Dope Lemon at Miami Marketta. Burleigh Heads to close it out. We are a short walk from both.
- Burleigh Gold Coast Motel
- May 28
- 4 min read
About Sessions Surf Festival 2026
Sessions Surf Festival is back on the Gold Coast for its second year — bigger, longer, and with a much stronger music program. Founded by celebrated surf filmmaker Taylor Steele, the festival runs from 23 to 30 May 2026 across some of the Gold Coast's most iconic cultural and coastal locations.
Previously known as Solento Surf Festival, SSF 2026 expands its program with more community events, more live music, and more activations across the city. Supported by Experience Gold Coast and the City of Gold Coast.
The Full Program
23 — Miami Marketta Music Festival
The opening night was the highlight. Miami Marketta hosted a stacked live music festival headlined by Dope Lemon — the indie-rock project of Angus Stone. The lineup:
Dope Lemon — Angus Stone's indie-rock project. One of Australia's most distinctive live acts
Babe Rainbow — Byron Bay psychedelic pop. Surf culture royalty
Mt Warning — Northern Rivers indie. Named after the peak that overlooks Byron Bay
Makua — Hawaiian singer-songwriter
Laurel Hill — Gold Coast local act
Ella Fence — Gold Coast local act
Miami Marketta is a short walk from our motel. Get tickets at Oztix — this one will sell out.
26–29 May — HOTA Home of the Arts
HOTA at Surfers Paradise becomes the cultural hub of the festival for four days — surf films, panel discussions with world-class athletes and creatives, live music, and a surf-inspired art exhibition. Artists include Otis Carey, Karlee Mackie, Paul McNeil, and Jai Vasicek.
Full program to be announced at sessionssurffestival.com. Worth following for updates.
30 May — Burleigh Heads Closing Event (Free)
The festival closes at Burleigh Heads with a free community surf contest, beach bar, and live music into the evening. This is 10 minutes walk from our motel — no ticket needed, no car needed. Just walk down and join the crowd.
Multiple surf contest categories for surfers and spectators. Live music on the beach stage after the comp wraps. One of those Gold Coast days that reminds you why people come here.
Why Stay With Us
We are the most convenient budget accommodation for both venues — Miami Marketta on 23 May and Burleigh Heads on 30 May. From $145/night, walk to the opening night concert and the closing beach event without touching a car.
Miami Marketta — short walk from our motel. Opening night 23 May
Burleigh Heads closing event — 10-min walk. Free entry. 30 May
HOTA — 25 minutes north via Route 700 from our bus stop at Miami One
From $145/night — no resort fees, no booking platform markup
Free parking — subject to availability, one permit per room
Outdoor pool — wash the festival off when you get back
Paddock Bakery 150m away — open from 6am. Fuel up before the day events
Bus stop 300m away at Miami One — Route 700 north to HOTA and Surfers Paradise
Bonsoy to Sessions — Two Weeks on the Gold Coast
The Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro runs until 11 May at Snapper Rocks. Sessions Surf Festival kicks off 23 May at Miami Marketta. That is a 12-day gap — perfect for a longer Gold Coast stay. Surf comp to surf festival. Beach to music. Snapper to Burleigh.
If you are planning to be here for both — book now. We fill up fast during event weeks. See our guide to why we book out fast.
The Artists
Dope Lemon
Dope Lemon is the solo project of Angus Stone — one half of the duo Angus and Julia Stone. Hazy, sun-soaked indie rock that sounds exactly like it should at Miami Marketta on a Saturday night. If you have not seen him live, this is worth planning around.
Babe Rainbow
Babe Rainbow are a psychedelic pop band from Byron Bay with deep roots in surf culture. Warm, laid-back, and genuinely great live. Their visual aesthetic matches the festival perfectly.
Mt Warning
Mt Warning are an indie act from the Northern Rivers region — named after the volcanic peak that overlooks Byron Bay and catches Australia's first sunrise. Worth catching if you do not know them yet.
Makua
Makua Rothman is a Hawaiian singer-songwriter and musician. His presence at a surf festival makes perfect sense — the connection between surf culture and music runs through everything Sessions is about.
About Sessions Surf Festival
Sessions Surf Festival was founded by Taylor Steele — one of the most influential surf filmmakers in the world. His films include Proximity (2016), This Time Tomorrow (2012), Hit and Run (2000), and Missing (2013). He lived on the Gold Coast, surfed here daily, and has a genuine connection to the region.
The festival originally launched in Encinitas, California in 2021. After a successful debut in Australia last year as Solento Surf Festival, it returns in 2026 under the Sessions banner — bigger, longer, and with a much stronger program.
Book Early — We Fill Up Fast
The weekend of 23 May will be busy. Miami Marketta concert nights always put pressure on local accommodation. We are 36 rooms. When we are full, we are full. Book direct and lock in your dates now.
See our guide to why we book out fast and our Budget Gold Coast Accommodation 2026 guide for all major event dates.
Our Rooms
36 rooms from $145/night. Every room includes free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, flat screen TV, microwave, bar fridge, kettle, private ensuite, linen and towels, and free parking subject to availability.
Double Room — sleeps 2 — from $145/night
Triple Room — sleeps 3 — from $165/night
Quad Room — sleeps 4 — from $185/night
Family Room — sleeps 5 — from $205/night
Interconnecting Rooms — sleeps 6 — from $300/night. Two rooms, two bathrooms
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Book Your Stay
36 rooms from $145/night. Short walk to Miami Marketta on 23 May. 10-min walk to the Burleigh Heads closing event on 30 May. Book direct — no platform fees, flexible cancellation.
Or call us on (07) 5576 3211 to book over the phone.
Contact Us
Phone: (07) 5576 3211
Email: info@burleighmotel.com.au
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