Find Your Perspective
There's a rumour that we're not a very "artsy" place. Good thing it's just a rumour. Galleries, theatre groups, nostalgia museums, sculpture festivals and indigenous performances just brush the surface of a cultural canvas that goes far deeper. As they say - art is purely a matter of perspective after all. Looking for more inspiration? Check out the cultural highlights of the Gold Coast hinterland.
All Events
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31 Dec 2025 (Monthly)
New Year's Eve Fireworks Cruise
The Gold Coast New Year’s Eve Cruise is the perfect way to ring in 2025! Sail along the Gold Coast waterways and enjoy the fireworks aboard the Spirit of Elston. The cruise begins along the canals, taking in the stunning Surfers Paradise skyline, before heading out to the Gold Coast Broadwater for the City of Gold Coast midnight fireworks from open-top decks. Enjoy a glass of Chandon on arrival along with gourmet canapés and a great selection of beverages including local wines, premium beers, and cider throughout the evening.
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03 Jan 2026 - 07 Jan 2026
3rd Test Match Australia Under 17 vs England Under 17
About The under 17 teams of Australia and England will take on each other in a 5 day test match at People First/Carrara Stadium to see who wins the third test of The Ashes and to see who takes home The Ashes. Dates Saturday 3 January 2026 - Wednesday 7 January 2026 (UTC+10) People First/Carrara StadiumNerang Broadbeach Road, Carrara Queensland 4211 Cost: $7.00 - $50.00
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11 Jan 2026
Pho3nix Queensland Triathlon Series - Round 4 - Robina
Join in the fun at Australia’s largest triathlon series, the Pho3nix Queensland Triathlon Series. Welcoming athletes of all ages and abilities, they are lucky enough to host these events at some of Queensland’s most iconic and picturesque locations. What are you waiting for? There has never been a better time to tri!
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13 Jan 2026 - 17 Jan 2026
National Futsal Championships 2026
The National Futsal Championships will be returning in 2026 across two venues, the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre and Carrara Indoor Sports Stadium. Delivered by hosts Football Queensland in partnership with Experience Gold Coast, the 2026 National Futsal Championships will bring together participants and families from eight Member Federations across Australia as they travel to the Gold Coast for the biggest event on the national futsal calendar. The 2025 National Futsal Championships will welcome players in the following age groups: U12 – U16 Boys, U13, U15 and U17 Girls, Youth Men and Open Men, Youth Women and Open Women, and Open Athletes with Disabilities (AWD) Mixed.
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14 Jan 2026
Gold Coast Community Beach Cleans for Conservation - Main Beach
Join Watergum for a community beach clean and learn about the incredible marine life that calls the Gold Coast home.Join Watergum for a Gold Coast Community Beach Clean for Conservation and learn about the incredible marine life that calls the Gold Coast home. From dugongs to whales, seagrass meadows to rocky reefs, and of course our much-loved marine turtles, our coastline is teeming with life worth protecting.As we clean up the beach together, you’ll learn about:The different marine species found along our shores and reefsHow to spot and report sightings of these speciesThe important role of these habitats in supporting marine ecosystemsWhy the Gold Coast is such an important nesting and feeding area for marine turtlesHow to get involved and connect with organisations making a difference for our marine environmentTo maximise our impact, we also complete a Beach Clean audit and submit the data to the Tangaroa Blue Australian Marine Debris Initiative, contributing to national efforts to reduce ocean pollution.This event is the perfect opportunity to give back to nature, expand your marine knowledge, and take part in hands-on conservation. Families, friends, community groups, and ocean lovers of all kinds are welcome!🗓️ Date: 14th January 2025⏰ Time: 8am - 10am📍 Location: Philip Park, Main BeachPlease register to receive event details. If you’re unable to attend, kindly cancel your ticket so we can offer your spot to someone else.Gold Coast Community Beach Cleans for Conservation is proudly funded through the Queensland Government’s Community Sustainability Action grant program.COST: On Sale 08/12/2025 at 12:30 am
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16 Jan 2026
Jimeoin - Ballyhoo - Broadbeach
Catch Jimeoin for a his unique blend of observational humour, physical expressiveness, and spontaneity. Join Jimeoin as he turns the everyday into the absurd, often riffing on mundane moments. So, get a peek inside one of our great comic minds as he bounces from one quirky thought to another So for a great night of guaranteed laughs, why don't you do something spontaneous and book a ticket to see one of the greats live. Does anyone ever read these things anyway. I'm sure they don't. If you got this far then well done you.
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17 Jan 2026
Candlelight: Tribute to Fleetwood Mac
⭐ Candlelightconcerts bring the magic of a live, multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations like never seen before in Gold Coast. Buy your tickets now to discover the music of Fleetwood Mac at The Imperial Hotel Gold Coast under the gentle glow of candlelight.General Info 📍 Venue: The Imperial Hotel Gold Coast 📅 Dates and times: select your dates/times directly in the ticket selector ⏳ Duration: 60 minutes. Doors open 30 minutes before the show and close 5 minutes prior to the start. Late arrivals will not be permitted 👤 Age requirement: 8 years old or older. Anyone under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult ♿ Accessibility: this venue is wheelchair accessible. Please see our FAQs linked below regarding wheelchair seating. ❓ View the FAQs for this event here 🪑 Seating is assigned on a first come first served basis in each zone 🕯️ If you would like to book a private concert or buy regular tickets for a large group (+30 people), click here 🎻 Check out all the Candlelight concerts in Gold Coast 🎁 To treat your friends and family to a Candlelight gift card, click hereProgrammeSay You Love MeRhiannonLandslideDreamsDon't StopThe ChainGypsySaraGold Dust WomanGo Your Own WayYou Make Loving FunSongbirdLittle LiesEverywhereBig LoveProgramme subject to changePerformersString quartet - Paradiso StringsSeating Map
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17 Jan 2026
2026 Magic Millions Raceday
Magic Millions Raceday | Sat 17 January 2026One of the richest and most renowned racedays in Australia and now worth $13.25 million in prizemoney across ten races. Highlighted by The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions 2YO Classic and the Gold Coast Magic Millions 3YO Guineas feature races to be run for $3 million each, The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday is the pinnacle race meeting of the Queensland Summer Racing Carnival.Adding to the line-up of events, set your sights on an action-packed afternoon with;📍Magic Millions Fashions on the Field (details TBA).📍 Food trucks and delicious eats throughout the precinct.📍 Pop-up bars: XXXX Pavilion & more.📍 TAB Clubhouse Activation trackside.📍 50/50 Charity Raffle on track.📍Live Entertainment in GG's Bar After The Last (details TBA).General Admission Gate Entry:Early-Bird General Admission: $50 (limited allocation)At The Gate General Admission: $70Concession, Seniors & Pensioners: $25 (available on the day only)Children (6-17 Years): $25 (available on the day only)Children (0-5 Years): FREE (available on the day only)KEY TIMES:Members Gates Open - 8:45 AMGates Open – 9:00 AMFunction Rooms Open – 11:00 AMFirst Race – TBALast Race – TBAVenues Close – 15 mins after the lastGG’s Bar & live entertainment Open until lateCOST: Unavailable
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18 Jan 2026
Gold Coast Wedding Expo
The Gold Coast Wedding Expo, organized by Your Local Wedding Guide, is set to be a premier event for couples planning their perfect wedding. Taking place at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, this expo brings together the best wedding industry suppliers from the local area, allowing attendees to connect with leading professionals who can help make their dream day a reality. With the event being held bi-annually, this marks the 15th edition of the expo, further establishing its reputation as a significant occasion for wedding planning in Australia.Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest bridal fashions and meet with various exhibitors who offer a wide array of services and products essential for weddings. The expo promises to inspire with fantastic ideas and personalized advice, helping couples find the right suppliers for their needs. Additionally, participants can register for a chance to win a major prize package, receive a complimentary copy of the 'Your Local Wedding Guide' magazine, and immerse themselves in a wealth of inspiration to ensure their wedding day is as special as envisioned. HighlightsPopular among visitors forTop 100 in Apparel & Clothing in Australia
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18 Jan 2026 (Monthly)
Your Local Wedding Guide Gold Coast Expo
When you visit Your Local Wedding Guide Gold Coast Expo, expect to be inspired by exciting new products and ideas, see gorgeous displays, listen to live music, plus go in the draw to win great prizes! Register Online for Free Tickets to their Gold Coast wedding expo at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, Broadbeach. Loads of inspiration in a friendly and fun atmosphere! Showcasing reception venues through to cars, beauty, gowns, cakes, photographers, entertainment and much, much more, their amazing expo is the largest and longest running wedding expo on the Gold Coast. They help you plan your wedding using the most reliable and trusted wedding industry suppliers from the Gold Coast and South-East Queensland. All weddings are unique, so whether you're dreaming of a bohemian beach wedding, a rustic, vintage or modern styled wedding, let them help turn your dreams into reality. They don't cater to any one 'style' of wedding - everyone is welcome! See you there!
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31 Jan 2026 (Monthly)
Shaw and Partners Iron Series
The Shaw and Partners Iron Series features the fittest and fastest surf lifesaving athletes in the world. Witness them take on the ocean in a series of races that are designed to test their speed, endurance, and ability to read the surf. This season, the Shaw and Partners Iron Series will conclude at Miami Beach, QLD. Who will be named the 2025/26 Champions? Don't miss all the action live from the famous Gold Coast sands.
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From now until 08 Feb 2026
AACTA Festival
The 2025 AACTA Festival brought together Australia's top creatives for five unforgettable days of film, television, and storytelling. In 2026, they're back and ready to celebrate Australia's unique stories and the people who make them through connection, creativity, and community. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Gold Coast, the 2026 AACTA Festival will return to HOTA, Home of the Arts and unite screen lovers, filmmakers and industry leaders, for an unmissable celebration of Australian screen culture and excellence.
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From now until 04 Feb 2026 (Annual)
AACTA Awards Industry Gala
AACTA is kicking off 2026 with a night of connection, celebration, and industry excellence at the annual AACTA Awards Industry Gala! This exclusive evening honours the extraordinary talent working behind the screen, from cinematographers and editors to writers, producers, and sound designers, recognising the creative minds who bring Australia's stories to life in film, television, documentary, online, and short films. The AACTA Awards Industry Gala it's a chance for screen professionals to come together, make new connections, and celebrate the best in craft with peers and collaborators from across the country.
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06 Feb 2026
AACTA Awards Ceremony
The AACTA Awards Ceremony, presented by the Foxtel Group honours Australia's most talented filmmakers and storytellers, celebrating exceptional achievements in film and television and spotlighting the creativity that defines our industry.
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07 Feb 2026
Laneway Festival
Laneway Festival began in 2004 at St. Jerome's Bar — a tiny, ex-Swedish meatball shop turned speakeasy hidden down Melbourne's Caledonian Lane. By February 2005, the Summer Series had spilled into the laneway itself. Posters were printed, restaurants sold food out their back doors, and a makeshift stage was thrown up at one end of the alley. The sold-out street party had no production manager, few rules, and an entire community behind it. A festival was born. Twenty-one years later, Laneway Festival is one of the most loved and respected live music events across Australia and New Zealand — a tastemaker festival renowned for discovery, community, and championing the most exciting artists from around the world. This year, Laneway Festival will make its Gold Coast debut at Southport Sharks — a fresh backdrop and the perfect chance to connect with fans in a region that's always shown enormous love for live music. The new site offers a unique setting with an easy-to-navigate layout, seamless movement between stages, and excellent transport connections. Intimate yet expansive, it's set to deliver a world-class festival experience.
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07 Feb 2026
Screen Careers Expo
The AACTA Screen Careers Expo, is your ultimate guide to building a career in the Australian screen industry. An invaluable opportunity for students, graduates, and career changers, the Expo offers insights into every corner of the screen industry — from production and post-production to creative and technical roles. Attendees can explore the diverse career pathways available and discover the education and training opportunities that can help them get there.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.