Surfers Paradise venues to roll into after the GC 500 events

The black and white checquered flag may be waving, but that doesn’t mean the day or night is over if you’re in Surfers Paradise for the 2026 Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500. While crowds of people flood into Gold Coast for the races between October 23 – 25, the suburb will be humming with drivers, diners and late-night dancers! Here are the best pubs and bars to roll into once the Supercars are parked. 

Finn McCool’s is the suburb’s iconic Irish Bar with all the ‘craic’, where you can enjoy local music, hearty home-cooked food, a full drink and warm company. With live music six nights a week, $1 Wicked Wings Wednesday and a $28 Sunday Roast to boast about, you could just about move in here for the weekend’s activities. 

Tuesday: Trivia and $22 Parmys.
Wednesday: $1 Wicked Wing Wednesday.
Thursday: Irish Food Specials.
Sunday: Sunday Roast.
Weekly: Live music and Tradie Club.

Book your spot(s) now!

The Cavill Hotel located in the heart of Surfers Paradise is a one-stop shop for live entertainment in a relaxed and inviting atmosphere. With $18 lunch deals Monday to Friday, Burger Night every Thursday and Tradie Club every Friday, it’s the perfect place to kick off your weekend.

Wednesday: Music Bingo and Parmy Night from 5pm.
Thursday: Poker Thursday.
Weekly: Free pool, lunch specials, Burger Night and Tradie Club.

Book your spot

Experience Surfers Paradise like a true Gold Coast local at The Local. It’s a true Aussie pub experience with classic pub meals, icy cold beers and a welcoming atmosphere. They also believe they’ve got the best parmy in Surfers – but you better decide for yourself! 

Wednesday: Schnitty Night and Trivia, with $20 Schnitzels and $24 Parmys.
Thursday: Free pool all day and $1 Wings Thursdays.
Saturday: Live music.
Weekly: Lunch specials, Trivia Night, Tradie Club and live sport.

Book a table now!

From breakfast to dinner, enjoy every meal by the ocean at Sandbar.  With live music every Friday and Saturday, a Pasta and Vino deal on Thursdays and Trivia Wednesdays, you’ll be too busy enjoying the atmosphere to even glance over at the Pacific Ocean. 

Monday: Kids eat $3
Tuesday: $26 Rump Steak special.
Wednesday: Trivia
Thursday: Pasta & Vino.
Friday–Saturday: Live music and beachfront dining.

Book a table here!

Lulu is the rooftop haven for those who want to get above all the action and excitement of the bustling Cavill Avenue. With delicious cocktails, breathtaking views and a touch of retro glam, it’s sure to add a little sparkle to your GC500 experience! 

Thursday: Throwback Thursdays and Steak & Frites Night.
Friday: RnB Fridays and Sunset Sessions.
Saturday: Weekend rooftop entertainment and cocktails.
Sunday: Sundays at Lulu and rooftop bottomless offerings.
Weekly: Lunch at Lulu, Paint & Sip, Cocktail Masterclasses and Sunshine, Spritz & Share.

Book a table here!

Roll into Retro’s after dinner to relive some of the best nights of your life! The DJs are always blasting anthems of the excessive ‘80s, the hedonistic ‘90s, and the sleek 2000s. Be sure to check out their Daytime Clubbing event on the Saturday, for the over 30s keen to prove that you party and be in bed by 9.

Friday: DJs, throwback anthems and cocktails.
Saturday: Disco Saturdays and late-night dancing.
Weekly: Guestlists, VIP booths, celebrations and birthday packages.
Saturday 24 October: Over 30s Daytime Clubbing from 3–8pm.

Book a booth here!

Don’t be caught out without a destination this GC 500 weekend! Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite, debriefing all the excitement of the day, or partying into the night, there’s something on offer for everyone in Surfers Paradise. Book in now to ensure you’ve got your spot and supplement your Supercars weekend in style.