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Your Event Line Up
Some say we like to see ourselves as the main event, but really, we do it all for you! High-energy stage show sound good? How about beach cinema or symphony under the stars? If sport's more your thing, why not check out a NRL or AFL game? Or for lovers of low-key, get into one of the many grassroots arts and food festivals. Check out the latest events on Gold Coast below.
All Events
- Free Event
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From now until 16 May 2027
Cooly Classic Ocean Swim Festival
Swimmers have a rare opportunity to swim a course with some of Australia’s most revered surf breaks as your backdrop – Snapper Rocks, Coolangatta and Kirra.There are four distances, from 1km to 5km, but it’s always the 2.0km Cooly Classic from Snapper Rocks to Kirra Beach which attracts the masses.Your start line, Snapper Rocks, is one of the world’s most famous surf breaks. Then, your course is a straight line to Kirra Beach, passing Rainbow Bay, Greenmount and Coolangatta Beaches as you swim.Throughout the week, there’ll be a range of small group sessions and clinics with guest coaches. This is a chance to receive specialist coaching and also swim with local squads at some of the Gold Coast’s favourite open-water training locations.
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From now until 22 Apr 2027
Gold Coast Eisteddfod
South East Queensland is home of the Gold Coast Eisteddfod which is the largest youth festival of performing arts in Australia.It is not only a platform for launching the careers of international performers, but also a place where enduring memories are created, future careers are fostered and the stars of tomorrow are developed.Gold Coast Eisteddfod has sections in all genres of Music, Dance & Drama including Dance Solos, Young People with Disability, Strings, Wind & Brass, String Orchestras, Small Ensembles, Dance Groups, Choral, Bands, Stage Bands, School Dance Groups, Piano, Vocal & Speech & Drama.Held from July to September each year at various venues across the Gold Coast.
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From now until 01 May 2027
Grazy Arvo with Koalas at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
A Koala-lity AfternoonRelax and enjoy a special afternoon with Koalas at the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary Koala Habitat precinct.Spend some 'Koality' time with their dedicated Wildlife Keepers and Koala ambassadors, while you indulge in a scrumptious grazing platter with hand-selected cheeses, breads and antipasto delights prepared by their Sanctuary chefs, plus a glass of wine, beer or soft drink.One Koala photo per paying guest and entry to Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is included.
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From now until 31 Dec 2026
Movie Review Club
On the fourth Wednesday of each month, HOTA Cinema hosts a Movie Review Club. Meet like-minded people and discuss the selected film* with a forum of academics. Simply see the listed film ahead of time and join us on the day for an interactive discussion. It’s FREE to join the club!*To view film cinema ticket prices apply.Film to be reviewed: Sense And Sensibility When: Wed 28 October 2026, 10:30am Where: Lakeside Terrace Cost: Free!
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From now until 01 Dec 2026
Heath Franklin's Chopper - GOLD - Mermaid Waters
WINNER Comedian's Choice Award - Melbourne International Comedy FestivalAussie comedy legend and icon - Chopper - is celebrating his 20th anniversary of making us laugh.Catch two decades of Chopper's funniest bits and hardest hits, from The Ronnie Johns Half Hour to today, including The Weather Sketch, HTFU Australia, Shopping at Bunnings and more comedy GOLD!This isn't just another show — it's a comedy heist. Grab a ticket and get your cut of the GOLD."If Heath is Clark Kent and his Chopper persona is Superman, then it is good to look up in the sky once again and see not a bird, not a plane, but a super comedian." - Scenestr"This is a top hour of uproariously entertaining comedy… packed with good gags and 'so wrong its right' moments" ★★★★ – Chortle UK"Australia's funniest comedy character." ★★★★ – Sunday Mail
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From now until 30 Jan 2027
HOTA Collects: Alchemy
The concept of alchemy is rich with allegory and metaphor, offering a framework for artists working across photography, ceramics, sculpture and painting. Alchemy brings together works from the HOTA Collection that engage with materiality, process, decay and transformation. From cameraless photography processes, to sculpture, ceramic and drawings made with wind and fire, this exhibition explores the philosophical and physical ways contemporary artists employ alchemical processes in their practice. Alchemy also features two light-based sculptures by Australian artist Lindy Lee, recently acquired for the HOTA Collection to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the HOTA Gallery.Artists include Daniel Boyd, Vincent Brown, Elisa Jane Carmichael, Rose Farrell & George Parkin, Leah King-Smith, Jae Hoon Lee, Lindy Lee, eX de Medici, David Oswald, Susan Purdy, Cameron Robbins, Justine Varga and John Wolseley.
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From now until 23 Jan 2027
Energies 26
Energies is an annual exhibition showcasing the exceptional creative talents of senior secondary students on the Gold Coast. For nearly forty years, this prestigious exhibition has provided emerging artists with a professional platform to present their work, empowering students to pursue careers in the arts. Energies is a celebration of the creativity of our young people shaping the artistic future of the region.2026 Submissions are now closed.
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From now until 05 Dec 2026
Quiet Hour
On the first Saturday of every month between 9am-10am we offer Quiet Hour in HOTA Gallery. Our Quiet Hour is provided to ensure a relaxed and calm environment for anyone who prefers a quieter visitor experience. Please meet at Ground Entry for access to Quiet Hour.During Quiet Hour: Signage encourages visitors to contribute to a more calming environment Tannoys (public address system) are turned off Music is turned off Accessible bathrooms without electric hand dryers available for use Lower sound and light levels are employed where possible We can provide a quiet break out space, please ask a member of staff A Social Story for the Gallery is available at reception and to download below.
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From now until 25 Dec 2026
CHRISTMAS AT HOTA
Christmas at HOTA brings the magic of the festive season to life with an exciting program of entertainment and dining. Enjoy a spectacular show, settle in for a festive movie, laugh the night away at the Christmas Comedy Gala, indulge in a festive feast, and discover so much more. Gather your family and friends and celebrate a very HOTA Christmas.
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From now until 15 Nov 2026
BETWEEN FORMS - Group Exhibition | 4 Artists
BETWEEN FORMS brings together four artists working across painting, graphite and ceramics, each exploring the relationship between material, process and artistic expression.Through the considered practices of Chantal O'Malley, Nita Barca, Roz Perugino and Martina Skalicky, the exhibition reveals the distinct ways artists interpret, shape and respond to the world around them.From the fluidity of oil paint and the quiet precision of graphite to the tactile, transformative nature of clay, each practice offers a different perspective on the creative process.
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From now until 15 Nov 2026
Pan Pacific Masters Games
Join the 14th Pan Pacific Masters Games on the beautiful Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia.Boasting world class venues that play host to national and international sporting events participants only need to meet the qualifying age of their chosen sport to enter which for the majority is 30 years of age. There's a great sport for everyone at PPMG and everyone's a great sport and whilst the competition can sometimes be fierce it's always friendly with an emphasis on fun.The Entertainment Hub with a jam-packed line up of talent is making a return to the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre, where participants can catch up with teammates, socialise and celebrate the day's sporting achievements.The Pan Pacific Masters Games – Where legends come to play!
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From now until 30 Dec 2026
Koala Breakfast at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary
Enjoy a delicious breakfast alongside an Aussie Icon.Spend your morning with passionate Wildlife Keepers in the presence of everyone's favourite Aussie icon – the Koala – for a breakfast experience like no other.Enjoy a delicious breakfast while exploring the unique adaptations, diet and breeding behaviours of these incredible animals. Learn about the vital conservation work happening right here at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary.Afterwards, explore more wildlife, watch a live show and visit amazing attractions with all-day entry included in the cost.
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10 Nov 2026 - 11 Nov 2026
Primetime
In 2006, To Catch a Predator host Chris Hansen sets out to make television history.
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From now until 11 Nov 2026
Sense And Sensibility
From Focus Features and Working Title comes an irresistible new take on Jane Austen’s iconic Sense and Sensibility: a charming, witty, and deeply relatable story of love and sisterhood starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles.
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10 Nov 2026
The Joe Cocker Express
The Joe Cocker Express is an extraordinary tribute show that takes audiences on a journey through the legendary career of Joe Cocker, capturing the essence of two defining eras in his life. Fronted by Jason Kafoa, whose powerful, gritty vocals naturally echo Cocker's unmistakable sound, the show is delivered with authenticity, passion and deep respect for the music.The first act explores the soulful, polished sound of Cocker's later years - known as The Englishman - featuring iconic hits including Up Where We Belong, Unchain My Heart and You Can Leave Your Hat On. The second act transports audiences back to the raw energy of the late 1960s and 70s with classics such as Feelin' Alright, The Letter and With a Little Help from My Friends, capturing the spirit of Woodstock and the legendary Mad Dogs & Englishmen tour.Don't miss this unforgettable celebration of one of rock and soul's greatest voices, brought to life by an outstanding live band and a frontman whose passion for Joe Cocker's music shines through every performance.
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10 Nov 2026 - 11 Nov 2026
Wicker
On the outskirts of a village by the sea, lives a Fisherwoman; smelly, single and perpetually ridiculed. One day, fed up with her stuffy, small-minded neighbors, she commissions herself a husband to be made from wicker. In an otherwise conservative town, this unconventional romance sparks outrage, jealousy and chaos.
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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.