We’re firmly looking forward to 2021, with great things on the horizon and plenty of exciting events coming up to book into the calendar. As always, the beautiful Gold Coast combines its natural charms with a range of festivals, sporting events, and experiences to keep visitors entertained and coming back for more.
Here are some of the dates we can look forward to on the Gold Coast in 2021.
Music
Inverted Festival | May 1
On the 1st of May, punk and pub rock fans will gather for an all-ages music festival that will deliver some of the best live Aussie performances. Action sports will bring a hit of adrenaline to the program, with Australia’s best BMX, Skate and FMX athletes participating in a thrilling competition. It’s a not-to-be-missed event that will have you rocking out and on the edge of your seat.
Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival | May 20 – 23
A must-see free event, the Blues on Broadbeach festival spans four days between the 20-23rd of May. Attendees can soak up the sounds and enjoy the relaxed festival feel as they listen to home-grown and international talent.
Cooly Rocks On | June 9 – 13
Join in on one of Australia’s largest Rock ‘n’ Roll and nostalgia gatherings. Held between the 9-13th of June in Cooloongatta, this festival features sounds, fashion, and vintage cars, along with a fantastic vibe that will transport you back to the good ole days. Celebrating the 50s, 60s and 70s, this year will welcome Elvis tribute acts in addition to the other exciting events, in a contest to find the true ‘King’.
Groundwater Country Music Festival | November 12 – 14
Another fabulous free festival, the Groundwater Country Music Festival offers three nights of the best that Australian country music has to offer. Broadbeach welcomes some of the top country music artists between the 12 – 14th of November in a festival that features sand, surf, and steel guitars.
Sports
The Australian Beach Volleyball Tour Finals | March 12 – 14
Sun, surf and sport – the Australian Beach Volleyball tour brings domestic and international talent together in the exciting finals, held at Coolangatta on March 12 – 14. Come down to cheer on the athletes in the beautiful surroundings.
Queensland Surf Life Saving State Championships | March 26 – 27
Witness truly heroic effort as some of the world’s best surf lifesavers come together to compete in this top tier event. Watch as these impressive athletes battle the elements and each other to take out the Queensland Surf Life Saving State Championships
Gold Coast Triathlon – Luke Harrop Memorial | April 11
On the 11th of April, athletes of all ages will compete in the 2021 Gold Coast Triathlon. With entertainment and events for supporters and competitors, the Gold Coast Triathlon is a not-to-be missed event for the whole family.
Corona Open Gold Coast | May 3 – 13
The world-famous Snapper Rocks offer one of the best right hand break points in the Southern hemisphere, and top-class surfers from around the world will be making the most of it to show off their skills. The World Surf League Championship Tour is held between the 3 – 13th of May.
Australian Gymnastics Championships | May 13 – 26
Competing for the title of 2021 Australian Champion, these national-level gymnastics competition held between 13 – 26th of May will feature incredible athleticism and fantastic routines. The athletes will be showcasing a range of categories and disciplines in their preparation for the World Championships and the Tokyo Olympics.
Gold Coast Marathon | July 3 – 4
One of Australia’s leading marathons, the Gold Coast Marathon offers a scenic course that is flat, fast, and truly fantastic. Join the 27,000 participants or come along to cheer on the athletes.
2021 World Bowls Championships | September 7 – 19
Experience the tense action and skilled athletes at this year’s World Bowls Championships, held at several locations around the Gold Coast. With matches scheduled between the 7 – 19th of September, over 240 bowlers will compete at this world class event.
The Gold Coast 600 | December 3 – 5
Coming up in early December, the Gold Coast 600 is one of the most highly anticipated motorsport events across Australia. From the 3-5 of December, the Gold Coast will host the action-packed season finale.
Arts
Supercell: Festival of Contemporary Dance | From February 15
With performances, workshops and conversations focused on modern dance, this celebration of movement will captivate and inspire you. The festival offers multiple chances to get involved with performance arts during the month of February at locations across the Gold Coast.
Beyond the Sand | March 13 – 21
Formerly known as the Sand Safari Arts Festival, this exciting event showcases circus-themed entertainment, incredible sand sculptures, roving performers, activities and workshops, and fun for the whole family. Held between the 13 – 21st of March, the festival goes both day and night for nine days.
Somerset Storyfest | March 13 – 20
The premier Gold Coast event for writers, this celebration of the written word offers 130 events catering for readers and writers. A range of literary experiences will be on offer at a number of locations between 13-20th of March.
Gold Coast Film Festival | April 14 – 25
There’s no better place to be between then 14– 25th of April. With films, pop-up cinemas, panels, actors, a red carpet, parties and more, there’s something for everyone. Join an intimate Q&A with leading film makers, or choose from the wide range of movie genres screening at locations around the city.
Supanova | April 17 – 18
This Comic Con is a true supernova-sized event. Celebrating fandoms and bringing them to life, you’ll see celebrities, cosplay, competitions, and so much more. Held between 17 – 18th of April, the Supanova Comic Con & Gaming event provides opportunities for the whole family to immerse themselves in their interests.
Bleach* The Gold Coast Festival | August 12 – 22
Celebrating some of the city’s best and brightest artists, Bleach* Festival aims to challenge expectations by using the Gold Coast’s natural surrounds and some unconventional venues to showcase the original and inspirational art and performances. You’ll find different events and workshops held at various locations between the 12 – 22nd of August.
Getting around on the Gold Coast
Airtrain services run every 15 minutes on-peak and every 30 minutes off-peak, so you can skip the traffic and arrive at the Gold Coast in comfort.
Airtrain stops at all Gold Coast stations from Ormeau to Varsity Lakes, including Ormeau, Coomera, Helensvale (connects with G:link tram at Helensvale station), Nerang, Robina, and Varsity Lakes. From there, trams and buses provide connecting services to other locations around the Gold Coast, or you can take advantage of our AirtrainConnect (Train & Transfer) service.
There are a range of ticketing options that Airtrain can help you with. Airtrain Train & Tram which takes you via the G:link tram to Southport, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise, and Broadbeach. If you require an airport transfer direct to your Gold Coast address, Airtrain offers a premium door to door service called AirtrainConnect that will get you exactly where you need to go.
All South East Queensland public transport uses a smart card for travel, or you can purchase a paper ticket. Visitors should check out the go seeQ card, which allows you unlimited travel for 3 or 5 consecutive days on buses, trains, ferries, and trams. It also includes 2 Airtrain journeys to/from the Brisbane Airport. The go explore smartcard allows you travel in the Gold Coast or Sunshine Coast for up to 8 days, but you don’t have to use them consecutively. You can easily get around with a go card – just touch on at your station of departure and touch off when you arrive at your destination. The go card is accepted on all translink transport throughout Greater Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
To purchase your smartcards or to find out more, head to the nearest Airtrain counter. You’ll be able to purchase tickets for travel, attractions, and events around South East Queensland.
Getting to the Gold Coast
With so many exciting events for the whole family, the Gold Coast is the place to be in 2021. Whether you’re attending a festival or just heading to the beach, make the most of what the Gold Coast has to offer – and get there in comfort with Airtrain.
