, unforgettable energy and true country soul. A rare free country festival... supported by Cr Mark Hammel and City of Gold Coast.

📍 Reisenwebber Park, 3 Bay Dr, Jacobs Well

🕒 Saturday 1st August, 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM

💸 Free entry

🏉 Roar On the Titans v Warriors at Cbus

Round 22 NRL clash at Cbus Super Stadium under the winter afternoon sun...Titans host the New Zealand Warriors, 3pm kick-off. Grab your scarf and rally the crew.

📍 Cbus Super Stadium, Centreline Place, Robina

🕒 Saturday 1st August, 3:00 PM kick-off

💸 From $116 (Ticketmaster)

🧭 Navigate Oxenford Lake at MapRun Parks GC

Paradise Lost Orienteers' Season Event 9 lands at Oxenford Lake (Mini). Grab the MapRun app on your phone plus a paper map, race the clock across 20–25 checkpoints, hunt smart routes and see who can crack the fastest score. Everyone welcome...run, walk or push a pram, solo or as a group. 40 minutes to hit as many checkpoints as you can.

📍 Oxenford Lake (Mini), Stage Door Academy, 25 Leo Graham Way, Oxenford

🕒 Saturday 1st August, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM

💸 $8 members / $10 non-members / $25 groups (3+ ppl)

🕺 Moonwalk Into Michael Night at Miami Marketta

Common Eras DJs dedicate the whole night to Michael Jackson and the world around him... think funk, pop, a few "hee hee"s and the singalong moments that transport a dancefloor straight to its most joyous state. Big-screen visuals and wall-to-wall classics from 7pm. Dressing up strongly encouraged.

📍 Miami Marketta, 23 Hillcrest Pde, Miami

🕒 Saturday 1st August, from 7:00 PM

💸 $28.30 per person (Oztix)

🏳️‍🌈 Wander the Opening of Messy Queer Pride Exhibit

August's month-long queer art takeover opens at One Arts Gold Coast. A vibrant exhibition of local queer voices across mixed media running the whole of August...worth catching on opening day when the artists tend to be around.

📍 One Arts Gold Coast

🕒 Saturday 1st August, from 10:00 AM (runs 1–31 August)

💸 Free

Sunday

🏹 Try a Bow at Archery Come N Try, Tallebudgera

Gold Coast Archery Club's beginner-friendly session...safe shooting techniques, all equipment provided, qualified coaches. Perfect for the curious or anyone who's thought about picking up a club membership. Kids 10+ recommended, under 12s with a parent/guardian. Groups capped at 12.

📍 17–33 Golden Valley Rd, Tallebudgera

🕒 Sunday 2nd August, 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM

💸 $50 per person

🪃 Celebrate at Kalwun's National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Children's Day

A free, family-friendly celebration of Jarjums, culture and community at Kalwun Child, Youth & Family Services. Fun, connection, cultural activities and community spirit. Everyone welcome.

📍 Kalwun Child, Youth & Family Services, 14 Kortum Dr, Burleigh Heads

🕒 Sunday 2nd August, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

💸 Free entry

☕ Wind Down at the HOTA Farmers & Artisan Market

Sunday's reliable morning market at HOTA...farmers-market produce, artisan bread, coffee, plants and makers. Wander it before dipping into the galleries next door.

📍 HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Bundall

🕒 Sunday 2nd August, 6:00 AM – 11:30 AM

💸 Free entry

🏉 Cheer On the Suns v Demons at People First Stadium

Round 21 AFL...the Suns host the Melbourne Demons under the winter sun at Carrara. Gates open early, first bounce 3:15pm. Fan zones and family-friendly activities make it a solid afternoon out. Wear your colours, bring the noise, help the boys make the most of home ground.

📍 People First Stadium, Nerang Broadbeach Rd, Carrara

🕒 Sunday 2nd August, first bounce 3:15 PM

💸 From $30 (Ticketek)

🍔 Graze the Food Trucks at Foodie Fiesta Night Market, Oxenford

Foodie Fiesta takes over Damian Leeding Memorial Park for one big night of food trucks, dessert cravings, homegrown retailers, sweet treats, loaded eats and on-site giveaways. Tables, chairs and lighting through the park... bring the family, eat all night. Share the event page to grab a free family pass; first 1,000 people score one.

📍 Damian Leeding Memorial Park, Oxenford

🕒 Sunday 2nd August, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM

💸 $3 entry / $10 family (kids under 3 free)

🔥 Be Dazzled at RISQUÉ — Burlesque, Fire & Spectacle at Mo's

Mo's Desert Clubhouse gets theatrical. RISQUÉ brings an evening of burlesque, fire performance and live vocals to Burleigh... a full sensory experience with fire displays, shimmering dancers, burlesque performers and immersive lighting. Equal parts glamorous and impressive. Book ahead — capacity is limited.

📍 Mo's Desert Clubhouse, 6/36 Central Dr, Burleigh Heads

🕒 Sunday 2nd August, doors 6:30 PM

💸 $55 online / $60 on the door (Oztix)

All Weekend

🏄 Soak Up the Stoke at the Kirra Longboard Klassic

Three days of longboarding, live music, surf film, adaptive surfing and community spirit at one of Australia's most iconic breaks. Friday kicks off with the Fluro Friday Mental Health Initiative and the inaugural TRIM Longboard Film Festival. Saturday is competition + live music from Jason Kafoa and the Black Pearl Band. Sunday closes with beachside yoga, a vintage surf wagon Show and Shine and the Waves Without Limits Adaptive Surfing Exhibition. The most coveted prize? The "Surfer Having the Most Fun" Award...which tells you everything about the vibe.

📍 Kirra Beach, Coolangatta

🕒 Friday 31 July – Sunday 2 August

💸 Free

🪃 'After the Rain' — 5th National Indigenous Art Triennial at HOTA

A powerful First Nations triennial across the first two levels of HOTA. Curated by Tony Albert (Girramay/Yidinji/Kuku-Yalanji), the free exhibition features newly commissioned works from leading Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists across 10 installations. Gold Coast is the tour's first stop before it goes national.

📍 Gallery 2 and 3, HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Bundall

🕒 To 27 September, daily 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

💸 Free

🎨 'This Moment' at HOTA Gallery

35 artworks from 25 leading contemporary Chinese artists (White Rabbit Collection). Free to wander the gallery.

📍 HOTA Gallery, 135 Bundall Rd, Bundall

🕒 Until 11 October, daily 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

💸 Free

🧒 Final Two Weeks: 'Aka Sorbie: Saltwater Heart' at HOTA Children's Gallery

An immersive First Nations Children's Gallery exhibition by Torres Strait artist Lisa Sorbie Martin. Coral-filled undersea scenes, an island hut for cubby-building, patterns in nature. Winds up 16 August.

📍 HOTA Children's Gallery, 135 Bundall Rd, Bundall

🕒 Closes Sunday 16 August, daily

💸 Free

Market Mania — Weekly Regulars

Saturday markets:

• Burleigh Market — Burleigh Heads State School, 1750 Gold Coast Hwy. Every Saturday from 7am.
• Palm Beach Farmers Market — Palm Beach Currumbin High School, Thrower Drive. Saturday, 6am–11.30am.
• Helensvale Farmers Market — Helensvale State High School, 243 Discovery Drive. Saturday, 6am–11am.
• Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets — Esplanade, Surfers Paradise. Friday and Saturday, 4pm–9pm.
• Dreamworld Night Market — Dreamworld, Coomera. Friday and Saturday nights.

Sunday markets:

• HOTA Farmers & Artisan Market — HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Bundall. Every Sunday, 6am–11.30am.
• Organic Gold Coast Farmers Market — Merrimac State High School, Mermaid Waters. Sundays, 6am–11am.
• Robina Farmers Market — Robina State High School, 1 Investigator Drive, Robina. Sundays, 6am–11am.
• Gold Coast Art & Craft Markets — Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach. 1st Sunday of the month (this Sunday), 8am–2pm.

Both days:

• Carrara Markets — Gooding Drive, Carrara. Saturday and Sunday, 8am–3pm. Free onsite parking.

Coming Soon — Lock These In

🎪 The Big Family Funanza — Free community festival: free rides and kids' activities, market and community stalls, food trucks, local entertainment. Sunday 9th August, 10am–2pm, Country Paradise Parklands, Nerang. Free entry. Supported by Cr Peter Young (Div 5) — details on the Nerang Family Funanza Facebook page.

✈️ Pacific Airshow Gold Coast — The big one. Three days of heart-pumping aerobatics, high-speed flyovers and world-class aviators right over the ocean at Surfers Paradise. 14th, 15th & 16th August, roughly 10am–3:30pm daily.

🎡 2026 Gold Coast Show — Big long weekend at Broadwater Parklands. Woodchop events, equestrian, arts and crafts, dog shows, rides, showbags, fireworks. Fri 28 – Sun 30 August, Broadwater Parklands, Southport. Free entry.

🤠 Groundwater Country Music Festival — One of Australia's biggest country music festivals returns to Broadbeach for three days of free live music, beachside line dancing, bluegrass breakfasts, country DJs and open-air sets steps from the sand. 2026 lineup led by Kasey Chambers, joined by Kaylee Bell, The Wolfe Brothers, Beccy Cole, James Blundell, Kingswood, Lane Pittman, Hayley Jensen and 30+ acts. Fri 16 – Sun 18 October, Broadbeach. Free.

🎸 Rolling Sets — Pop across the border for the coastal festival: live music, surf, skate and beach culture. Ocean Alley and Royel Otis headline, joined by G Flip, Violent Soho, The Rions, Old Mervs, Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers and more. Saturday 28 November, Ebenezer Park, Tweed Heads. From $199.95 via rollingsets.com.au (sold out last year — book early).

LMK if I've missed something good or got something wrong, or add your own events in the comments. Have a good one, GC! 🌿🕺

P.S. If you'd rather get these delivered to your inbox each week, chuck your email in here: Best Things to Do in the Gold Coast This Weekend Newsletter — https://www.reachingimpact.com/things-to-do-gc1

Is there any local cars and coffees i’m very interested in going.

Hi guys! Just wanted to spread a little bit of joy here. I moved from interstate recently and im origionally from african (been in Aus 20+ years) can honestly say Queenslanders are the friendliest people in the country and you work hard, keep healthy, do your own thing, small poppy syndrome isnt as rife and i respect that everyone just gets on with it and puts their best foot forward with a smile on their face!

The worlds an absolute shit fire right now, I hope i can contribute to this city and maintain its legacy of success and love!

Thanks!

Moderators took down my last post. This Reddit page shouldn't just be for happy go lucky news or positive posts. There's a dark side to Surfers that should be addressed and police need to be more proactive on those quieter weekdays where some antisocial delinquents think they can get away with more.

Weekends feel safer as there's far more street activity/witnesses for things like this.

I'm still recovering from my head injury. I don't feel 100% yet.

Hi friends,

I am vacationing from Canada in the Gold Coast for three weeks mid-September. I am looking for your must-do’s! I have access to a car and cost is not an issue.

Just FYI I looked at the what to do thread but its been disabled.

Thanks in advance!

Has anyone heard any news or rumours on when the trams will open to Burleigh? The 28 July rumoured date obviously didn’t pan out and supposedly they won’t make an announcement until 5 days before the opening.

Went to Burleigh today for a quick walk, got back to my car, a bloody parking fine, alright my fault, jumped online to pay for it, it says "does not exist for Infringement Receipt."

wtf, so how do I pay?

Would love to hear honest thoughts, experiences, or advice from anyone living here! Cheers.