Got boots? No problem. Thongs work too at the Gold Coast Country Music Festival. This beachside bash runs 17–19 October and brings three days of music, markets, and laid-back energy to Broadbeach. It’s free. It’s fun. And it’s just a short tram ride from Burleigh.
Expect cowboy hats next to surfboards, acoustic sets as the sun dips, and enough good vibes to last all spring. Forget formalities. Just show up, grab a spot on the lawn, and let the Gold Coast do what it does best.
Gold Coast’s Unmissable Country Festival
October changes the pace of the coast. The afternoons stretch, the sea air softens, and music begins to carry through the streets of Broadbeach. That signal means the Gold Coast Country Music Festival is near.
What to Expect in 2025
Each year, the Groundwater Country Music Festival brings a full weekend of live performance to one of the city’s most walkable precincts.
Locals, day visitors, and holidaymakers gather around temporary stages across parks and open streets. Music plays throughout the day.
Crowds settle in on picnic rugs or stop in between cafes to catch an act or two. The 2025 event runs from 17 to 19 October.
The schedule features solo artists, acoustic acts, and full band lineups drawn from both national and international talent. Entry is free. No ticket is required.
Quick Details
Groundwater Country Music Festival
Dates: 17–19 October 2025
Location: Kurrawa Park and Surf Parade Stage, Broadbeach
Entry: Free
Festival Snapshot
- Country artists from Australia and overseas
- Acoustic sets during the late afternoon
- A relaxed, walk-up crowd
- Food trucks and plenty of nearby dining
- No bookings, no pressure
This is the Broadbeach country music festival that starts the season. In the Gold Coast music festival calendar, it holds a unique spot. Local energy, beachside sound, and open access make it a clear favourite in the country music festival Gold Coast lineup.
What’s Happening Around Broadbeach During Festival Weekend
There’s more to explore beyond the stages. While the music sets the tone, these nearby spots bring even more life to your spring stay.
Miami Marketta
Kick off your weekend with live tunes, great eats, and a buzzing crowd.
- When: Friday and Saturday nights
- What: Street food, craft beer, and live performances
- Vibe: Perfect pre- or post-festival stop to keep the energy going
This open-air laneway draws locals and travellers in equal measure. Music plays into the evening while food stalls serve everything from dumplings to wood-fired pizza.
The venue sits within a short drive of Broadbeach, close enough to keep the weekend moving after a full day at the Gold Coast country music festival. Groups should aim to arrive early, especially if planning to grab a table.
Burleigh Market
Start your Saturday with local flavour and relaxed beach-town vibes.
- When: Saturday mornings
- What: Fresh produce, handmade goods, and gourmet snacks
- Where: Burleigh Heads State School, corner of Lower Gold Coast Highway and West Burleigh Road
This farmers’ market opens early and fills quickly. Expect rows of fresh fruit and vegetables, homemade pastries, local coffee, and artisan stalls.
It’s a popular stop for both residents and weekend visitors. Arrive early to avoid the peak and enjoy a slow walk through before the coastal day begins.
Burleigh Pavilion
After the last guitar strum fades, this is the spot for sunset drinks.
- What: Beachfront dining and cocktails with ocean views
- When: Open daily
This venue overlooks the sand at Burleigh Beach and draws a relaxed afternoon crowd. Groups tend to arrive just before sundown, with tables filling steadily through golden hour.
The menu keeps things casual, with seafood, pizza, and share plates made for easy dining. Views stretch across the coastline, with ocean light catching the glass just as the evening begins. Walk-ins are welcome, though the best spots go early.
SWELL Sculpture Festival
If you’re arriving early, this one’s worth planning into your trip.
- When: 12–21 September 2025
- Where: Currumbin Beach (about 20 minutes from Burleigh)
- What: Outdoor art installations, ocean views, and a relaxed pace
These stops are ideal for filling out your weekend. They balance out the festival experience and offer some of the coolest things to do on the Gold Coast.
With everything close by, you’ll never feel rushed, and every day has something new to enjoy.
Best Things to Do in Gold Coast Between the Music
You don’t need to stay in the crowd all day. Some of the best moments happen in between the sets.
Broadbeach keeps the festival energy alive, but nearby spots offer a slower pace when you want to reset. The best things to do in Gold Coast are simple, easy to reach, and a good way to break up your day.
Walk the Burleigh Headland
Start your day or wind it down with a walk around Burleigh Headland. The views are stunning, and the track is peaceful. It’s a quiet stretch of coastline that lets you step away from the music for a while.
Explore James Street
James Street in Burleigh has its own rhythm. Local shops, juice bars, and bakeries create a relaxed village feel. You’ll find great coffee, beach gear, and friendly faces all within a few blocks.
Swim Before the Music Starts
A morning swim resets the mood. Saltwater, sunshine, and a short walk to the beach set a calm tone before a full day of music and crowds.
Stay for the Sunset
Once the music winds down, the beach draws people back. Find a spot on the sand, relax, and watch the sun fade behind the skyline. It’s a slow finish to a busy day.
This blend of local calm and festival energy is what makes Gold Coast entertainment feel so complete during spring. Every day holds something new, and you never have to go far to find it.
Wrap Up Your Weekend with Music, Markets, and Sunshine
Sunday brings a softer pace, but the energy still lingers.
After a few days of music, markets and beach time, the Gold Coast country music festival leaves you with more than just good memories. It’s been easy, vibrant and full of local charm.
Broadbeach and Burleigh sit close together, making it simple to mix in one last coffee, a stroll through the markets or a final set at Kurrawa Park.
If you’re still chasing music, head over to Miami Marketta for live music on the Gold Coast tonight. Or, if you’re winding down, Burleigh Pavilion offers ocean views and a relaxed way to close the weekend.
Spring has a way of drawing everything together. Music, markets and local flavour are what make entertainment on the Gold Coast such a natural fit for this season.
Stay Close to the Music at 2nd Avenue Beachside Apartments
It’s easy to enjoy the festival when your stay feels this comfortable.
When the last song finishes and the lights dim in Broadbeach, 2nd Avenue Beachside Apartments gives you the space to relax. You’re close to the Gold Coast country music festival, with all its energy and live music, but still tucked away in the calm of Burleigh.
Step inside, kick off your shoes and settle on your balcony. The sea breeze might carry the last notes of the evening while the sky fades into soft colour.
With two pools, ocean views and fully self-contained apartments, this is where your weekend slows down in the best way. It’s also a great base for nearby events in Gold Coast, vibrant local spots and the kind of entertainment in Gold Coast that makes the season feel alive.
Enjoy your own pace. Take in the best things to do in Gold Coast, then return to your apartment and let the quiet carry you into the evening.
Book your stay today and make your festival weekend unforgettable.
Image Credit: Groundwater Music Festival
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