Gold Coast set to dazzle this month with $40 million event line-up

Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS) © Sanctuary Cove Boat Show

The Gold Coast is gearing up for a sensational month of world-class events set to draw tens of thousands of visitors, millions of global viewers, and generate a projected tourism impact of more than $40 million for the region.

Three major events - Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show (SCIBS), the Gold Coast Pro presented by the World Surf League, and the iconic Blues on Broadbeach music festival - will take centre stage, showcasing the Gold Coast as a premier destination for lifestyle, sport, and entertainment.

City Leaders Applaud a Landmark Month

Mayor Tom Tate said it's a blockbuster month of world-class events on the Gold Coast, bringing energy, excitement and enormous economic benefits to our city.

"From the Gold Coast Pro to Blues on Broadbeach and the Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show, we're seeing the Gold Coast shine on a global stage—drawing visitors from around the country and the world," he said.

"With a combined economic impact of $40 million, these major events highlight the strength of our city's events calendar and the vibrant community that supports it."

Australia's Premier Marine Event: SCIBS 2025 (May 22-25)

Returning to the waterfront at Sanctuary Cove, SCIBS will once again unite the high-end luxury of the superyacht world with family-friendly fun on and around the water. With over 43,000 attendees, more than 330 exhibitors, 760 boats, and 2,500 marine products on display, SCIBS is Australia's largest celebration of the marine lifestyle.

"This is an incredibly exciting time for the Gold Coast and a strong example of the value major events deliver to our region," said Corey Rattray-Wood, Head of Events at Mulpha Events.

"SCIBS 2024 delivered an addition $431 million in commercial impact and, with growing momentum, we anticipate even greater results this year."

Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro presented by GWM: Surfing's Best Hit Burleigh (May 3-13)

The world's top surfers descended this month on the iconic Burleigh Heads for the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro presented by GWM. Among the elite athletes vying for glory are current World No. 1, Brazil's Italo Ferreira, Australian Wildcard Julian Wilson and Japan's Kanoa Igarashi. The women's competition is delivering just as much action, featuring the Gold Coast's 8 x World Champion Stephanie Gilmore, 2024 World Champion Caity Simmers (USA) and Australia's Isabella Nichols.

Blues on Broadbeach: A Festival of Soul (May 15-18)

Now in its 24th year, Blues on Broadbeach the four-day festival is expected to attract more than 160,000 visitors to the streets of Broadbeach.

Among the host of big international and homegrown artists performing at this year's festival are The Cruel Sea, DIESEL, Vika & Linda, Eric Gales, Eli Paperboy Reed and Salmonella Dub Soundsystem.

Australian rock icon Jimmy Barnes set to perform songs from his iconic Soul Deep album as a special one-off ticketed show at the festival, joined by special guests The Badloves - Aussie icons in their own right and Pokey LaFarge, bringing his distinctive genre-defying blend of jazz, folk, and Americana sound all the way from the US.

Blues on Broadbeach continues to be a major drawcard for the region's thriving live music scene.

Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said the city's curated portfolio of events promotes the Gold Coast not just as a destination, but as a premier hub for lifestyle, entertainment, sport, and major events.

"This May is a perfect example of how a strong and diverse events calendar boosts visitation, energises local businesses, and strengthens the Gold Coast's reputation as one of Australia's leading events destinations," Mr Warn said.

"Whether it's boating, surfing, or live music, there's something for everyone — it's yours to experience.

"It's one of the most exciting times of the year on the Gold Coast, and there's never been a better reason to get out and enjoy it all."

The 36th Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show will be held from May 22-25, 2025. For more visit sanctuarycoveboatshow.com.au.

The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is owned and operated by Mulpha Events and proudly supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism & Events Queensland and Experience Gold Coast.