It’s that time of year again – the Vodafone Gold Coast 600 is roaring into town this weekend! Motorsport fans and music lovers alike are gearing up for the Gold Coast’s biggest party, where Supercars championship drivers will battle it out to be named the 2018 PIRTEK Enduro Cup winner, alongside Broadwater Sounds powered by Sea FM featuring Foreigner and Live, along with Brisbane ARIA-award winners, Sheppard. This Sunday, Cucina Vivo at The Star Gold Coast will host the Italian Long Lunch – it will be a relaxed progressive Italian feast, which will slowly roll out throughout the afternoon. You can still nab seats here if you’re quick! Keen for some Oktoberfest action? Sip steins and tuck into pretzels the size of your face at The Bavarian in Broadbeach this weekend for one of the best Oktoberfest parties outside of Munich – it runs until the end of the month, so get down there and soak it up. For some foodie fun that’s a little more hands on, catch celebrated cook, nutritionist and MasterChef Australia 2015 runner-up Georgia Barnes at The Kitchens on Saturday, as she brings her deliciously down-to-earth culinary skills in a series of monthly demonstrations and masterclasses. Northern Gold Coasters can head along to the Pacific Pines Picnic on Sunday afternoon – Central Park will come alive with delicious food, live music and family friendly fun, kicking off from 4:00 pm. There’s also Oktoberfest at Topgolf happening every Sunday afternoon (from 2:00–6:00 pm) in October, with live music on the Heineken Rooftop Terrace, pretzels and even a stein-hoisting competition.
Markets, Arts and Community
Before getting started on your action-packed weekend, you can head down for a free vinyasa yoga class on Saturday morning at Boardriders in Coolangatta – that’s right, free yoga! On Saturday night, NightQuarter is celebrating one of the music industry’s greatest with the Aretha Franklin Tribute, performed by songstress Emily Williams – along with listening to her greatest hits, you’ll learn about Aretha, her influences and the songs that defined an era. If you’re keen for a little southern road trip on Saturday, the Makers and Finders Market is on in Murwillumbah and it’s definitely worth a visit – there’s a quirky mix of locally grown produce, handmade, collectable and up-cycled products spread over lush acres of grassy fields with live music and street food. Spooky spectacular that is Fright Nights are back at Movie World this Friday and Saturday night. There will be mazes, horrific scare precincts, panic room experiences (nope), live music and basically the biggest offering of interactive scares you’ll ever see. Keen for a free movie? Of course you are! Get your minions together for a free movie night hosted by Villa World on Saturday at Chambers Ridge Park – spread the word and get the troops together, as there will be free food, popcorn, drinks, ice cream and coffee on offer while family favourite flick Despicable Me 3 plays. A Rock ‘n’ Retro version of The Treasure Hunt Markets is happening in Helensvale on Sunday, it’ll be brimming with vintage goods and collectables, antiques and bric-a-brac, craft stalls and food trucks. This Saturday HOTA’s newest exhibition begins – the coveted Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award exhibition, which is touted as a touchstone of contemporary photographic practice in Australia, and an exciting platform for established and emerging photographers to showcase their work. It’s on display until November 25, so make it your mission to see this industry-defining showcase.
