Don McLean hits The Star Gold Coast this October.
Don McLean hits The Star Gold Coast this October.
There are a handful of songs that pretty much everyone knows, and American Pie by Don McLean is one of them. It’s been more than 50 years since it first came out (55 to be exact), yet it still gets the same reaction every time it plays. It’s not a sit-back-and-listen kind of song, it’s a sing-every-word-with-your-chest situation. Now Don McLean is bringing it back to Australia for the 55th anniversary tour, with a one-night-only stop on the Gold Coast.
More than half a century after American Pie first changed the shape of popular music, McLean returns as the original troubadour behind it all. He is still touring, still performing and still pulling crowds who have grown up with these songs on repeat. This will be like dusting off an old record, only much better. You’re reliving it, loud and live with Don in the flesh!
The gig lands on Wednesday, 14 October at The Star Gold Coast, and it’s shaping up to be a full-blown nostalgia fest, big singalongs, goosebumps, and the kind of night that’ll have your voice clocking off early the next day (a sure sign you did it right).
Yes, American Pie will have its main character moment, but the setlist doesn’t stop there. Expect heartfelt classics like Vincent (Starry, Starry Night), Castles in the Air, And I Love You So, and plenty more gems ready to be belted out loud and proud.
What makes this show a hit is how familiar it all feels- full of the songs that have been a part of our lives for years. Road trips, family playlists, on the radio, it’s all in there. McLean also shares a few stories along the way, giving a bit of context to the songs without slowing things down. We’re certainly intrigued!
At 81, he’s still more than holding his own on stage, delivering the songs exactly how people want to hear them. No dramatic reinventions, no overthinking it, just the original sound, the original voice and a performance that consistently delivers. Set in a theatre, the show leans into that stripped-back feel, no distractions, just the genius songs everyone came for. The ones that have lasted longer than, well… a lot of things.
If you’ve seen Don McLean before, you already know it’s a great night out. If you haven’t, this is your chance. Anniversary tours tend to bring a bit more buzz, and this one has plenty. His last run in Australia drew solid crowds across the country, and this time is shaping up to be no different.
This is the kind of gig you don’t want to miss. Call it a good old-fashioned singalong, call it a throwback, call it whatever you want, just don’t miss it.
Pre-sale kicks off at 10am local time on Friday, March 27, and runs until 11pm on Monday, March 30, before the general on sale at 9am local time on Tuesday, March 31.
Grab your tickets here.
When: 14th October 2026
Where: The Star Gold Coast, 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
STORY SPONSORED BY ECHO PACIFIC ENTERTAINMENT
Boots, beats and boot-scootin’ energy.
If you thought line dancing peaked in the early 2000s alongside low-rise jeans and flip phones, think again. The Gold Coast is officially in its yeehaw era, and honestly? We’ve been waiting for this moment, boots ready, for some time.
From breweries and beachside lawns to hinterland pubs and community halls, get your boots ready for some stomping, hips for some swinging, and to befriend some strangers when you nail the footwork (or not…). No partner, experience or rhythm required (it helps, but we move on). It’s equal parts cardio, community and country bangers, with a healthy dose of wholesome chaos thrown in.
Whether you’re chasing a family-friendly Friday night, a midweek sweat session disguised as fun or a new social ritual that doesn’t revolve around scrolling your phone, the Coast has delivered. Here’s where to dust off those boots and join the revival, listed north to south.
Line Dancing at DRM is bringing serious country charm to Eagleby, and honestly, we’re here for it. Hosted in the Outdoor Entertainment Area, this free, all-ages line dancing night is the kind of wholesome chaos we didn’t know we needed more of. Gilly’s Line Dancing leads the charge, guiding total beginners and seasoned boot-scooters alike through every spin, stomp and slide. It runs roughly once a month, so rally the crew, bring the fam and prepare to two-step under the stars.
Where: 124 Distillery Road, Eagleby
If commitment to the cause is your thing, Hound and Stag is clocking serious hours on the dance floor. Line dancing runs every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 6:30pm, each night serving up its own flavour. Wednesdays are Request Night (plus $15 schnitzels with fries), Thursdays are tailored for beginners (with dangerously tempting $1 wings), and Fridays go full Party Night mode, complete with $5 tacos.
Where: 13 Wrights Place, Arundel
Hinterland views and heel taps? Say less. The Beechmont Hotel is serving up three nights of line dancing bliss, hosted by Runaway Boots’ Kirsty Jane. Mondays are for improvers ready to sharpen their steps, Tuesdays blend beginners and social dancers, and Wednesdays welcome kids and absolute first-timers to the floor. It’s equal parts fitness session, social club and country-inspired escape from the coastal chaos. Add mountain air and that classic pub warmth, and you’ve got yourself a weekly ritual worth the winding drive.
Where: 402 Nerang Murwillumbah Rd, Advancetown
Boots hit the floor every Tuesday from 7–9pm at Rowdy Ranch, where steakhouse swagger meets full-blown country energy. This free weekly session brings together first-timers, friend groups and seasoned dancers for two solid hours of guided fun. It’s lively without being intimidating and social without being awkward- aka the sweet spot. Come for the dancing, stay for the steaks, and leave wondering how you accidentally clocked up 8,000 steps before dessert.
Where: 3/15 Orchid Ave, Surfers Paradise
Line dancing has officially claimed Thursday nights at Cowboys, running from 7–9pm and led by teacher Natasha, who makes even the most rhythm-challenged feel capable. Whether you’ve secretly always wanted to try it or you’re already confident on a dance floor, this session meets you where you’re at. Expect upbeat country tracks, plenty of laughs and that unbeatable feeling of nailing a routine in sync with a room full of strangers.
Where: 2/58 Cavill Ave, Surfers Paradise
Because apparently one night wasn’t enough, line dancing on The Lawn at Garden Kitchen & Bar is now running every Tuesday and every second Saturday. Set against The Star’s polished Broadbeach backdrop, this family-friendly, free event blends toe-tappin’ fun with an early finish (6:30pm–8:30pm), so you can still call it a sensible outing. It’s big on atmosphere, easy to join and the perfect excuse to swap your usual dinner plans for something a little more boot-scootin’.
Where: 1 Casino Dr, Broadbeach
Burleigh Brewing Co. proves that hops and heel taps are a surprisingly elite pairing. Western Stomp pop-ups at the brewery on the last Friday of each month from 6.30pm-8:30pm. It’s relaxed, kid-friendly and the kind of setting where you can reward yourself with a cold one after mastering that tricky turn. Expect a mixed crowd, plenty of encouragement and a laid-back brewery vibe that makes learning feel anything but serious.
Where: 2 Ern Harley Dr, Burleigh Heads
Every Monday, The Junction transforms into a community dance hub as part of the Active & Healthy program. Beginners start at 5:30pm, intermediates follow at 6:30pm, and at $6 per class or $10 for both (with kids free), it’s one of the most budget-friendly ways to get moving. It’s proudly family-friendly and welcoming- no partner required. There’s even a café onsite for a post-class wind-down, because debriefing your footwork over a beverage is practically mandatory.
Where: The Junction, 14 Junction Road, Burleigh Heads
If you prefer your cardio before noon, Dallas Line Dancers has built a loyal following across Tugun and Pottsville with structured, multi-level classes that cater to dancers of all levels, from beginners to intermediates. Sessions run across mornings with split floors for different abilities, plus longer workshops and social dance days that can stretch for hours. It’s exercise, memory training and social connection rolled into one very enthusiastic community. No partner needed- just comfy shoes and a willingness to give it a go.
Where: Pottsville Beach Community Hall, 1 Tweed Coast Rd, Pottsville NSW and Tom Atkin Hall, 433 Golden Four Drive, Tugun.
Words by Chelsea Ipsen
February’s freshest foodie finds.
The last month of summer has gone by in a flash, but luckily a fresh batch of brand-new venues has made sure it didn’t go unnoticed! From nostalgic chicken shops to a steakhouse with serious honky-tonk vibes, here’s the latest scoop on the hottest openings last month that you’ll want to sink your teeth into.
Tedder Avenue’s newest Italian stallion is here to wow. Bar Ricci in Main Beach is serving coastal Italian glamour with limoncello buttered barramundi, blue swimmer crab pasta, and arancini that’ll steal your heart. Think Aperol Spritz like Amalfi, Michelin-worthy mains and a wine list that’s world-class. With breezy terraces, private rooms and service as stylish as the interiors, Bar Ricci is perfect for long lunches, intimate dinners or Italian family feasts.
Where: 20 Tedder Avenue, Main Beach
All you need is Lovi! Lovi is serving love on a plate with Italian-Mediterranean classics and heart-melting brunch favourites. Minimal coastal vibes and a cosy alfresco corner make lingering a must. Devour Baked Cauliflower, Mezze Maniche in vodka sauce, and cocktails that kiss you back. Whether you’re loved-up, flying solo or brunching with friends, Lovi turns every bite into a little love story. Eat, sip, swoon, repeat.
Where: 133 Laver Drive, Robina
Purrfect Catch Cafe is reeling in Gold Coast locals hook, line and whisker. This new Hope Island spot is pet-friendly, serving up seriously good brunch with clever cat-and-fish vibes from decor to dish names. Think Crabby Kitty Croissants, Sweet Catch Bao, and Tiny Purr Pancakes for little ones. Matcha boba, Tropical Purr-adise smoothies and house-baked cakes make mornings and lunches irresistible. It’s witty, whimsical and a total purrfect catch for humans, pets and taste buds alike.
Where: 26/340 Hope Island Road, Hope Island
Chasing the sunset never tasted so good. Sunset on Chevron is giving a Gold Coast fave a shiny new glow, serving brunches that roll into lunch with cocktails that sparkle when the sun dips. Enjoy fish tacos with zing, katsu burgers with crunch and espresso martinis on cue. It’s bringing fresh coastal energy to one of the Gold Coast’s most community-minded pockets. And yes, we’ll absolutely stay for one more round!
Where: 1/64 Thomas Drive, Chevron Island
Chicken tonight? Don’t mind if we do! The Salty Chook is spinning golden birds in Rainbow Bay and serving pure post-surf satisfaction. Think free-range rotisserie chook with crackly skin, Nashville hot burgers that bring the heat, and chippies dusted in extra chicken salt (obviously). It’s nostalgic with no-fuss, where sandy feet and salt-of-the-earth souls are always welcome.
Where: 13 Ward Street Coolangatta
Forks at the ready! A yummy new chapter has begun for baker Heya Yum, turning her cult cake biz into a real-life sugar haven in Mermaid Beach! Serving ready-to-go celebration cakes that make 6am feel like sweet o’clock, this little shop means you can whip up an impromptu party any day of the week. Think mini masterpieces, cupcakes and pastries with flavours from Biscoff to raspberry. It’s sweet, soulful and sprinkled with Yum’s magic.
Where: 1a/2475 Gold Coast Hwy, Mermaid Beach
Turn over a new leaf at Leaf Cafe & Co in Broadbeach. This newbie is serving breezy easy mornings with a side of brunch. Tuck into Pistachio French Toast, Truffle Mushroom Bruschetta and pasta-before-noon energy. The house-roasted coffee hits just right, whether you’re a short black sipper or oat latte lover. Bonus points for being close to the beach, it’s the kind of spot where one sip of coffee will help you leaf your worries behind.
Where: Meriton Suites, Shop 8, 2669 Gold Coast Highway, Broadbeach
Rowdy Ranch Steakhouse is raising the steaks and the roof in Surfers Paradise. Think smoky brisket, a show-stopping 1kg Tomahawk Steak, and wings that deserve their own fan club. There’s a mechanical bull daring you to hold on, a d-floor for line dancing and a stage for live country music straight outta Nashville. It’s boot-scooting, bucking-bull fun for both family get-togethers and full-throttle nights out. Saddle up!
Where: 3/15 Orchid Avenue, Surfers Paradise
Words by Lisette Drew
When Spotify just isn't cutting it.
There are a great many things to get amongst on the GC, and these days, a thriving local music scene is undeniably one of them. And we can all agree, if there’s one thing that takes kicking back with a frosty refreshment to a whole new level, it’s getting your ears around some sweet tunes while you do it.
From dank, hidden indie dive bars to classic pub-style serenades for the whole fam to vibe to – whatever genre you’re in the mood for, there’s bound to be a venue to match.
This Arundel’s brewery has been hitting all the right notes since they slid open their enormous barn door at the end of 2022. Hound and Stag is now the GC’s largest combining craft brews and live music, and honestly, how could you go wrong with a combo like that?! The regular array of tribute bands are the big old auditory cherry on top of an excellent atmosphere, brew-pub bites and endless frosty beverages here, folks.
Where: 13 Wrights Place, Arundel
One of Queenland’s largest AFL clubs, Southport Sharks is a family-friendly gem that’s more than merely a haven for footy fans to wet their whistles. With multiple venues and areas built-in, this Babushka doll vibing spot always has something going on, including live acts every weekend if you’re in the mood to groove. Every Friday and Saturday night, there’s an assortment of free gigs going down, from retro RnB shows, classic pub rock to tribute acts to get those toes tapping.
Where: Cnr Musgrave and Olsen Avenues, Southport
We can always count on our local dive bar to deliver us the very dankest of gigs, and Vinnie’s Dive does exactly that. Championing our local music scene, they’re no strangers to big alt/indie names such as Dear Seattle, DZ Deathrays, Wil Wagner (The Smith Street Band) The Bennies and Regurgiator gracing their small but mighty stage – in addition to karaoke and themed tribute nights. We think this review sums it up best: “It’s dark, the floors are sticky, the toilets seats are occasionally broken, the beers are icy cold and the staff are the best people you’ll ever meet.” Get down there for great times and even better gigs.
Where: Shops A & B, 44A Nerang Street, Southport
There’s always something happening at SOPO, the entertainment heart of Southport. Right in the centre of the CBD, this lively local is your go-to for everything from live music and DJs to trivia, bingo and special events, with something on the calendar day and night. Come the weekend, Seductions Lounge turns up the volume with a rotating lineup of talented local bands and performers every Friday and Saturday, delivering the perfect soundtrack for dancing, drinks and good times with friends.
Where: 36 Scarborough Street, Southport
Take the stairs to Level 1 and you’ll find one of Surfers Paradise’s most entertaining nights out. Hotel Jardin’s Piano Bar pairs expertly crafted cocktails with live piano sessions in a moody, intimate setting centred around a baby grand. Dubbed Surfers’ favourite sing-along piano bar, the resident pianist plays all your faves and happily takes requests, so whether you’re keen to belt out a classic, sip your way through curated wine flights at Sips & Sounds, or simply soak up the late-night energy, this is your cue. Live music kicks off from 5pm Tuesday and Wednesday, and from 6pm Thursday through Sunday.
Where: 3240 Surfers Paradise Boulevard, Surfers Paradise
The Home of the Arts is certainly doing the heavy lifting to finally elevate the arts and culture scene here in our section of Queensland. From intimate, indoor performances to the homegrown darlings and headline acts routinely taking one of Australia’s best outdoor stages – the variety of shows are as varied and vibrant as its technicolour exterior.
Where: HOTA, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise
Open Tuesday to Sunday, Den Devine was awarded Gold Coast Live Music Venue of the Year 2025, and it’s easy to see why. Since opening in 2020, Den Devine has put live music at the heart of everything it does, celebrating both seasoned pros and rising local talent across jazz, blues, and a whole mix of global genres. The intimate, “music is life” vibe makes every visit feel like a front-row experience.
Fuel your night with UK & Irish fayre, European classics, USA favourites, and a stellar whisky selection. Seats fill fast, book ahead to catch the vibe.
Where: 15 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
When it comes to star-studded acts and internationally recognised music performances, The Star Gold Coast is the place to grab a seat in a full-blown theatre and experience music as it was intended. But the entertainment doesn’t stop when the curtain falls.
Across the precinct, you’ll find live music lighting up Atrium Bar, Nineteen at The Star and Cherry, alongside the open-air ambience of Garden Kitchen & Bar’s Live on the Lawn series. From DJs and soloists to laidback acoustic sets and vibrant weekend sessions, there’s always a soundtrack to your night out.
Where: 1 Casino Drive, Broadbeach
Build it, and they will come… though it’s not clear in this analogy if the ‘they’ should be the steady stream of stellar, live music acts, the hungry hordes, or adoring music fans. Either way, this iconic laneway has established itself as a cracking spot for many things, including one of the best places to catch a gig on the GC.
From 5pm from Wednesday to Saturday nights, Miami comes alive with foods from all around the world mixed with local blues, jazz and independent artists. A hotspot doing some solid heavy lifting to attract incredible national and international acts as they tour the country – Be sure to keep an eye on their gig calendar; tickets always sell out fast!
Where: 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami
A true Gold Coast icon since 1883, The Wallaby Hotel is where cold beers, loud guitars and even louder singalongs collide. Fresh from a glow-up that still keeps its old-school charm intact, this Mudgeeraba fave is basically the unofficial HQ for live music lovers. Expect bands belting it out every weekend (and often midweek too), dance floors that don’t quit and plenty of boot-scootin’ opportunities. Whether you’re here for a chilled solo pint or a full boogie with the crew, good times are basically guaranteed.Where: 45 Railway Street, Mudgeeraba
Burleigh’s multi-use music, space hire and events hub, Mo’s Desert Clubhouse is a melting pot of goings-on and a principal meeting place for muso’s, movers and shakers and music lovers across the GC. The industrial-style venue is outfitted with a fully stocked bar and equally stacked gig guide, so refer back often and make sure you pencil in a date with Mo’s Desert Clubhouse ASAP.
Where: 6/36 Central Drive, Burleigh Heads
A fresh look is not the only thing Burleigh Town Hotel is boasting these days, also ‘drumming up’ a very solid live entertainment schedule studded with emerging bands and popular Aussie acts to get your ears around. There’s DJ’s and acoustic artists bringing tunes to the beer garden most weekends, along with with Punk, Motown and Pop themed tribute shows – where you can hit the d-floor to the likes of Ed Sheeran, Robbie Williams and queen Kylie (gold hot pants optional).
Where: Tsipura Drive, Burleigh Heads
This gem is a favourite among live music fans, having hosted a slew of local, national and international icons — but it also remains one of our best-kept secrets. Find your way down to Currumbin RSL, where, hidden just above, Soundlounge hosts acts from folk soloists and DJs to rock and roll bands. Listening to fantastic live music can be a hungry business, but this venue has you covered with food options, including pizza, an a la carte restaurant and bar snacks.
Where: 165 Duringan Street, Currumbin
Whether you’ve been catching world-class waves or lounging in the afternoon sun, Coolangatta — and specifically the Coolangatta Hotel — has long been known as one of the best for rounding out a perfect afternoon with live music. Being one of the Gold Coast’s largest live music venues, this OG frequently features both national and international touring bands and DJs on any given weekend. In between catching your fave big names, rock out to live, local tunes every Wed, Fri, Sat and Sun.
Where: Cnr Warner Street and Marine Parade, Coolangatta
For live music lovers, Twin Towns delivers in a big way. Home to a 1,000-seat, state-of-the-art Showroom, this Tweed Heads icon hosts an ever-changing lineup of acclaimed Australian and international artists, with both daytime and evening ticketed shows on the calendar. Beyond the big names, there’s more than 50 hours of free live entertainment every week, making it one of the premier live music venues on the Tweed and southern Gold Coast. Head to The Stage for complimentary performances from talented local and touring acts, and settle in for an easy, music-filled day or night out.
Where: 2 Wharf Street, Tweed Heads
Words by Belinda Symons
