The Gold Coast Show is a three-day annual show at Broadwater Parklands in Southport. The next one is on Friday 27 to Sunday 29 August 2027, with rides, competitions, live music and fireworks over the Broadwater.
It is one of the Gold Coast’s biggest community weekends, and the setting, a long grassy waterfront park beside the beach, is half the appeal.
Gold Coast Show dates and times
The Gold Coast Show runs from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 August 2027. The 2027 programme will be announced closer to the date, so daily opening times and the day-by-day line-up are not out yet.
In the 2026 show the rides ran from 9 am to 9 pm and the fireworks went off at 6:45 pm each night, which is a good guide to the usual rhythm of the weekend.
Where it is and how to get there
The show is held at Broadwater Parklands on Marine Parade, Southport. By car it is about 65 minutes from Brisbane CBD, without traffic.
The light rail (G:link) stop for the show is Broadwater Parklands, and standard G:link fares apply on show days. If you would rather not drive into Southport, Parkwood station is a free park and ride for the light rail. At the 2025 show, parking at Carey Car Park (off Marine Parade) cost $10 per vehicle, there was limited metered council parking around Southport, and Australia Fair offered three hours of free parking. The organiser will publish 2027 transport and parking details on its Getting to the Show page, so check it closer to the date.
Tickets and cost
The organiser’s website shows a free entry badge. Rides, food, showbags and other extras are paid, so bring a card or some cash. For prices and any change to entry, check the organiser’s website or call the show office on (07) 5504 5587.
What’s on at the Gold Coast Show
The organiser describes the show in general as a mix of rides, competitions and entertainment. In 2026 it included:
- Rides and Side Show Alley: large rides for thrill-seekers and families, plus games and stalls.
- Showbags and food: a Show Bag Lawn, and show favourites such as potato tornadoes and Dagwood Dogs.
- Live entertainment: live music on the Live and Loud Stage.
- Competitions: woodchop, equestrian show jumping, show dogs, Dock Dogs (dog diving), and arts and homecrafts displays.
- Animals and farmland: a reptile show, farmland exhibits including duck racing, and camel rides on the beach.
- Show Train: a train ride through the showgrounds.
- Fireworks: over the Broadwater every night.
Which of these return in 2027, and on which days, will be listed on the organiser’s programme once it is announced.
Tips for the day
- Sun protection: it is an open waterfront park, so bring hats and sunscreen.
- Cash or card: for rides, food and showbags.
- Comfortable shoes: the grounds are big and mostly grass.
- Dogs: show dogs and Dock Dogs are competitions, so check the organiser before bringing your own pet.
More on the Gold Coast
- Mudgeeraba Agricultural Show – another local show, in the hinterland.
- Evandale Parklands – a waterfront park at Surfers Paradise.
- Gold Coast Regional Botanical Gardens – a quieter green space nearby.
- More to do on the Gold Coast, and more entertainment around South East Queensland.
Details can change, so check the organiser’s website before you go.
Quick answers
When is the Gold Coast Show?
The next Gold Coast Show is on Friday 27 to Sunday 29 August 2027 at Broadwater Parklands, Southport.
Is the Gold Coast Show free?
The organiser’s website shows a free entry badge. Rides, food and showbags cost extra, so check the website for current details.
Where is the Gold Coast Show held?
At Broadwater Parklands, Marine Parade, Southport, on the Broadwater waterfront.
What is on at the Gold Coast Show?
Rides, Side Show Alley, showbags, live music, woodchop, equestrian, show dogs, Dock Dogs, a reptile show, camel rides and nightly fireworks featured in 2026. The 2027 programme will be announced closer to the date.
Are there fireworks?
In 2026 there were fireworks over the Broadwater every night at 6:45 pm. Check the 2027 programme for times.
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