Get Ready to Show Off! Your Guide to the Gold Coast Show Public Holiday 2025
The Gold Coast Show is a highlight of the year for locals and visitors alike, bringing a vibrant mix of entertainment, agriculture, and community spirit to the sunny shores of Queensland. As the anticipation builds for the 2025 event, one of the most exciting aspects for many is the “Gold Coast Show public holiday”. This special day provides the perfect opportunity to dive headfirst into all the fun and festivities that the show has to offer. So, get ready to mark your calendars and prepare for a weekend packed with excitement, thanks to the dedicated “Gold Coast public holiday”!
Mark Your Calendars: Gold Coast Show 2025 Dates
The Gold Coast Show in 2025 is set to take place over three action-packed days, from Friday, August 29th to Sunday, August 31st. This entire weekend promises a fantastic array of activities and attractions, ensuring that there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a fun day with friends, or simply looking to soak up the local atmosphere, these dates are essential for your diary.
Public Holiday Fun: Extra Time to Enjoy!
For those residing in the Gold Coast region, Friday, August 29th, 2025, holds extra significance as the Gold Coast Show public holiday. This gazetted public holiday, often referred to as People’s Day, is a special day off work or school, allowing everyone the chance to fully immerse themselves in the show’s excitement. It’s important to note that while Queensland celebrates various show holidays throughout the year, such as the Royal Queensland Show in Brisbane, the “Gold Coast public holiday” is specifically for the Gold Coast region, making it a truly local celebration. This dedicated “Gold Coast public holiday” means an extra day to explore all the attractions without the weekday rush.
What’s the Buzz? Fun Activities for Everyone
The Gold Coast Show is renowned for its diverse range of activities, ensuring a fun-filled experience for attendees of all ages and interests.
Rides and Thrills
For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Side Show Alley is a must-visit. Here, you’ll find a dazzling array of thrilling games, exciting rides, and tempting stalls. From classic carnival games where you can test your skills to heart-pounding thrill rides that will leave you breathless, Side Show Alley offers entertainment for everyone.
Even the little ones will find joy in the gentle carousels and fun-filled attractions designed just for them. With dozens of show rides operating daily from 9 am, the options for fun and excitement are endless.
Delicious Eats and Treats
No show is complete without indulging in some delicious food, and the Gold Coast Show certainly doesn’t disappoint. A wide selection of food and beverage options will be available throughout the grounds, catering to all tastes and cravings.
Be sure to keep an eye out for show favourites like the iconic potato tornadoes and the ever-popular dagwood dogs. From savoury snacks to sweet treats, there’s something to satisfy every appetite.
Animal Encounters
Animal lovers will be in their element at the Gold Coast Show. The ever-charming Baby Animals exhibit provides a wonderful opportunity to get up close and personal with adorable newborns. For a unique experience with a coastal twist, don’t miss the chance to enjoy Camel Rides along the beach, offering stunning views of the coastline.
The Show Dogs competition is another highlight, where top-notch dogs of various breeds compete for the ultimate title. Additionally, the Farmland Exhibit offers a glimpse into agriculture and rural life, providing an educational and engaging experience. And for some high-energy canine entertainment, be sure to catch the popular Dock Dogs event, featuring the renowned Farmer Dave.
Entertainment Galore
The entertainment lineup at the Gold Coast Show is always impressive, ensuring there’s never a dull moment. The Live and Loud Stage by Triple M Gold will be buzzing with live music performances throughout the weekend, with headliner Lily Grace and her band taking the stage on Friday and Saturday evenings before the spectacular fireworks display.
They will also perform an acoustic set on Sunday afternoon.
Speaking of spectacular, the night sky will light up with dazzling fireworks displays by Kollosche on both Friday and Saturday evenings at 6:45 pm.
For a taste of tradition and skill, the Wood Chop Competition is an exciting event to witness. Equestrian enthusiasts will be thrilled by the various Equestrian Competitions, showcasing the talent and grace of both horse and rider.
The Arts Pavilion will be a hub of creativity, hosting Arts Competitions and displaying a diverse range of artwork from across the Gold Coast and beyond, including paintings, sculptures, and ceramic arts, as well as a display of children’s art.
Lastly, the Homecrafts Competition in its dedicated pavilion will showcase the creative talents of the community in areas such as baking, sewing, and papercrafts.
Other Fun Activities
Beyond the main attractions, the Gold Coast Show offers a few more gems to enhance your experience. A trip to the Showbag Lawn is a must for many, offering a wide variety of showbags filled with goodies and treats for all ages.
To make navigating the park easier, hop aboard the Show Train, which provides a convenient way to access different attractions. Car enthusiasts will enjoy the Gold Coast Car Show, featuring a Ute Muster and a display of various vehicles.
A Local Tradition: A Little Bit of History
The Gold Coast Show boasts a rich history, deeply intertwined with the local community. Its origins trace back to the early 20th century, with the event celebrating its centenary in 2006. Initially known as The Southport Show, it first took place at Recreation Reserve, now Woodroffe Park, in Southport.
In its early days, the show primarily highlighted local produce, such as fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Over time, it expanded to include livestock exhibits and equestrian events, reflecting the agricultural roots of the region. As the show grew in popularity, it outgrew its original location and moved to Owen Park in 1919, where it remained for six decades.
During this period, it underwent several name changes, eventually becoming The Gold Coast Show in 1959, signifying its broader appeal and connection to the entire region. In 1989, the show made another significant move to a purpose-built 47-hectare site at Parklands.
Finally, in 2019, with the support of the Gold Coast Council, the Show found its current home at the Broadwater Parkland, ensuring its continuation as a beloved community event.
Today, the Gold Coast Show stands as a testament to the agricultural history and vibrant modern culture of the Gold Coast, attracting over 120,000 visitors annually.
Planning Your Show Day: Tips and Tricks
To ensure you have the best possible experience at the Gold Coast Show, a little planning can go a long way.
Getting There
Getting to the Gold Coast Show at Broadwater Parklands is easy, with a range of convenient transport options available. The G:Link Light Rail is one of the most efficient ways to travel, with Broadwater Parklands station being the nearest stop. Services run frequently throughout the day, including on the Gold Coast Show public holiday, Friday 29 August 2025, with trams operating approximately every 7.5 minutes during peak times at standard fares.
If you’re coming from further afield, the Parkwood Light Rail Station offers a free park ‘n’ ride facility, allowing you to leave your car and catch the tram directly to the show.
For those choosing to drive closer to the venue, Carey Car Park on Marine Parade, Southport, offers parking for $10 per vehicle, payable by cash or card. Disabled parking is also available here at no cost, subject to availability and with a valid disability sticker displayed. Be aware that metered council parking in Southport is limited, and while Australia Fair provides three hours of free parking, it may require a longer walk to the venue.
For added accessibility, designated disabled drop-off zones are available at The Great Lawn, the Arts Pavilion, and opposite Queen Street on Marine Parade.
If you’re arriving via taxi or Uber, the designated pick-up and drop-off area is located on the Gold Coast Highway, between Marine Parade and Ada Bell Way.
You can also plan your journey using the TransLink Journey Planner for real-time bus, train, or tram information.
Best Times to Visit
To make the most of your day, consider arriving earlier in the day, especially on the Gold Coast Show public holiday, to avoid the largest crowds.
The evening is a fantastic time to experience the vibrant atmosphere, with live music on the Live and Loud Stage and the spectacular fireworks displays lighting up the night sky on Friday and Saturday. Rides operate from 9 am daily, so you can start your thrill-seeking adventures early.
Must-See Highlights
With so much to see and do, it’s helpful to have a few must-see highlights in mind. Be sure to check out the adrenaline-pumping rides in Side Show Alley, the adorable baby animals, and the mesmerising fireworks displays.
The traditional Wood Chop Competition and the skilful Equestrian Competitions are always popular events. Music lovers should head to the Live and Loud Stage to enjoy the performances.
For a detailed schedule of events and timings, refer to the official Show Program. Music enthusiasts will also want to check the Live & Loud Program for specific performance times.
Other Tips
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable day at the show, wear comfortable shoes as you’ll likely be doing a lot of walking. Given the August weather on the Gold Coast, it’s wise to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
While many vendors may accept card payments, it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller stalls and rides. Consider bringing a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day; water refill stations are usually available at large events.
So Don’t Miss Out on the Gold Coast Show Fun!
The Gold Coast Show in 2025 promises to be an unforgettable event, filled with a fantastic array of entertainment, thrilling rides, delicious food, and captivating animal encounters.
With the added bonus of the Gold Coast Show public holiday on Friday, August 29th, there’s no better time to experience the vibrant community spirit and make lasting memories.
So, mark your calendars, plan your visit, and get ready for a weekend of fun at the Gold Coast Show! For more information on Queensland public holidays and other exciting events, be sure to visit qldpublicholidays.com.au.
