If you are planning a getaway this year, you will never run out of things to do in Burleigh Heads. Keep it simple with a beach day and a headland walk, or plan your trip around the biggest Gold Coast events across 2026. The best part is that you do not need long drives to fill your calendar.
This guide covers what’s on around the Gold Coast in 2026, plus mini plans you can use straight away. Many of these events are within about 30 to 40 minutes of Burleigh, so you can enjoy the action and still get back for a relaxed night in.
At a Glance: Walk, Short Drive, Day Trip
When people search for activities to do in the Gold Coast, they usually want quick options that fit around beach time. This is an easy way to plan your days, especially if you are juggling kids, heat, or short stays.
Walkable from Burleigh (easy, no car):
- Burleigh Beach and patrolled swimming
- Burleigh Head National Park walk
- James Street for cafes, shops, and a sunset dinner
Short drive (about 10 to 25 minutes):
- Bundall and HOTA for film and culture events
- Broadbeach for major festivals and live music weekends
- Surfers Paradise for big-ticket spectacles
Day trip (about 25 to 40 minutes):
- Southport and Broadwater Parklands for large family events
- Coolangatta for retro festivals and beachfront fun
- Currumbin for art and spring beach festivals
January 2026 Highlights Near Burleigh
January on the Coast is hot and busy, but it is also full of energy. If things to do Gold Coast are on your search list right now, this is the month to book early and keep your plans flexible.
Magic Millions Carnival and sales (Broadbeach and Bundall)
- The Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale runs from 13 to 18 January 2026 at Bundall.
- TAB Magic Millions Raceday is on 17 January 2026.
- Silks Under The Stars is on 23 January 2026 at the Gold Coast Turf Club in Bundall.
Taste Festival Gold Coast (Currumbin)
- The Taste Festival runs from 23 to 26 January 2026 at Currumbin RSL. This is a great “festival Gold Coast” pick if you want a fun afternoon that still feels relaxed and local.
Simple summer tips for January
- Do long outdoor walks early or late. Heat and humidity build fast.
- Swim between the flags on patrolled beaches.
- After heavy rain, avoid swimming near creeks and estuaries for a few days.
- Plan parking around peak times. If you can, arrive early and stay put.
February 2026: Culture, Film, and Live Music
February is a strong month for Gold Coast cultural events, especially around HOTA in Bundall.
AACTA Festival (Gold Coast)
- AACTA Festival runs from 4 to 8 February 2026. Expect screenings, talks, and special events across the program.
Laneway Festival (Southport)
- Laneway Festival Gold Coast is on Saturday, 7 February 2026 at Southport Sharks.
If you are building a short break, this is an easy way to mix beach time with a night out. It is also perfect if you are searching for things to do at the Gold Coast that feel different to the usual theme park day.
April to May 2026 Events Worth the Drive
Autumn is one of the best times to explore. The days are warm, the evenings are comfortable, and you can spend longer outdoors without the peak summer humidity.
Gold Coast Film Festival (HOTA and venues across the Coast)
- Gold Coast Film Festival runs from 22 April to 3 May 2026.
- Blues on Broadbeach runs from 14 to 17 May 2026.
For many visitors, this weekend in Broadbeach is one of the best things to do in the Gold Coast if you love live music and a great atmosphere. It also pairs well with slow mornings back in Burleigh.
Winter Escape: June to July 2026
Winter is when the Gold Coast feels effortless. Days are bright, the air is lighter, and it is easier to move around without the summer crowds.
Cooly Rocks On (Coolangatta)
- Cooly Rocks On runs from 3 to 7 June 2026.
ASICS Gold Coast Marathon (Southport area)
- The ASICS Gold Coast Marathon weekend is 4 to 5 July 2026.
Gold Coast Whale and Ocean Festival (Burleigh Heads)
- The Whale and Ocean Festival is scheduled for the first weekend of July 2026 at Burleigh Heads. Some official listings show Saturday 4 July 2026, while others list Sunday 5 July 2026, so it is worth checking the latest update before you go.
If you are travelling with kids, this season is ideal for things to do in the Gold Coast with the family. You can mix one big event day with a calm day in Burleigh, then repeat.
Spring and Beyond: August to October 2026
Spring is packed with big weekends. If your plan is Gold Coast things to do with a bit of everything, this is your stretch of the calendar.
Pacific Airshow Gold Coast (Surfers Paradise)
- Pacific Airshow is scheduled for 14 to 16 August 2026.
Gold Coast Show (Broadwater Parklands, Southport)
- Gold Coast Show runs from Friday, 28 August to Sunday, 30 August 2026 at Broadwater Parklands. If you are searching for the Gold Coast for classic rides, showbags, and family favourites, this is the one.
SWELL Sculpture Festival (Currumbin Beach)
- SWELL Sculpture Festival runs from 11 to 20 September 2026.
BLEACH Arts Festival (Gold Coast, various locations)
- BLEACH runs from 1 to 11 October 2026.
Groundwater Country Music Festival (Broadbeach)
- Groundwater runs from 16 to 18 October 2026.
Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 (Surfers Paradise)
- Gold Coast 500 runs from 23 to 25 October 2026.
One Perfect Day in Burleigh Heads
Here is a simple day plan that works year-round, even if you have an event booked later.
- Start early with a walk through Burleigh Head National Park, then cool off with a swim at Burleigh Beach.
- Grab brunch around James Street, then browse a few local shops.
- Head back for a slow afternoon by the pool or spa.
- Finish with sunset drinks, then dinner close by.
Family-Friendly Burleigh Day Plan
If you are searching for family things to do Gold Coast style, Burleigh is a great starting point. You can keep the day simple and still feel like you did a lot.
- Morning beach time at a patrolled area, with a shaded break nearby.
- Easy lunch, then a calm afternoon activity like bike riding along the beachfront paths.
- Early dinner, then back to the apartment for a quiet night.
The main trick is to choose one outing, then make the rest of the day walkable. That is often what makes holidays smoother with kids.
Wet-Weather Back-Up Plan (Summer Storm Ready)
Summer storms can roll in quickly. When that happens, switch to indoor or covered options and keep the day moving.
- Start with a slow breakfast and plan your next stop once the rain passes.
- Choose an indoor activity, then return to the beach when the skies clear.
- Keep towels and a change of clothes ready, so you can adapt without stress.
Burleigh Heads Restaurants: Where to Eat Between Adventures
A good holiday rhythm is simple: a beach morning, an event afternoon, then an easy dinner close to home. Burleigh has plenty of options for that, from casual cafes to special-occasion meals.
A few tips that help:
- Book ahead on weekends and during major event dates.
- Go early if you are dining with kids.
- Keep one night flexible so you can follow the mood of the day.
Ready to Plan Your 2026 Calendar?
If you want an easy holiday plan, start with a few walkable Burleigh days, then pick one or two big weekends from the list above. You will get a great balance of beach time, good food, and the major events that bring the Gold Coast to life.
To keep it simple, stay close to it all at The Village at Burleigh Heads. You can walk to the beach and James Street, then head out to your chosen event and come back to a spacious, self-contained apartment with the comfort of secure parking.
For the smoothest trip, check the official event pages closer to your dates, as schedules can change. Then build your stay around what matters most to you, whether that is live music, film, sport, or a family weekend at the show.
Image Credit: Cooly Rocks On