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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
- Free Event
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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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02 Jan 2026
BEN LEE: On Tour Always
BEN LEE: On Tour AlwaysTuesday 2 January | Wallaby Hotel, Mudgeeraba After reminding fans and media nationwide why they fell in love with his songs and antics on his widely successful Awake Is The New Sleep 20th Anniversary Tour, Ben Lee is back with a string of 40 regional dates in 2026. “Being out on the road just for the sake of it is what it’s all about” he says “anniversaries are nice, but the road is where it happens. Night after night, sweaty, a little chaotic, unpredictable. Hand to hand combat”. He winks. Can't make the event? Sell your tickets through our resale partner Tixel!
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03 Jan 2026
Dave Hughes - Cooked
There is no one else that comes close to the phenomenon that is Dave Hughes. Behind that cooked looking facade is a mind that works like no other. Dave has carved out a large place in the Australian cultural landscape for good reason. His take on the world around him is unique, ever changing, and not to be missed. His shows are events that live long in the memory. Now more brutally honest than ever, not only is he Australia’s best stand-up comedian, he is as good as it gets anywhere on the planet. Book today. DETAILS: Date: Saturday, 3 January Doors: 7.30pm Dave: 8.00pm Tickets: $49 18+
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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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03 Jan 2026
Tijuana Cartel - Bumblebee Tour
Tiijuana comes back on stage, revealing some new tracks from their upcoming release, Bumblebee. Tijuana Cartel fuse hypnotic electronica with flamenco guitar, Middle Eastern grooves, and trumpet lines from another dimension —crafting a genre-defying sound that’s unmistakably their own. Based in the Byron Bay region, the band is driven by guitarist Paul George and producer/keyboardist Carey O’Sullivan, with percussionist Sheila Finke and Trumpet player Tristan Rogers. Drawing from a diverse range of genre influences—from melodic tech and organic house to punchy midtempo and broken beat—their sound incorporates bass, layered soundscapes, rolling percussion, live horn, and, of course, that guitar. Longtime festival favourites in Australia and abroad, they’ve built a loyal following with sets that feel equally at home on the big stage or at boutique gatherings. Tijuana Cartel deliver an immersive sonic journey, matched with hand-crafted, custom animated visuals—easily the most unique thing you’ll see all weekend.
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From now until 03 May 2026
Spirit Making Class
Craft your signature spirit!In their Spirit Making Class, you will have the opportunity to craft your personalised unaged bottle of Rum, Gin, Brandy, Vodka, or Schnapps. With an extensive selection of botanicals and ingredients sourced from their apothecary, you'll have all the tools you need to design a spirit that suits your taste perfectly.Their Head Distiller will be your guide throughout the process. From selecting the ideal botanicals to operating your own distillation equipment, you'll receive expert guidance every step of the way. This is an interactive class that allows you to roll up your sleeves and create your own unique spirit.At the end of this extraordinary class, you'll proudly take home a 500ml bottle of your very own handcrafted spirit. It's not just a bottle; it's a testament to your creativity and newfound distillation skills. Display it on your home bar or share it as a special gift.Complimentary drink upon your arrival. Guided Distillery Tour and Tasting Experience featuring four samples. Professional distillation guidance provided by our Head Distiller. Exclusive access to their selection of botanicals from the apothecary. A 500ml bottle of your personally crafted spirit. A delightful grazing board to share. 10 percent discount on any liquor purchase made the same day.
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05 Jan 2026 - 09 Jan 2026
Gold Coast Recreation Precinct School Holiday Adventure Day
Looking for an exciting way to keep the kids entertained these school holidays? The Gold Coast Recreation Precinct is offering full-day adventure programs for kids aged 5–16.From bodyboarding, high ropes, and abseiling to canoeing, archery, and circus skills, there's something for every young adventurer.With activities designed to challenge, inspire, and entertain, kids will stay active, make new friends, and create unforgettable memories. Plus, with meals included, parents can enjoy peace of mind knowing their children are well cared for while they work or relax.
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05 Jan 2026 - 19 Dec 2026
2 Bent Rods - All Age Fishing Lessons - Paradise Point
Do your kids want to go fishing but you’re not sure what to do?Want to learn how to fish, but feel uncomfortable about it?Send them along and they will take care of all the tangles, while they learn alongside other kids or families in the same boat.2 Bent Rods will ease everyone into fishing with this fun and educational activity. Classes are very hands-on, everyone will be shown how to use the equipment and receive help to correct their technique.Kids and families will learn to read the beach, catch bait with yabby pumps and a bait net, tie a fishing knot, cast a rod and hopefully land a fish.They will pick up plenty of tips to help make their next fishing adventure more successful.This class is for both kids and families.All bait and fishing equipment provided.Bookings are essential.
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07 Jan 2026 - 19 Jan 2026
Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale 2026
Join Magic Millions in January for a uniquely Gold Coast experience - at no other time or place can you work and holiday so effortlessly. Within minutes of the sale complex are endless beaches, hinterland adventures, golf courses, amusement parks and world-class dining and entertainment options. Magic Millions prides itself on real innovation and the development and progression of the flagship Gold Coast Yearling Sale is the perfect example. Through the years the Magic Millions has honed in on the winning formula to get the highest bid for your stock and we continue to inspire buyers through events like the ever-growing The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival. Magic Millions understands the auction necessity for a large and diverse buying bench calling upon long and trusting relationships with our buyers to ensure they are exposed to your stock. This sale isn’t an overnight success story, the Magic Millions team treats the promotion of the Gold Coast Yearling Sale as a 365 day per year perpetual mission and in recent years the results have gone from strength to strength – now is the time for you to join the magic!
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07 Jan 2026 - 19 Jan 2026
TAB Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival
TAB Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival is a fortnight-long celebration of all things equine, with 14 magnificent days on Australia's number one holiday destination - the Gold Coast! Kicking off celebrations with Magic Millions Gold on Saturday 10 January, worth over $7 million in prizemoney, featuring the $3 million TAB Magic Millions Sunlight Slot Race. Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo & Showjumping on Sunday, 11 January, witness some of the country's best Junior and Senior Showjumpers, along with the Queensland Off-The-Track Cup Final vying for an overall Showjumping prizepool of $1.56 million. Two exciting Polo matches conclude the day featuring the world's most famous Polo Family, Nacho Figueras and Delfi Blaquier. On the morning of Tuesday 13 January, the beauty and power of Thoroughbreds enjoying the Surfers Paradise foreshore will be a feature of TAB Magic Millions Barrier Draw, while premium yearlings from around Australia will go under the hammer from Tuesday onwards in the action-packed Sales arena. Come Saturday, 17 January all eyes will turn to the track for the renowned $13.25 million TAB Magic Millions Raceday, the highlight of the Carnival calendar. TAB Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival in 2026 is a year not to be missed!
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08 Jan 2026 (Monthly)
Creative Conversations
Informal 1-on-1 chats with a Senior Arts Officer—get advice, explore opportunities, and share your creative ideas.Informal 1-on-1 chats with a Senior Arts Officer—get advice, explore opportunities, and share your creative ideas.Are you a local artist or creative looking to connect with Senior Arts Officers? Want to chat about your practice, explore opportunities, or find out how we can support your work?Join us for our free monthly drop-in sessions — informal, one-on-one 20-minute meetings designed to help you:Get tailored advice on your creative projectsLearn about funding, partnerships, and community engagementAsk questions and share your ideasWhen: Second Thursday of each monthTime: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PMWhere: Broadbeach Community SpaceBookings essential – reserve your spot now!COST: Free
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08 Jan 2026 - 11 Jan 2026
Basketball Queensland Under 18 Boys and Girls State Championships
The 2026 Under 18 Boys and Girls Basketball Queensland State Championships feature more than 100 teams from across Queensland as they compete to be crowned State Champions.
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08 Jan 2026
Akmal - Live - Currumbin
Akmal returns after a spiritual journey to India to find himself. Unfortunately, when he got there, he couldn't see himself anywhere, after all India is a big place. On his return to Australia, he was pleased to discover he had been here the entire time. This has absolutely nothing to do with his upcoming show, and he's sorry he mentioned it. Stand-up, movies, sketch, TV appearances, radio DJ, talk show host and a published author, Akmal is one of Australia's most respected, successful and accomplished comics. Lightning quick and a master of unscripted comedy gold, Akmal has an incredible ability to deal with hot topics in a hilarious and slightly offensive way. As Seen on Thank God You're Here, Have You Been Paying Attention?, Just For Laughs and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala. The age rating 15+ No babes in arms permitted.
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09 Jan 2026 - 17 Jan 2026
Summer Sounds in the Laneway
Enjoy Summer Sounds in the Laneway – discover live music and plenty of dining options in the heart of Surfers Paradise at Cavill Lane!Free live music will be here to delight diners.Take advantage of the beautiful summer evenings and make a date with family and friends for dinner, drinks and entertainment at Cavill Lane.Thinking about the school holidays and entertainment options for the kids? Book in now for Sandbox VR or why not cool them down at IceBar Surfers Paradise!Event schedule may be subjected to change.
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09 Jan 2026 - 10 Jan 2026
Kings of Comedy's Gold Coast Showcase Special
Kings of Comedy's premiere shows were a huge success, now they're back to do it all over again! This time with another completely different lineup. Keeping it fun and fresh. Don't miss this awesome showcase.They've now moved to a brand new location. The Oaks Hotel in Surfers ParadiseJoin them for a solid night of live entertainment at one of Australia's best-quality comedy clubs. Showcasing some of Australia's best new talent, supported by celebrity headline acts.Hand-selected quality lineups mean you're assured laughter from the get-go, then closed off with a professional headline act.Previous headliners include; Steve Hughes, Dave O'Neil, Dave Hughes, Lehmo, Jimeoin, Luke Heggie, Denise Scott, Fiona O'Loughlin, Marty Sheargold, Richard Stubbs, Nick Cody and more!This really is the night out you've been needing. Often patrons leave the night with sore jaws and stomachs with a positive vibe that can't be matched.So book a babysitter, send the kids to the Grandparents and head on down for a scrumptious meal and night you won't forget. Call that person you've been meaning to take on a date, now you have a 'good excuse'.Make this that special 'date night' you've been needing.Hurry and book now. Go on... You deserve a good laugh!Two shows. One Family Friendly All Ages and the other Adults Only.
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10 Jan 2026
Magic Millions Gold
The 2026 TAB Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival gets underway on Saturday, January 10 with the Magic Millions Gold twilight meeting. With $7.3 million on offer over a 10-race program with the features conducted under lights including the new $3 million TAB Magic Millions Sunlight (3YO) slot race $1 million TAB Magic Millions Syndicate and $500,000 Magic Millions The Wave.
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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.