What’s On In the Gold Coast This September (2025 Guide)

If you’re planning a visit to the Gold Coast in September, you’re in for a treat! September is the perfect time to explore this vibrant city, with sunny spring weather, family-friendly events during the school holidays, and a jam-packed schedule of exciting things to do. 

There’s truly something for everyone: sports fans, foodies, art enthusiasts and nature lovers. Here’s a round-up of the best Gold Coast events in September.

Why September is a Great Time to Visit the Gold Coast

September marks the beginning of spring on the Gold Coast, bringing mild, sunny weather and a refreshing change of season. Temperatures are perfect for outdoor activities, with warm (but not too hot) days topping around 24°C, and cooler nights dropping to a comfy 12°C. 

Gold Coast weather in September is at its prime—it’s not too cold for golden beach days and swimming, but not so hot that you’ll melt into a puddle after just half an hour outside (if you’ve ever visited in February, you might know this feeling!). 

It’s also just before the school holidays, which begin on September 22nd, so you can enjoy the lively atmosphere without the peak tourist crowds. If you are travelling with kids at the start of the September holidays, though, there are plenty of great school holiday events and activities scheduled throughout the city to make your trip extra special.

September is the perfect combination of beautiful weather and exciting experiences, making this month a great time to visit the Gold Coast. So, what’s on in Gold Coast this September? Let’s dive in.

Top Events on the Gold Coast in September 2025

Thrilling Sports Events

Credit: People First Stadium

AFLW Finals (Gold Coast Suns)

Saturday 6th September: Gold Coast Suns v GWS Giants at People First Stadium

Sunday 21st September: Gold Coast Suns v Adelaide Crows at People First Stadium

Get ready for some exciting AFL action as the Gold Coast Suns take on top teams in their home matches. With the Suns performing well this season, these matches are set to be a thrilling experience for sports fans. 

The games are family-friendly, with affordable tickets starting at just $15 for adults and free entry for kids. Don’t miss the chance to catch the high energy of AFLW in the heart of the Gold Coast!

Rugby League NRL: Titans v Tigers

When: Saturday 6th September

Where: Cbus Super Stadium

Rugby fans can head to Cbus Super Stadium to cheer on the Gold Coast Titans as they take on the Wests Tigers. The atmosphere at the stadium is electric, and it’s a great way to experience the excitement of NRL rugby while enjoying the sunny spring weather.

Adventure Race: Queensland Sprint Series

When: Saturday 28th September

Where: Nerang National Park

Sat 28 Sep: Get ready for a day of outdoor adventure at the Sprint Series Adventure Race in Nerang National Park. This team-based event, where participants race through a mix of running, mountain biking, and kayaking, promises fun and excitement for everyone involved. 

Teams of two will navigate checkpoints using maps and compasses, with options for both novice and experienced racers. It's a thrilling introduction to adventure racing and a great way to enjoy the beautiful Gold Coast hinterland.

Fox Superflow

When: Saturday 13th–Sunday 14th September 

Where: Gold Coast MTB Club, Nerang

Mountain biking enthusiasts won’t want to miss the Fox Superflow event, an enduro mountain biking race designed for all levels. Held at the local bike trails in Nerang’s beautiful bushland, this fun and strategic race allows participants to decide the best order to race the tracks, all while competing for the best times. 

Even better, it doesn’t matter if you’re a seasoned rider or a first-timer. Fox Superflow caters to all, and it’s a fantastic way to enjoy the thrill of racing in a relaxed, community-focused atmosphere. 

Food & Drink Gold Coast Events in September

Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

Crafted Beer Festival

When: Saturday 13th September

Where: Kurrawa Park

18+ years

If you’re a fan of craft beer, the Crafted Beer Festival is a must-visit. This annual event brings together the most celebrated and up-and-coming brewers from across Australia, offering a selection of the best craft beers, ciders and gourmet eats. 

And even if you’re not that into craft beer, there’s still plenty on offer: live music, food trucks, wines and spirits, not to mention everything’s in a stunning beachside setting.

And when you stay at Dorsett Gold Coast, you’re quite literally within a 5-minute walk of the festival. We’re perched just across the road from Kurrawa Park and Beach, so your ‘ride home’? Sorted. 

Tickets are already selling fast to this coveted (and frothy) festival, so grab yours now.

Koala Breakfast at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

When: Monday–Wednesday & Saturday–Sunday at 7:45am, year-round (seasonal times may vary)

Where: Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, Currumbin

We know breakfast is the meal of champions, but on the Gold Coast, we like to do things differently. Blend your brekky with a cute and cuddly encounter at the beautiful Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary for an experience you’ll never forget.

The new Koala Breakfast serves up a delicious gourmet breakfast platter for you and the family while getting the chance to chat with expert koala keepers and learn about these iconic Australian animals. 

Each guest gets a koala photo as a keepsake, and you can spend the rest of the day exploring the sanctuary’s many other wildlife exhibits. It’s a heartwarming, family-friendly way to start your morning on the GC.

Dreamworld Night Market

When: Every Friday and Saturday, 5-9pm

Where: Dreamworld theme park, Coomera

Experience the only night market in a theme park at Dreamworld’s Night Market. This family-friendly event features food trucks, live music and entertainment, creating the perfect atmosphere for a night out. 

With everything from pro wrestling to LEGO® workshops, there’s something for everyone in the family. Don’t miss the Dreamworld Flyer, a stunning ride lit up with 3,000 LED lights, and enjoy moreish street food from a rotating lineup of food trucks.

Related: Hungry for more markets? Here are the best outdoor and Sunday markets on the Gold Coast.

September’s Arts & Culture Line-Up

Credit: Tourism and Events Queensland

SWELL Sculpture Festival

When: 12th–21st September

Where: Currumbin Beach

The SWELL Sculpture Festival is Queensland’s largest outdoor sculpture exhibition and a must-see for art lovers—or, honestly, anyone interested in a coastal-inspired visual feast.

Over 80 large-scale contemporary sculptures will be displayed along the stunning Currumbin Beach, offering a beautiful blend of art and nature. In addition to the main exhibition, enjoy pop-up exhibitions around the Gold Coast, guided twilight walks, live music, and artist talks. 

This festival is an inspiring way to engage with art and experience the creativity of both local and international artists. It’s perfect for all ages and interests, and even if you don’t know much about art, you’ll definitely be amazed by the sheer spectacle of this unique festival.

The Star Gold Coast Stages

When: Various dates throughout September

Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach (internal access via Dorsett Gold Coast)

The Star Gold Coast has a stellar line-up of live entertainment year-round, and September is no exception. In fact, it almost poses a problem, because there are just so many fantastic musical (and magical) shows scheduled this month.

Here’s what’s on in Gold Coast this September at The Star Theatre:

• The Simon & Garfunkel Story (Friday 5th September): Direct from sell-out tours across the USA, UK, this fascinating performance takes you through the iconic duo's journey from their humble beginnings to worldwide success. Experience stunning visuals, evocative imagery, and a full band performing all their hits like Mrs. Robinson, Bridge Over Troubled Water, and The Sound of Silence. 

• Running in the Shadows of Fleetwood Mac (Saturday 6th September): Australia’s premier tribute band, Running in the Shadows, will bring the music of Fleetwood Mac to life. Expect a high-energy performance featuring all your favourites, including Gypsy, Rhiannon, Go Your Own Way, and Dreams. 

• The Music of Coldplay by Candlelight (Friday 19th September): Experience the iconic band's biggest hits like Viva La Vida, Yellow, and The Scientist, performed live by world-class vocalists and musicians in a stunning candlelit setting.

• Billy Ocean One World Tour (Saturday 20th September): The legendary and Grammy-winning Billy Ocean returns to Australia for his One World Tour. Performing his global hits like Caribbean Queen, When the Going Gets Tough, and Get Outta My Dreams, Billy Ocean’s live show is sure to be a highlight of the month. 

• Mystique: A Journey Beyond Reality (Saturday 27th September): Starring internationally acclaimed illusionist Michael Boyd, this riveting and family-friendly show features jaw-dropping escapes and mind-blowing disappearances. Boyd’s spectacular illusions and high-gloss production values will leave you spellbound. 

Further reading: Looking for more shows? Check out our guide on where to find live music on the Gold Coast.

Home of the Arts (HOTA) Program

When: Various dates throughout September

Where: HOTA, Surfers Paradise

September at HOTA is packed with some seriously unmissable events with something to appeal to pretty much everyone: live theatre, musicals, comedy, immersive activities, and workshops for kids and adults. 

There’s so much on this month at our Home of the Arts, but if we had to choose, these are some of our hand-picked must-see (and do) Gold Coast events September:

• IMAGINE Live (Thursday 4th September): A magical live theatre event for young families, based on the book Imagine by Alison Lester and featuring stunning visuals and music. 

• Nazeem Hussain in "You Paid For This" (Saturday 6th September): Comedy legend Nazeem Hussain brings his unique humour to The Lakeside Room for a tongue-in-cheek stand-up show that will, we're sure, bring the house down in the best way (for ages 16+).

• In The Heights (12th–24th September): A vibrant musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda, this feel-good Tony Award®-winning show is gracing the GC stage in September. Tickets are selling fast, so secure your seats now!

• Comedy Underground Showcase (every Saturday): Enjoy a showcase of the best in stand-up comedy featuring both established and up-and-coming talent. While everything’s tasteful, things can get a little more adult at times (as with most stand-up shows!) so these events are all 16+ years only.

• Anna Carey’s Magic + Memory: Make Me a Home (until 6th October): An immersive experience in the Children’s Gallery where kids can explore miniature models of homes and rooms in an interactive, playful setting. Entry is free, so if you’re travelling with little ones, we highly recommend stopping by for an easy yet wondrous artistic experience.

• ENERGIES 25 (13th September–9th November): This free exhibition showcases the work of senior secondary visual arts students from across the Gold Coast, celebrating the creativity of young artists.

Stay at Dorsett Gold Coast as Your Base for September Adventures

Dorsett Gold Coast is the perfect place to stay while you explore everything the city has to offer this September. Ideally located in Broadbeach, you’ll be just minutes away from Kurrawa Beach, and within easy reach of the best September events.

While you’re here, soak in all the good vibes at Isoletto Pool Club, indulge in a cocktail and share platter at Jin Café & Bar, and enjoy easy internal access to The Star Gold Coast for even more dazzling entertainment and dining.

Book your stay at Dorsett Gold Coast for an unforgettable September getaway.