Springtime Festival
Music, sunshine and coastal vibes all served up for free
The Springtime festival returned to Surfers Paradise in 2023 for its second year, delivering three days of live music, skateboarding displays and immersive art installations – all set against the stunning backdrop of the beach.
Held from Friday, September 1 to Sunday the 3rd, the free beachside festival is a sensational way to celebrate the change of season.
The Stage Artist Line-up
The 2023 lineup was headlined by international sensation BENEE, alongside Australian icons Matt Corby and Bag Raiders, each taking the stage on different nights. With more than 25 acts spanning beachside and streetside stages, the event featured a vibrant mix of local and international talent, including Babe Rainbow, Boo Seeka, Eliza & The Delusionals, grentperez, Sycco, and Sunshine & Faith Disco Choir.
Festivalgoers enjoyed much more than music, with the Vans skate team delivering thrilling displays, while live art performances transformed Surfers Paradise into a hub of creativity. Shock Therapy Arts returned with a crowd-favorite performance, showcasing a retro obstacle course inspired by classic video games, adding an interactive twist to the festival atmosphere.
The combination of free entertainment, surfside scenery, and community spirit drew thousands to Surfers Paradise, marking SPRINGTIME 2023 as another huge success following its debut the previous year. Attendees soaked in the sounds of live music, participated in the festivities, and celebrated the arrival of spring in style.
Quest of Chaos
At SPRINGTIME in Surfers Paradise, it wasn’t just the music that kept festivalgoers entertained. The adventurous among the crowd took on the outrageous “Quest of Chaos”, an obstacle course like no other, brought to life by the team from Shock Therapy Arts.
Dressed as a cast of bizarre and hilarious characters, the performers did their best to stop competitors from completing ascending the cartoon tower. A mouldy block of cheese character perched at the top of an inflatable slide, hurled “cheese” at participants scrambling to reach the summit. Add in rolling Zorb balls, a rainbow parakeet in speedos and a mole rat covered by three gigantic bras and that’s a glimpse of the Quest of Chaos.
The Quest of Chaos brought wild laughter, quirky antics, and plenty of spills, making it a highlight of the festival’s more interactive offerings and a true test of both bravery and balance!
2023 Highlights
- Headliners: Bag Raiders (Friday), BENEE (Saturday), Matt Corby (Sunday)
- Performers: Babe Rainbow, Boo Seeka, Eliza & The Delusionals, grentperez, Sycco, and more
- Skate Displays: Vans skate team demonstrations
- Live Art: Interactive and live painting installations
- Performance Art: Retro video game-inspired obstacle course by Shock Therapy Arts
The Springtime festival proved itself as a key cultural event on the Gold Coast, offering a vibrant celebration of music and art by the beach that was accessible to all. For those who attended, it was a memorable way to welcome spring — and for those who missed it, hopes remain high for a triumphant return in future years.
2024
Unfortunately, Springtime did not proceed in 2024, leaving a noticeable gap in the city’s cultural landscape. However, the memories of its stellar 2023 edition remain strong, with festivalgoers eagerly hoping for its return in future years to once again experience this unique blend of music, art and beachside celebration.
