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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 18 Apr 2027 (Annual)
Gold Coast Running Festival
Welcome to the Gold Coast and the 15th anniversary of the von Bibra Mitsubishi Gold Coast Running Festival presented by Mastery Schools Australia.Come and run in the Gold Coast sunshine and enjoy the fast, safe, closed road circuit. With distances available for all running and walking abilities, we have a race for you, your running group and the whole family!
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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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13 Nov 2026 (Monthly)
Art Explorers
Art ExplorersJoin us for Art Explorers – HOTA Gallery tours for little people with big imaginations. These playful sessions invite children and their parents/carers to connect with art through movement and storytelling, encouraging curiosity, creativity and fun! This program is recommended for children aged 2-5. Children must be accompanied by an adult carer and cannot be left unsupervised at any time. Thank you for your understanding.
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From now until 10 Apr 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 23 Oct 2026
The Emotional Fitness Retreat
The Emotional Fitness Retreat is an inclusive six-day, five-night wellbeing experience held in the peaceful Gold Coast Hinterland.Designed for adults from all walks of life, the retreat welcomes anyone navigating personal challenges, change, stress or difficult circumstances, as well as those seeking greater emotional awareness and healthier ways to respond to life's demands.Hosted by respected emotional fitness author and speaker Cynthia Morton, the program provides practical tools and meaningful insights to help guests better understand their emotions, strengthen their coping skills and build greater emotional resilience.Throughout the retreat, experienced facilitators offer engaging workshops, restorative activities, gentle movement, optional morning meditation and opportunities for reflection, laughter and genuine human connection. The program is guided by the values of compassion, respect, kindness, inclusion and non-judgement, creating an environment where every guest is treated with dignity and care.Guests stay in beautiful private villa accommodation surrounded by nature and enjoy thoughtfully prepared, nourishing meals throughout each day. The carefully balanced program also allows time to rest, recharge and appreciate the peaceful surroundings.The Emotional Fitness Retreat offers a supportive place to pause, reconnect and return home with practical tools, renewed hope and a stronger foundation for navigating life.
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From now until 08 Nov 2026
UNLEASHED+
artisan are proud to present their biennial exhibition UNLEASHED+ at HOTA Gallery in 2026. Since 2004, artisan's UNLEASHED biennial exhibition has established itself as Queensland's premier platform for launching emerging craft and design practitioners. This year, UNLEASHED+ marks a significant evolution, introducing artisan’s largest cohort of artists to date, in partnership with HOTA, Home of the Arts. This exhibition unfolds in two chapters, bringing together emerging Queensland makers at a pivotal moment in their creative development. The first presents work from the inaugural artisan in Residence program, where five craft and design practitioners were engaged to develop new bodies of work, exploring process, gesture and material expression. The second chapter introduces the UNLEASHED+ biennial, supporting twelve makers through exhibition, mentoring and market development. The 2026 finalists were selected by a panel of leading art, culture and design professionals including Sally Brand, Dr Simon Maidment, Imelda Miller, Brian Parkes and Kimberly Stokes. Together, these artists reflect the exciting innovation of Queensland's emerging talent, offering compelling approaches to metal, timber, clay, glass and textiles. Gathering talent from the Gold Coast, Scenic Rim, Ipswich, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Townsville and Cairns, this exhibition represents a fresh chapter for craft and design in Queensland. UNLEASHED+ 2026 Finalists Ben Adams, Julia Bramich, Céline Caron, Gabi Harris, Petalia Humphreys, Jacqueline Kaytar, Michelle Le Plastrier, William MacLean, Jude Muduioa, Rachel North, Rhiannon Sothern, Tom Summersartisan Residence 2025-2026 Alumni Regi Cherini, Erin Conron, Norton Fredericks, Rick Hayward, Natalie Ward To learn more about the exhibiting artists, visit artisan.org.auAbout artisanartisan is Queensland's premier craft and design organisation. Since 1970, artisan have led, fostered, and profiled craft and design through place-based development and partnership programs. Makers and creators are central to everything they do. For over 55 years, artisan has been building pathways, creating opportunities, and championing Queensland's unique craft and design practitioners.
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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 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 20 Oct 2026
Arts Fest 2026
Join us for the SMC Arts Fest 2026, a vibrant celebration of creativity, talent, and student voice. Featuring dynamic performances in dance, drama, band, orchestra, and choir, this exciting event showcases the work of our Years 7 - 12 students from both our curriculum and extra-curricular arts programs.A wonderful family-friendly event, the Arts Fest is an opportunity to come along and support our young artists as they demonstrate their critical and creative thinking skills, collaboration, and passion for the performing arts. Be inspired by the dedication, growth, and artistry of our students as they take the stage with confidence and pride.We look forward to celebrating the arts with our community!
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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 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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From now until 21 Oct 2026
Verity
Adapted from Colleen Hoover's best-selling novel, this seductive, psychological thriller follows renowned author Verity Crawford (Anne Hathaway) and Lowen Ashleigh (Dakota Johnson), a struggling writer who relocates to the remote Crawford estate to ghostwrite for Verity. After Lowen uncovers what appears to be Verity's chilling autobiographical notes, she wrestles with the disturbing and twisted confessions about Verity’s husband Jeremy (Josh Hartnett), and finds it hard to separate fiction from reality, manipulation from attraction, and opportunity from obsession.
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From now until 21 Oct 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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From now until 21 Oct 2026
Digger
The most powerful man in the world embarks on a frantic mission to prove he is humanity's saviour before the disaster he’s unleashed destroys everything.
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From now until 21 Oct 2026
The Weight
Desperate to save what is left of his family, during the height of the Great Depression a battle-scarred veteran is hired to help smuggle a fortune of gold across 100 miles of impenetrable wilderness.
Seems like you've caught us on an R&R day!
Check back again later or browse more events on the Gold Coast.
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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.