Get your groove on! Your ultimate guide to Blues on Broadbeach

Touching down in central Gold Coast, just 10 minutes south of Surfers Paradise, Blues on Broadbeach enters its 24th jam-packed year. An intoxicating mecca of blues and soul appreciation, the festival attracted more than 170,000 guests in 2024, and this year’s stellar lineup (more on that below) is set to lure even more.

Previous hot tickets have included Melissa Etheridge, James Morrison, Tommy Emmanuel, Bonnie Tyler, Ian Moss, The Black Seeds, Eric Bibb, Robert Cray, Lachy Doley and the crowd-pleasing Bondi Cigars, who are set to return in 2025.

Indoor and outdoor stages are set up throughout the beachside suburb, however key streets include Surf Parade, Queensland Avenue, Charles Avenue and Old Burleigh Road. Additionally, streets are blocked off to ensure safe pedestrian navigation between stages and venues. 

How to purchase tickets to Blues on Broadbeach

While catching most Blues on Broadbeach’s acts will cost you nothing, you can nab a Kurrawa Park Sunday Ticket for one particularly special event. Introduced for the first time in 2024, the exclusive offering will feature one-off performances from Aussie icons, setting you back $129 a person.

Can’t get enough VIP treatment? There’s also Twelve Bar Society 2025 membership available through the website for $185.40 per person, which grants you access to a VIP bar and viewing garden, a secret gig on 15 May, ‘In Conversation’ sessions with DIESEL (aka Mark Lizotte), American singer-songwriter Eli Paperboy Reed and New York’s Harlem Gospel Travelers, giveaways, limited-edition merchandise and a goodie bag.  

What you should see at Blues on Broadbeach

The show on everybody’s lips is Jimmy Barnes, who has locked in a one-off live performance of his fifth studio album, 1991’s Soul Deep, featuring classic soul and R&B covers. At last check, VIP tickets to this Blues on Broadbeach highlight had sold out, however general admission Kurrawa Park Sunday Tickets are still going.

Jimmy isn’t the only Kurrawa Park Sunday Ticket drawcard. The 18 May event will also see The Cruel Sea, Eli Paperboy Reed, DIESEL and yet-to-be-announced acts dial up the fun.

Additionally, there’s the Grammy-nominated Harlem Gospel Travelers, plus local favourites like Bondi Cigars, The Meltdown, Pete Cornelius and Rod Paine and The Fulltime Lovers, and rising stars including Adelaide’s Stefan Hauk, to hunt down.   

How to get to Blues on Broadbeach

If you’re coming in from interstate or beyond, the Gold Coast Airport in Bilinga is a 35-minute drive down the Gold Coast Highway. Once you land, buses can take you to Broadbeach South tram station, so keep your eyes peeled for route 777.

Plan on jumping aboard a bus from either the Gold Coast’s southern beaches or the city’s northern end? Hop off at the Broadbeach North Bus Interchange for an easy walk to the festival.

You can also Uber or taxi in but be mindful of the extensive road closures within the heart of Broadbeach itself, so let your driver know you may need to jump out where it’s safe to.

What to do while you’re in town for Blues on Broadbeach

Take a break from Blues on Broadbeach’s non-stop entertainment at any one of the attractions in Broadbeach and its neighbouring suburbs. Shopping lovers will find an outstanding fix at Pacific Fair, one of the best shopping havens on the Gold Coast, located within walking distance from the festival. You can also treat yourself to a top-notch spa treatment at The Star Gold Coast’s Azure Spa & Fitness, one of the best day spas on the Gold Coast.

If you can spare an evening away from the party, Dracula’s at Broadbeach is another convenient option, renowned for its adults-only comedy and death-defying stunts.

Keen to stretch your legs further? Catch the Gold Coast light rail, located right in front of Pacific Fair, to Sea World at Main Beach or keep rolling up north. Our comprehensive guide to the Gold Coast light rail is your pass to even more activity inspiration.    

Where to eat and drink near Blues on Broadbeach

Be warned: the options are deliciously overwhelming. For a tried-and-tested overview of the finest dining spots in Broadbeach, take a look at the relevant section within our ultimate Gold Coast precinct dining guide.

If you’re famished (or thirsty) and just need a recommendation already, hit up Kost Bar and Grill for flavour-crammed, ocean-sourced delights, Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar for authentic Italian and Nineteen at The Star for one of the most breathtaking rooftop bars on the Gold Coast.    

Where to stay during Blues on Broadbeach

No matter your budget, Broadbeach accommodation offers a comfortable and convenient home away from home.

Live that dream hotel life at Dorsett Gold Coast, offering more than 300 state-of-the-art suites and a rooftop pool you’ll struggle to leave. There’s also luxurious one, two or three-bedroom stays at Peppers Broadbeach, or go all out with one of their heavenly penthouses.

Meriton Suites Broadbeach is also a reliably wonderful pick with facilities including a fitness centre, indoor pool and spa, sauna and outdoor pool with sunbeds.   

Take a squiz at everything on offer with our complete guide to the best Gold Coast accommodation.