The Gold Coast is set to build excitement for one of Queensland’s biggest annual sporting events, with Supercars announcing a free community launch event ahead of the 2026 Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500.

Called “IGNITION”, the event will take place at The Star Gold Coast on Thursday, September 17, from 5:00pm to 7:30pm AEST. The event is open to fans of all ages and will provide the Gold Coast community with an opportunity to meet Supercars drivers, enjoy live entertainment and get an early look at what is planned for this year’s Gold Coast 500.

The launch comes ahead of the main Boost Mobile Gold Coast 500, which will take place from October 23 to 25 on the streets of Surfers Paradise. The event will also open the Supercars Finals, making it an important part of the championship’s 2026 season.

According to Supercars, IGNITION will offer fans a preview of several new features being introduced for this year’s event. One of the major additions is “Sound Track”, an immersive entertainment and live-music precinct planned for Macintosh Island. The new precinct is intended to expand the Gold Coast 500 experience beyond the racing circuit and create a broader festival atmosphere across the city.

Visitors attending IGNITION will also see Supercars on display and have access to racing simulators. Live BMX and skateboarding demonstrations are planned on the Boost Mobile skate ramp, while dancers and breakdancers will provide additional entertainment during the evening.

Fans will also have the opportunity to meet some of the drivers expected to compete at the Gold Coast 500. Supercars has confirmed appearances from drivers including Cam Waters, Kai Allen and Thomas Randle, along with other drivers and surprise guests.

The main Gold Coast 500 is expected to attract significant interest from both local residents and visitors. Supercars describes the event as Queensland’s largest annual sporting event. The 2025 edition attracted an attendance of 197,427 people, highlighting the event’s importance to the Gold Coast’s tourism and events industry.

The Queensland Government says the 2026 event is expected to generate around 154,000 visitor nights and contribute approximately $64 million to the Queensland economy. This reflects the wider economic importance of major sporting events to local accommodation providers, restaurants, retailers, transport operators and other businesses.

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said the expanded entertainment program would provide more opportunities for people to enjoy the event and experience the city’s lifestyle.

The 2026 Gold Coast 500 will feature high-speed Supercars racing on the Surfers Paradise street circuit from October 23 to 25. With additional entertainment, music, community activities and driver appearances being introduced, organisers are positioning the event as more than a traditional motorsport weekend.

For Gold Coast residents, the September 17 IGNITION launch provides a free opportunity to experience the build-up before the main racing weekend. The event is expected to give fans a first look at the entertainment, activities and experiences planned for the 2026 Gold Coast 500.

The announcement marks the beginning of the final countdown to the October event and signals a stronger focus on combining motorsport with entertainment and community experiences across the Gold Coast.