9 things to do on the Gold Coast this April

From outdoor cinemas and pyrotechnics to sword swallowing and comedy acts, the Gold Coast has events for everyone. Here’s the top nine shows you should see this month.

Just when the cooler weather was triggering thoughts of hibernation, an array of annual festivals and one-off acts have come together in the calendar to create a perfect cultural storm. From the Gold Coast Film Festival to Bleach* to the return of the infamous Spiegeltent, The Gold Coast has got it going on this autumn. Here are nine of the hottest tickets in town:

1. TAKE YOUR BEST MATE TO THE MOVIES

American Express Openair Cinema on the Gold Coast.

Now until April 14

Broadwater Parklands

You can do pretty much anything with your dog these days, catching a blockbuster included. American Express Openair Cinemas’ Gold Coast sessions are canine friendly. Hit up the food vans first for Salt Meats Cheese pizza and gnocchi or Haagen Dazs ice cream, then pull up a beanbag under the stars. Tonight’s film (SUBS APRIL 12) is Green Book, with Bohemian Rhapsody (the perfect way to get pumped for Queen’s GC stopover next year) and Captain Marvel also left in the line-up. Tickets start at $17 for general admission.

2. RELIVE BOOGIE NIGHTS IN A BREWERY

April 12

Burleigh Brewing Co. 2 Ern Harley Drive, Burleigh Heads

Catch up with Dirk Diggler and the gang at Burleigh Brewing’s outdoor cinema, where you’ll be treated to ready access to straight-from-the-tap brews like Burleigh Mango Mac, Burleigh Bock and Burleigh Nitro Red Ale. Did we hear there’ll be roller girls? Add (on-screen) sex, drugs and Mark Wahlberg to the equation and it goes without saying this Gold Coast Film Festival event is adults-only. Furniture is available on a first come first served basis, however, it’s a good idea to BYO blanket (gangster). Entry is free.

SUBSCRIBE TO THE BULLETIN FOR JUST $5 A MONTH FOR THE FIRST THREE MONTHS

3. SIP SUNDOWNERS ON THE SAND

April 17 to 28 from 2-10pm (Closed April 23 and 24)

Burleigh Heads Beach

We’re not talking about those sneaky Burleigh Hill sessions which we definitely do not condone because they are definitely not allowed. The Burleigh Bleach* Club at Burleigh Heads has the honour of being our first ever licensed bar on the beach. Enjoy Burleigh Brewing beer, Witches Falls wines and The Collective Catering’s pop-up restaurant while you listen to live music and catch special Bleach* performances.

4. RAISE THE BAR

Limbo Unhinged is heating up the Gold Coast's cultural scene in April

April 17 to May 12

Gold Coast Bulletin Centenary Park

Pyrotechnics, a thumping soundtrack, Coney Island sword swallower Heather Holliday, aerial wiz Marco Motta, gravity-defying Chinese pole and beatboxing master Mikael Bres bring Limbo Unhinged to life in the Gold Coast Spiegeltent. General admission tickets from $59.

5. WATCH POETRY IN MOTION

Elixir's Zac Hurren and Katie Noonan have collaborated with poet and cartoonist Michael Leunig. Supplied by Revolutions PR.

April 18

Singer-songwriter Katie Noonan and her jazz trio Elixir takeover the Spiegeltent for a night of music and poetry. Showcasing Katie’s ARIA nominated album Gratitude And Grief and Australia’s poet laureate Michael Leunig, it unites spoken-word poetry with angelic vocals. “I love it because I look out and people don’t quite know where to look,” Katie says. “Do I look at Michael drawing, do I look at the screen, the band, the orchestra? It’s quite a feast for the senses aurally and visually.” General admission tickets are $49.

6. SOAK UP THE BEAUTY OF OUR BACKYARD

April 18 — 23

Across the Gold Coast

After locals answered the Bleach* festival callout, their canal-front properties and pontoons will set the scene for an intimate concert series. Free-to-the-public Water Songs performances will also take place in waterway parks across the city.

7. STAR IN YOUR OWN THRILLER

Mudgeeraba Showgrounds

April 24 — 28

Buckle up and set a course for the normally charming hamlet of Mudgeeraba for Throttle, a B-grade thriller viewed from the “safety” of your own car. Lit by your headlights, heard through your car radio and seen through your windscreen, this is a live-action drive in with a difference from Gold Coast dance theatre company, The Farm. Disclaimer: there could be zombies. A car pass is $60.

8. PLAY DRAG QUEEN BINGO

Natasha St James, Violet Velvet, Drag Queen Bingo at Miami Marketta. Picture: Andrew Meadowcroft

April 27

Miami Marketta

There is bingo, and then there is drag queen bingo. Hosted by Natasha St. James and ShuShu Funtanna, expect an outing with attitude (and great outfits). Tickets are $25 and proceeds go to Rural Aid to help Australian farmers in need.

9. LAUGH WITH LANO & WOODLEY

Comedy duo Lano and Woodley. Photo - Naomi Jellicoe

April 27 and 28

Australia’s favourite double act Lano and Woodley reunite under the Spiegeltent. Their show, Fly, bought audiences to their feet at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. With characteristic enthusiasm, Colin (Lano) and Frank (Woodley) present a tribute to the pioneers of flight, The Wright Brothers. General admission tickets are $58.