Get ready for a busy weekend on the Gold Coast! We've found great options for Saturday and Sunday, including outdoor movie nights, community markets, and a big country fair down in the valley. Don't miss the tail end of the massive VolleySlam tournament down at Coolangatta Beach!
See our top picks
Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets
Surfers Paradise
Free evening browsing and cheap eats by the beach on Saturday.
Winter Olympic Games Fan Zone
Westfield Coomera
Watch the Olympics indoors on the final day of coverage.
HOTA Farmers and Artisan Market
HOTA precinct
Great sensory outing with food and atmosphere this Sunday morning.
· March 14
6: The ten-day beach volleyball spectacular wraps up this weekend! While focused on competitions, there's usually a great atmosphere for families to watch high-level sport right on the sand.This is the final weekend for this huge beach event, offering a high-energy, outdoors experience for active families.
MOOLOOLABA TRIATHLON : While this is a major sporting event, the Moo Tri has a huge festival atmosphere over the whole weekend. Great energy for cheering on athletes along the beautiful course.This is a massive, high-energy event spanning the whole weekend, perfect for families who like watching big sports.
FREE : A super local Saturday morning event with children's activities, food trucks, and coffee. A great way to connect with the Varsity Lakes community.It’s a free, dedicated morning event with organised kids' activities happening Saturday.
TARRABORA BUSHCARE TREE PLANTINGFREE : Get outdoors early Saturday morning to help protect local natural areas by planting trees in Palm Beach. A fantastic, hands-on environmental activity for older kids.A specific, free, environmental activity run by the council happening Saturday morning.
SIGNATURE LONG LUNCH BUFFET (LOCALS DISCOUNT) : Terraces Restaurant is launching its new long lunch buffet this Saturday, offering a 20% discount to Gold Coast locals. A nice sit-down meal option for the family.A new dining launch happening specifically on Saturday with a local family discount.
FREE : Catch Kung Fu Panda 4 outdoors in Burleigh Heads this Saturday evening. The event kicks off early with kids' activities before the main feature.It's a popular movie choice happening on Saturday night as part of the free outdoor cinema series.
· March 15
7WINTER OLYMPIC GAMES FAN ZONE : Catch the action from the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic and Paralympic Games at the Fan Zone. It’s a great indoor activity if the weather turns sour, letting kids soak up the competitive spirit.This is the final day of the fan zone coverage, perfect for watching live sport indoors.
THE VALLEY COUNTRY FAIRFREE : Head out to the Tallebudgera Valley for a free afternoon of classic country vibes. Expect community fun, rural charm, and a great atmosphere away from the busy coastal strip.A dedicated, free, family-friendly country festival happening specifically this Sunday.
MOVIES ON THE ESPLANADEFREE : Pack a picnic and head down to Surfers Paradise for a free outdoor movie screening. Activities for kids start beforehand, making it a perfect early evening outing.It’s a reliable, free, family-focused Sunday evening activity by the beach.
: Get ready for a massive colour explosion this Sunday at Oxenford. If your kids love getting messy and vibrant, this is the ultimate activity.The perfect messy, outdoor celebration happening only on Sunday.
: If your little one is learning to ride or needs to brush up on safety skills, this structured event in Miami on Sunday morning is ideal. Bring their bikes and helmets!A dedicated skills session for children happening early Sunday morning.
: Celebrate 100 years of the Pinelands Hall with markets, music, and heritage displays. This is a nice, relaxed country-style celebration on Sunday.A specific, historic community celebration happening only this Sunday.
: The Gold Coast Chamber Orchestra is putting on a performance celebrating the mystical lands of the Celts. A great cultural experience for older children.A specific orchestral performance happening Sunday afternoon.
Also On· anytime this weekend
5: This is one of the Gold Coast's most vibrant markets held every Sunday morning. Great for grabbing fresh local produce while the kids enjoy the buzz of the precinct.A fantastic recurring Sunday morning outing that’s perfect for early risers and toddlers.
: Head to the famous Sunday morning Car Boot Sale at Carrara Markets. It's a great place to hunt for bargains or just let the kids wander through the stalls.A classic Sunday tradition that often turns up cheap toys and interesting finds for kids.
: If you have a budding tabletop gamer, they are hosting a specific D&D kids event this Saturday evening. Perfect for older primary kids and teens looking for a structured activity.A dedicated D&D event specifically marked as being for kids on Saturday.
: Head to Southport for these markets on the water, featuring live music and family-friendly lawn games. A relaxed option for Saturday afternoon entertainment.Specific Saturday market featuring lawn games, which is a bonus for kids.
FREE : The classic free market experience by the beach runs again tonight. It’s a great place for an evening stroll and grabbing some easy dinner options while kids browse stalls.A guaranteed free, family-friendly outing happening Saturday evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Gold Coast this weekend?
This weekend (Mar 14-15) there are 5 confirmed free activities: Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets (Sat evening), Tarrabora Bushcare Tree Planting (Sat morning), Movies On the Esplanade (Sun evening), The Valley Country Fair (Sun afternoon), and the Goodstart Burleigh Community Market Day (Sat morning).
What can we do outdoors on Saturday, March 14th?
For outdoor fun on Saturday, check out the final day of the Gold Coast VolleySlam at Coolangatta, the Tarrabora Tree Planting in Palm Beach, or the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets in the evening.
Are there any specifically Sunday events this weekend?
Yes, Sunday, March 15th features The Valley Country Fair in Tallebudgera, the final day of the Winter Olympic Fan Zone at Westfield Coomera, and the Movies On the Esplanade screening.
