Free Fan Event to launch 2026 Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500

Race fans and the Gold Coast community are invited to get up close with Supercars drivers, live entertainment and interactive experiences at a free event at The Star Gold Coast on Thursday 17 September, marking the official launch of the 2026 Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500.

‘IGNITION’ will build anticipation for the return of the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 from October 23-25, giving fans an exclusive first look at multiple new elements for the 2026 event.

This includes a preview to Sound Track, an immersive new precinct focused on entertainment and live music located on Macintosh Island that is set to refresh the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 experience well beyond racing.

Long recognised as Supercars’ “party race”, the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 is further enhancing that reputation in 2026 with an expanded focus on entertainment, experiences and community engagement, creating a more immersive festival atmosphere both on and off the track.

“We’ve been working behind the scenes on some big changes for this year’s Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 that develop the event into a major and an all-encompassing citywide experience,” said Supercars’ acting CEO Barclay Nettlefold.

“IGNITION is our chance to finally give the Gold Coast public a sneak peek of what we’ve been putting together.

“It’s going to be fun, it’s going to be loud and, most importantly, it’s free. We encourage Gold Coast locals to come down, get involved and meet some of our star drivers and surprise guests to help us kick off the build up to race weekend.”

The Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 is Queensland’s largest annual sporting event, attracting an event attendance of 197,427 in 2025.

"The Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 delivers significant benefits for the Gold Coast and Queensland, generating around 154,000 visitor nights and contributing $64 million to the state economy in 2026,” Member for Surfers Paradise John-Paul Langbroek MP said.

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to growing world-class experiences through Destination 2045, and the Gold Coast 500 is a standout example of an event that drives visitation, supports local industry and reinforces Queensland as Australia’s events capital.”

Those in attendance will get an insight to this year’s Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500, including entertainment announcements, teasers about the activations that will take place and the chance to interact with some of the stars set to compete and perform at next month’s event.

“The many activities focused on entertainment at this year’s Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 means there will be truly something for everyone to enjoy, emphasising the world class lifestyle of the Gold Coast,” said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.

“We look forward to celebrating the event at IGNITION on September 17 and counting down to the most exciting Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 yet.”

The IGNITION event program includes live BMX and skateboarding demonstrations on the Boost Mobile skate ramp, dancers and breakdancers, racing simulators and Supercars on display.

"We’re pumped to be back as naming rights partner of the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 in 2026,” said Boost Mobile CEO Bobby Geldens.

“Every year we work our arse off alongside the Supercars team to make it bigger, louder and better for the fans, and this year we're taking it to another level. Whether you're trackside, in the grandstands or at one of the many events happening across the city, we want all visitors to the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 to have an unforgettable experience."

During the launch, fans will have the chance to get up close with some of the sport’s biggest names, including Cam Waters, Kai Allen, Thomas Randle and others.

"The Star Gold Coast is where the Gold Coast stays, dines, and is entertained, and we are delighted to welcome the community to IGNITION,” said Ameet Patel, CEO The Star Gold Coast and The Star Brisbane.

“We look forward to partnering with Supercars to help build excitement for what promises to be another outstanding Gold Coast 500."

IGNITION sets the stage for next month’s Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500, which kicks off the Supercars Finals on the streets of Surfers Paradise, October 23-25.

2026 IGNITION details

WHAT: IGNITION, a free community launch event for the 2026 Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 open to fans of all ages.

WHEN: Thursday 17 September 2026, 5:00pm to 7:30pm AEST

WHERE: The Star Gold Coast, The Lawn Garden Kitchen & Bar

The 2026 Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 will take place from 23-25 October in Surfers Paradise, proudly supported by Tourism and Events Queensland and Experience Gold Coast.

Tickets to the Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500 are available now via Supercars.com.