Things to Do · Live Music
Live Music in Broadbeach
Sunday sessions with live acts, Blues on Broadbeach, The Star entertainment program, and street performers on the mall — live music in Broadbeach.
Broadbeach has a lively live music culture anchored by one of Australia’s biggest free outdoor music festivals and supplemented by regular venue programming, Sunday session acts, and the Broadbeach Mall’s informal street performance scene.
From world-class headline acts at Blues on Broadbeach to a solo acoustic guitarist at a Sunday session bar, here’s where and when to find live music in Broadbeach.
Live Music in Broadbeach
- Biggest event: Blues on Broadbeach (May) — free festival, 100,000+ attendees, major artists
- Regular venues: The Star Gold Coast entertainment program, select Oracle Blvd bars
- Sunday sessions: live acoustic and DJ sets at bars on Oracle Boulevard from midday
- Free music: Broadbeach Mall buskers and community events on weekends
- Groundwater Country Music Festival (October) — another major free outdoor music event
| Format | When | Cost | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blues on Broadbeach festival | May (3–4 days) | Free | Broadbeach precinct (outdoor stages) |
| Groundwater Country Music Festival | October (3–4 days) | Free | Broadbeach precinct (outdoor stages) |
| The Star entertainment program | Selected weekends | Varies | The Star Gold Coast venues |
| Sunday session live acts | Sunday afternoons | No cover | Oracle Blvd bars |
| Broadbeach Mall buskers | Weekends | Free | Broadbeach Mall pedestrian strip |
Blues on Broadbeach — The Headline Music Event
Blues on Broadbeach is one of Australia’s most significant free outdoor music festivals — held over 3–4 days in May each year across multiple outdoor stages in the Broadbeach precinct. International and Australian blues, roots, and soul artists headline the event, which draws 100,000+ visitors over the festival period.
The free admission model means the entire precinct becomes a music festival — stages set up in parks, on the beach, and around Oracle Boulevard. Local restaurants and bars become de facto festival venues. Broadbeach accommodation during Blues weekend books out months ahead at premium rates.
See our Blues on Broadbeach 2026 guide for lineup and dates.
Groundwater Country Music Festival follows a similar format in October — free outdoor country music across multiple stages in Broadbeach. Consistently one of the best-attended free music events in Queensland. See our Groundwater guide.
Regular Live Music Venues in Broadbeach
The Star Gold Coast has the most consistent entertainment programming in Broadbeach — live acts in its bars, regular DJ nights, and headline entertainment in the larger venues. The Star’s events calendar is published on their website and covers everything from cover bands to international touring acts. Check before your visit to see what’s on.
Oracle Boulevard bars: Several Oracle Boulevard bars program live acoustic acts or DJs on Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons. The programming rotates and isn’t always advertised in advance — the best approach is to walk the strip on a Sunday afternoon and follow the sound.
Broadbeach Mall: The pedestrianised mall through Broadbeach regularly hosts buskers and occasional organised street performance events, particularly on weekend afternoons. The Broadbeach Alliance coordinates community events in the mall — check their social media for the current program.
Broadbeach Community Centre and cultural events: Occasional concerts and cultural events run at the Broadbeach Community Centre and HOTA (Home of the Arts) in nearby Surfers Paradise — about 10 minutes by tram. HOTA programs jazz, classical, folk, and touring acts year-round.
Live Music Tips for Broadbeach
If live music is a significant part of why you’re visiting Broadbeach, plan your trip around Blues on Broadbeach (May) or Groundwater (October). Both are free, both draw exceptional lineups, and the whole precinct transforms into a music festival atmosphere. Book accommodation 6+ months ahead — these dates sell out completely.
During Blues on Broadbeach and Groundwater, multiple stages operate simultaneously across the precinct. The best approach is to walk between them — the free festival model means you can drift from stage to stage, catch different acts, and stop at whichever bar or food stall appears along the way. No wristbands, no queues for stage transfers.
The Star Gold Coast’s events program often includes ticketed headline entertainment that isn’t widely advertised outside of their own channels. Check their website when planning your trip — a headline act or special event might fall on your dates without you knowing.
The best way to encounter live music without planning ahead is Oracle Boulevard on Sunday afternoon. Walk the strip between 1–4pm — at least one or two venues will have a live acoustic act or DJ performing. The atmosphere is relaxed and the music is background-to-foreground depending on where you sit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — Broadbeach has a strong live music culture. Blues on Broadbeach (May) and Groundwater Country Music Festival (October) are free outdoor festivals with major artists across multiple stages in the precinct. Regular live music also operates at The Star Gold Coast (check their events calendar), select Oracle Boulevard bars on Sunday afternoons and weekend nights, and through occasional buskers and community events in the Broadbeach Mall.
Blues on Broadbeach 2026 is held in May — exact dates are announced by the festival organisers typically 3–4 months ahead. The festival runs 3–4 days across multiple free outdoor stages in the Broadbeach precinct. See our dedicated Blues on Broadbeach 2026 guide for lineup announcements and accommodation advice.
Yes — Blues on Broadbeach (May) and Groundwater Country Music Festival (October) are both free admission events with major live music lineups across multiple outdoor stages. Weekend buskers in the Broadbeach Mall are also free. Sunday session live acts at Oracle Boulevard bars don’t charge a cover. The two festivals are among Australia’s most significant free outdoor music events.
Stay in Broadbeach — Walk to Every Stage
Find accommodation in Broadbeach in the heart of the entertainment precinct.
Written and maintained by a Broadbeach local. I update this guide regularly to keep it accurate.