The Blues on Broadbeach music festival is back again in 2026 from the 14th to the 17nd of May. Now in its 25st year, the festival promises to be bigger and better than ever with a fantastic lineup of performers, venues, restaurants and bars participating.
There's even an app this year to make sure you don't miss anything. It's largely a free and unticketed event, held in what has to be one of the best festival locations around. There are a lot of good reasons to get along and be part of this one.
We've been marking 'Blues on Broadbeach' one out on the calendar for over a decade now and if you're a blues fan it's always a good weekend with a bit of beach time, fantastic options for eating and drinking, and lots of great music.
There's a good balance of local and international artists again this year with dozens of homegrown acts locked in as well as some highly anticipated performances from the international circuit including Osaka Monaurail with their special brand of orchestral funk.
In addition to its great acts and being hosted on the stunning Gold Coast beachfront, so much of the Blues on Broadbeach festival is also FREE! Sure there are some premium events hosted in private venues but there are multiple sound stages in the streets, plaza, and parks. It's family-friendly and accessible.
Where can I watch Blues on Broadbeach from?
In 2026 there will be 5 festival stages, three are in parklands and two are street front. They are located at Kurrawa Park on the beachfront, another in Victoria Park behind the Oasis Shopping Centre, and a third in Federation Park on Queensland Avenue between Surf Parade and the beach. There are also sound stages on Surf Parade in front of the Phonecian Resort and Oracle Boulevard just up from Peppers Broadbeach.
In addition to these public sound stages, 7 other local venues including The Oasis shopping centre and various bars have performances scheduled.
Downloading the Festival App from the Apple App Store or the Play Store to get the latest schedule, map and information on the artists. You'll find the latest information on confirmed acts and the schedule also on the official site.
Getting to Blues on Broadbeach
Broadbeach is one of the most popular beaches on the Gold Coast strip for good reason. Beautiful white sand surf beaches, a huge selection of fantastic restaurants and cafes, a full spectrum of accommodation options and for those inclined, good shopping nearby.
The coast also has a light rail service that makes it very easy to get between beaches without driving and if some of the Broadbeach hotels have got a little pricey for the festival you'll likely still find some good deals down the road and this makes getting back to your room very easy.
Parking isn't too difficult in the immediate area normally but the festival puts a bit of pressure on infrastructure and there are time restrictions around the beachfront, Oasis centre and surf life-saving car park. If you drive a few blocks you can find free unmetered parking if you're prepared to walk or there is paid parking in the central area. The Gold Coast Convention and Events centre has $12 flat-rate parking if you're stuck.
Where to stay for Blues on Broadbeach
We love Broadbeach and always have. Travelling over from New Zealand for many years it was a top pick for us, being central to everything, with great restaurants and bars and yet it retained a chill beachy vibe. Our top three picks for staying in Broadbeach are the Peppers Broadbeach, Phoenecian Resort and the Meriton Suites. We stayed in them all and would happily return to any and all.
We wrote a detailed review on Peppers Broadbeach more recently but we've stayed at both the Phoenecian and Meriton several times, and although some of those visits were a while back now they are both regularly renovated and maintained and the location of all three in the heart of Broadbeach is excellent.
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