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What's On

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Burleigh Heads is buzzing with activity all year round, from world-class sporting events to vibrant arts festivals and bustling markets. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning for another adventure, there’s always something happening in Burleigh to make your stay even more memorable. Check out the exciting events coming up in 2026!

Cooly Rocks On

3–7 June 2026

Australia’s premier nostalgia festival fills Coolangatta with more than 900 restored classic cars, live rockabilly and swing bands, the annual Pin-Up Pageant, and an official round of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest. Five days of free, family-friendly fun celebrating the 1950s and 1960s, around 20 minutes south of Burleigh.

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SeaFire International Fireworks

20 June 2026 (Saturday)

International pyrotechnics teams compete across four kilometres of Surfers Paradise beachfront in three choreographed displays at 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm. Completely free and attracting around 350,000 spectators, SeaFire is the Gold Coast’s biggest mid-year event, with simultaneous shows expanding across multiple coastal locations in 2026.

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Gold Coast Whale & Ocean Festival

4 July 2026 (Saturday, 9:30am–3:30pm)

A short stroll from Cashelmara, this free community festival marks the opening of humpback migration season. Expect live music, marine researcher talks, interactive stalls, a guided whale survey from Burleigh Headland, and fluke-matching activities for all ages.

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ASICS Gold Coast Marathon

4–5 July 2026

The 46th edition of Australia’s premier road-running event brings tens of thousands of participants to the Gold Coast over the Queens Birthday weekend. Eight races across two days range from the full 42 kilometre marathon to the popular 10 kilometre and 5 kilometre community runs on a flat coastal course through Southport.

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Surface Festival

1–19 July 2026

For almost three weeks across winter, more than 50 large-scale murals are painted live across the streets, laneways, and outdoor venues of Miami and Burleigh. The programme includes gallery nights, laneway music concerts, self-guided mural tours, and artist workshops. Free to explore at your own pace.

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Pacific Airshow Gold Coast

14–16 August 2026

Australia’s largest air show returns to Surfers Paradise Beach for three days of aerial performances and international flying displays from 10am to 3:30pm daily. More than 270,000 spectators are expected. Free public viewing is available along the beach, with ticketed zones for a premium vantage point.

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Burleigh Market

Every Saturday, 7am–12pm

Burleigh’s combined farmers and arts and crafts market runs every Saturday morning at the State School, just up the road from Cashelmara. Expect fresh produce, baked goods, coffee, plants, handmade homewares, and local makers. Walkable from the apartments and a relaxed way to start a Saturday on the coast.

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Miami Marketta Night Market

Every Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm

Miami Marketta turns a tucked-away laneway into the Gold Coast’s most atmospheric night market, with global street food, craft cocktails, live music, and a year-round festive feel. A five-minute drive north of Burleigh and an easy alternative to a sit-down dinner.

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Plan your stay

All of Burleigh’s most-loved attractions sit just moments from Cashelmara, making it easy to explore the area at your own pace during your holiday.

FAQS

What events are happening near Burleigh Heads in 2026?

Burleigh’s 2026 winter calendar includes Cooly Rocks On (3–7 Jun), SeaFire International Fireworks (20 Jun), Gold Coast Whale and Ocean Festival (4 Jul), ASICS Gold Coast Marathon (4–5 Jul), Surface Festival (1–19 Jul) and Pacific Airshow Gold Coast (14–16 Aug), plus weekly Burleigh Market on Saturdays and Miami Marketta Wed–Sat evenings.

When is Cooly Rocks On in 2026?

Cooly Rocks On runs from 3 to 7 June 2026 along the Coolangatta foreshore, around 20 minutes south of Burleigh Heads.

When is SeaFire on the Gold Coast in 2026?

SeaFire International Fireworks lights up Surfers Paradise Beach on Saturday 20 June 2026 with three choreographed displays at 6pm, 7pm and 8pm.

When is the Gold Coast Whale and Ocean Festival?

The free community festival is held at Justins Park, Burleigh Heads on Saturday 4 July 2026 from 9:30am to 3:30pm, marking the start of humpback migration season.

When is the Gold Coast Marathon in 2026?

The ASICS Gold Coast Marathon takes place across 4–5 July 2026 over the Queens Birthday weekend, with eight races from the full marathon down to 5km community runs.

When is Surface Festival in Burleigh in 2026?

Surface Festival runs from 1 to 19 July 2026, with more than 50 large-scale murals painted live across Miami, Burleigh Heads and Nobby’s Beach. Free to explore self-guided.

When is the Pacific Airshow on the Gold Coast in 2026?

Pacific Airshow Gold Coast returns to Surfers Paradise Beach across 14–16 August 2026 with daily aerial performances from 10am to 3:30pm. Free public viewing along the beach.

Are there regular markets near Burleigh Heads?

Yes. The Burleigh Market runs every Saturday from 7am to 12pm at Burleigh Heads State School, and Miami Marketta operates Wednesday to Saturday from 5pm with global street food, live music and craft cocktails.

How far in advance should I plan if I'm visiting for an event?

For major event weekends like the Gold Coast Marathon, SeaFire and Pacific Airshow, plan early as accommodation books out quickly, especially during school holidays and peak travel periods.

Past Events

Looking back at recent events near Burleigh Heads.

  • Burleigh Swim Run Challenge26 January 2026, Burleigh Beach. The Australia Day swim and run race along Burleigh’s coastline drew athletes and spectators for a fast, scenic morning on the headland.
  • Gold Coast Open18–22 February 2026, Royal Pines Resort. The ATP Challenger Tour event brought five days of world-class tennis to the Gold Coast, with rising international players competing for ranking points.