Queensland is gearing up for an unforgettable year of sport in 2026! From high-stakes rugby and marathon festivals in Brisbane to surf carnivals and international football competitions on the Gold Coast, the 2026 sport events calendar is packed with events that celebrate athleticism, community and the vibrant outdoor lifestyle Queensland is famous for. Whether you’re a passionate fan, a competitor or simply looking for an exciting day out, Brisbane and Gold Coast sport spectacles promise something for everyone. We’ve put together the ultimate guide on 2026 sport events in Brisbane and the Gold Coast.
Sport in Brisbane
HYROS Brisbane Indoor Fitness Competition (9–12 April)
HYROX brings its global fitness challenges to business, combining running and functional workouts in a unique endurance test. Athletes and spectators alike will love the energy and competitive spirit at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.
Brisbane Cycling Festival (March – April)
Australia’s largest multi-discipline cycling celebration returns, featuring over 100 events including open rides, track competitions, and esports challenges. The highlight is the Tour de Brisbane on 12 April with closed inner-city roads and multiple distance options from 50 km to 110 km, making it a must-see for anyone passionate about Brisbane sport.
NRL Magic Round (14–17 May)
Suncorp Stadium hosts the epic NRL Magic Round, where all eight Round 11 matches and the Ampol Women’s State of Origin Game II are played across four festival-packed days. Complete with live entertainment and footy-themed activations, the NRL Magic Round is an iconic celebration of Brisbane sport.
Brisbane Marathon Festival (7 June)
Brisbane Marathon Festival is one of the city’s most iconic running events, with a scenic course that winds through the CBD, across the Story Bridges and finishes in the lush City Botanic Gardens. The festival offers distances for all abilities – from the full marathon and half marathon to 10km, 5km and a kids’ fun run.
Rugby League World Cup (October – November)
Brisbane will be at the heart of the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, hosting some of the tournament’ most anticipated matches at Suncorp Stadium, including the men’s and women’s finals. Expect passionate crowds and unforgettable moments as the world’s best teams battle for glory.
Big Bash League (December – January)
Cricket fans can expect big hits, fast-paced action and a vibrant summer atmosphere at The Gabba, which will host a series of thrilling Brisbane Heat home games during the 2026-27 BBL season.
Sport on the Gold Coast
Gold Coast Open (18–22 February)
Burleigh Heads becomes the epicentre of surfing with the Gold Coast Open, attracting pros and rising stars. It combines thrilling wave action with a vibrant beachside festival atmosphere, featuring live music, food stalls, and community activities that celebrate surf culture.
Women’s Asia Cup (March)
With the Gold Coast set to be one of the tournament hotspots, the AFC Women’s Asia Cup will be a highlight on the 2026 sport event calendar. 12 of Asia’s best national teams will battle it out across Australia, including key fixtures at Gold Coast Stadium.
Gold Coast T100 Triathlon (21–22 March)
The T100 World Tour debuts on the Gold Coast with elite triathletes racing through stunning coastal scenery as they take on a 100km course of a 2km swim, 80km bike and 18km run. Beyond the elite race, the event transforms into a multi-sport festival with a sprint-distance triathlon, a 10 km mass-participation run, and the inaugural National Club Championships.
Australian Surf Life Saving Championships (21–29 March)
Known as the largest surf lifesaving event in the world, “The Aussies” brings together over 300 clubs and thousands of athletes to compete in more than 550 beach and ocean events. It’s the quintessential Gold Coast sport event that showcases the skill and camaraderie of surf lifesaving.
Australian Open Lawn Bowls (5–19 June)
The world’s largest and richest bowls festival returns for its 11th year on the Gold Coast. Hosted across more than 15 top-tier clubs from Broadbeach to Coolangatta, the event includes traditional singles, pairs, fours, new mixed-pairs, intellectual-impairment and deaf/hearing-impaired categories.
Gold Coast Marathon (4–5 July)
One of Australia’s most popular marathons returns with distances for everyone, elite athletes to recreational runners from around the globe. The flat, scenic course makes it ideal for personal bests and an unforgettable Gold Coast sport experience.
Gold Coast 500 (23–25 October)
Gold Coast 500 transforms the Surfers Paradise streets into a high-octane racing circuit for the Supercars Championship finals, attracting top drivers and fans to a weekend of edge-of-your-seat action. Alongside two 250 km sprint races, the event features live music, aerial displays, family zones, and beachfront parties.
Get to 2026 sport events with Airtrain
Make Airtrain part of your journey as you travel to sport events in 2026. Airtrain offers a reliable, comfortable service that bypasses unexpected delays and helps make travel easier. With trains departing from Brisbane Airport every 15 minutes during peak times, you’ll enjoy a smooth journey to your destination.
For Brisbane sport experiences, Airtrain runs express from the Brisbane Airport and stops at Fortitude Valley, Central, Roma Street and South Brisbane stations.
For sport on the Gold Coast, enjoy a seamless connection between Brisbane Airport and the heart of the Gold Coast thanks to Airtrain & Tram. Catch Airtrain to Helensvale station, then take the G:link tram to Southport, Main Beach, Surfers Paradise or Broadbeach.
Simply travel to sport events in 2026 with a go card, accepted on all Translink transport throughout Greater Brisbane, Ipswich, Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast.
The Smart Ticketing system offers more ways to pay, for a more convenient journey. Smart Ticketing allows you to pay with your Visa, Mastercard and American Express debit and credit cards at any South East Queensland train station, including Brisbane Airport.