We’re lucky on the GC. For many reasons (we could unpack this all day long…), one of which is our cracking events, entertainment and festivals scene which becomes more awesome every year. One of the highlights is the inaugural Blues on Broadbeach festival which never misses a riff or a beat. Now in its 21st year and kicking off Thursday 19th May going until Sunday 22nd May, the line-up is lit coz you only turn 21 once AMIRITE?
With headline acts like James Morrison accompanied by his band in The James Morrison Motown Experience, Robben Ford, Karise Eden, Osaka Monaurail and Mia Dyson just to name a few, the festival is coming out swinging – quite literally! Both local parks and fave eats and entertainment spots are playing host to 12 stages, including the new addition of Federation Park, a hop skip and a jump from some jazztastic watering holes and eateries.
Speaking of, here’s a list of places to grab a bevvie and a bite whilst you listen to the smooth sounds and absorb the unforgettably cool atmosphere and vibrancy of this iconic festival. So get your crooner on and get down there!
Kurrawa Park Stage
The Oasis Shopping Centre bars and restaurants
It’s the perfect place for a stage and Blues on Broadbeach know it! With oodles of space and the picturesque Kurrawa Beach right next door, live music in this setting just sounds better! If you need a pre, mid or post-festival feed, or an hourly festival cocktail, The Oasis Shopping Centre’s hot spots have you covered. The likes of Mario’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria, Sofia’s Restaurant & Bar, Spice Kitchen & Bar and The Roosevelt Lounge are all up to the task!
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Victoria Park Stage
Gemelli Broadbeach
A perfect place to take in the many genres of Blues dropping in Victoria Park is the Italian Stallion of GC restaurants, the rustic Gemelli Broadbeach. With products imported from Italy infused with locally sourced seafood and meat, the menu is the real deal. Their wine list is also off the charts, awarded “One Glass” by Gourmet Traveller Wine Magazine and who doesn’t love a fancy wine with their tunes?
Where: 2/2685 Gold Coast Hwy, Broadbeach
Federation Park Stage
The Vault Bar & Tapas
If it’s upscale ‘saxy’ tapas eats and drinks you want to get you all jazzed up, The Vault Bar & Tapas is a no-brainer. With its curated selection of high-end whiskies, cognacs and rums, and specialty cocktails, you won’t know what to drink first. Its relaxed yet sophisticated feels mixed with the opulent black, glossy and art deco fit-out suits the Blues on Broadbeach vibe to a tee.
Where: Shop 21/90 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Surf Parade Stage
Unicorn Seafood Restaurant
With a name like Unicorn Seafood Restaurant, Captain Obvious has spoken and declared this new Mediterranean seafood-infused restaurant o-fish-ally worthy of Blues Festival hangs. Boasting an all-day menu including a seafood platter to die for, why wouldn’t you?! Set in a space rich in relaxing blue and white hues and ocean murals, grab yourself a cocktail or five and settle in for the long-haul.
Where: Phoenician Resort, 24-26 Queensland Avenue, Broadbeach
Oracle Boulevard Stage
Mamasan Kitchen & Bar
With awards up the wazoo, Mamasan Kitchen & Bar’s traditional and modern South East Asian chow will give you sustenance to bust many-a-move! Shining the spotlight on the popular share food philosophy, the authentic flavours have earned local street-cred and not just critical acclaim. The zesty Asian-inspired cocktails are all the motivation we need and side note: they also serve up a mean Sake.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Den Devine Stage
It’s the home of jazz and blues so duh, naturally it was the logical choice for a Blues on Broady stage provider! Serving up an eclectic variety of homely, Mediterranean foods along with your favourite beers, wines and spirits, its old school, moody but pumping jazz bar vibes are a winner with blues and jazz enthusiasts. Even if you don’t drink whisky, trust us – you’ll start!
Where: 12/15 Victoria Ave, Broadbeach
The Envy Hotel Stage
I mean, who hasn’t had a meal, snack, drink and boogie at this place? With the recent addition of Cocktails & Keys Duelling Piano Bar, is it not the perfect location for a Blues on Broadbeach stage?! (Rhetorical question.) Opening up on to the Broadbeach Mall, there is atmosphere for days. It’s a popular stop on the Broady entertainment map for a reason.
Where: Niecon Plaza, 17 Victoria Avenue, Broadbeach
The Oasis (Level One) Stage
Madison’s Café & Patisserie
We reckon long-time fave Madison’s Café & Patisserie on the ground level is an ideal spot for a festival caffeine hit, sugar fix, feed, or glass of vino. Their blow-ya-mind cakes are an institution on the GC, and the hospitality here is second-to-none. Always excellent for people-watching, just add the sweet sounds of live rhythm and blues and voila, it’s perfection.
Where: Level 1, The Oasis Shopping Centre, 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
The Loose Moose Stage
We’re a sucker for a North American-style bar and restaurant and it’s safe to say we’re not the only ones! The Loose Moose is THE spot for a couple of drinks and a bite to eat…and also now the perf spot to listen to tunes bellowing from their own special Blues on Broady stage! Plus, should you find yourself depleted after bopping away all day/night long, there really is no better place to refuel and grab a well-deserved drink.
Where: 75 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
The Broadbeach Tavern Stage
The hub for locals to meet up for a chinwag, a bite and some brewskis is also one of the music hubs for the festival! Pull up a pew either in the Family Bistro, Sports Bar or our vote, the large outdoor deck to soak up both the music and the Autumn GC rays. It’s also just over the road from Kurrawa Park Stage so you get the best of both worlds!
Where: Oasis Shopping Centre, Old Burleigh Road, Broadbeach
The Lucky Squire Stage
Beer and jazz are a match made in heaven so this joint was born to stage (literally) some Blues on Broady bangers. In case you haven’t put 2 and 2 together, The Lucky Squire brings to life the story of Australia’s first brewer, the rogue swindler James Squire. Celebrating quality craft beers and modern pub grub, it’s a must-visit on your festival rounds.
Where: 3 Oracle Boulevard, Broadbeach
Fat Freddy’s – Beach Bar & Diner Stage
Who doesn’t crave burgers, fries and all things American diner-style after drinking, scat singing and dancing up a storm? Another venue boasting a stage, you’ll not only get front-row seats to a bunch of cool acts, but also a feast of drool-worthy classics. It’s one big par-tay here so you can imagine the levelled-up fun factor when you add Blues on Broadbeach into the mix.
Where: 50 Surf Parade, Broadbeach
Words by Bianca Trathen.