Gold Coast Kids Events This Weekend (Jan 24-25)

Jan 24-25Last updated: Jan 22, 2026

Looking for something genuinely local and fun this weekend (Jan 24th/25th)? Ditch the big tourist traps! We've found some cool community vibes, from a big brass BBQ afternoon to a special cultural evening happening right here on the Coast.

Best Free

Australia Day Celebrations

HOTA Outdoor Stage

Free family fun ending with a huge fireworks show!

Rainy Day Sorted

Kalwun Community Embracing Culture

Burleigh Heads

An evening event acknowledging the world's oldest living culture.

Best for Little Kids

Australia Day Celebrations

HOTA Outdoor Stage

Designated family-friendly and alcohol-free activities.

3 events this weekend

· January 24

2

BIG BRASS BARBEQUE : Get down to HOTA for a massive afternoon session! Think dancing, good tunes from the brass band, and heaps of BBQ food trucks waiting for you.It’s the perfect non-touristy Saturday afternoon outing with great live music and local food options.

📍HOTA Outdoor Stage, Surfers Paradise· From 3pm · All ages · Ticketed

KALWUN COMMUNITY EMBRACING CULTURE : A special evening planned for Saturday to acknowledge and celebrate the world's oldest living culture. Check local listings for the exact venue in Burleigh.This is a meaningful, community-focused cultural event that often gets overshadowed by bigger celebrations.

📍Burleigh Heads, Burleigh Heads· Evening · All ages · Ticketed

· January 25

1

AUSTRALIA DAY CELEBRATIONSFREE : The official City of Gold Coast celebration is happening Sunday! There’s live music and food trucks, and make sure you stick around for the fireworks finale around 7:05 pm.It's the official local celebration, family-friendly, and features a spectacular fireworks show—all for free!

📍HOTA Outdoor Stage, Surfers Paradise· See website for times · All ages/Family friendly · Free

Frequently Asked Questions

What free kids events are on in Gold Coast this weekend?

The best free option this weekend is the City of Gold Coast's official Australia Day Celebrations on Sunday, Jan 25th at HOTA Outdoor Stage, featuring local music and a big fireworks finale!

Is there anything cultural happening on Saturday?

Yes! Look out for the Kalwun Community Embracing Culture evening event on Saturday, January 24th, happening in the Burleigh Heads area to acknowledge Australia's First Peoples.

Where can we grab dinner and music on Saturday afternoon?

Head to the Big Brass Barbeque at HOTA Outdoor Stage starting from 3pm on Saturday for dancing, BBQ bites, and food trucks.