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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03 May 2025 - 13 May 2025
Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro
Snapper Rocks returns to the WSL Championship Tour schedule in 2025. The Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro will be the 6th stop on the schedule. Snapper Rocks is home to some of the most famous victories in surfing history. Past winners include World Champions Kelly Slater, Stephanie Gilmore, Mick Fanning, Carissa Moore and Gabriel Medina amongst others.
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03 May 2025 - 05 May 2025
Tamborine Mountain Arts Trail
Discover the Creative Heart of Tamborine Mountain – Arts Trail Returns This May This Labour Day Long Weekend, Saturday, May 3 – Monday, May 5, 2025, visitors are invited to embark on an immersive journey through the vibrant arts scene of Tamborine Mountain. The Tamborine Mountain Arts Trail offers a rare opportunity to engage with artists in their studios, experience dynamic exhibitions, and explore a region rich in creativity and natural beauty. With over 20 open artist studios, four central art hubs, and more than 100 participating artists, this free, self-guided event highlights the incredible depth of artistic talent in the Scenic Rim. Open Artist Studios & Art Hubs – Step inside the creative spaces of painters, sculptors, ceramicists, textile artists, and printmakers. Meet the makers, hear their stories, and see firsthand how their work comes to life. Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition – Large-scale and site-specific sculptures set against the stunning natural backdrop of Tamborine Mountain, creating a striking fusion of art and landscape. 5° Cooler Exhibition – A curated collection of works that capture the unique essence of the mountain’s environment, lifestyle, and artistic spirit. Regional Students Arts Showcase – A celebration of emerging talent, featuring the next generation of artists from across the Scenic Rim.
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04 May 2025
May the fourth be with you - Star Wars Event
Come dressed as your favourite star wars character, truth or lie, bingo and lightsaber pinata, drinks on arrival followed by a roast bantha and root veg dinner and dessert. Plenty of fun to be had, best dressed award and other prizes.
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04 May 2025
Echoes of Flamenco
Echoes of FlamencoAn Intimate Evening of Flamenco & Mediterranean Guitar Soundscapes Experience a night of world-class guitar mastery as Paco Lara and Paul A. George (Tijuana Cartel) join forces for a spellbinding performance. Paco Lara, a virtuoso flamenco guitarist with a career spanning collaborations with the greats of Spain, brings his deeply expressive and technically brilliant sound to the stage. Paul A. George, known for his evocative blend of Mediterranean and desert-inspired guitar melodies intertwined with atmospheric synth textures, complements the evening with hypnotic rhythms and dreamlike soundscapes. This rare collaboration promises an immersive journey through intricate rhythms, soul-stirring compositions, and seamless improvisation—melding the fire of flamenco with the cinematic expanses of modern guitar synthesis. Join us for an unforgettable night where two distinct musical worlds intertwine, creating something truly magical.
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04 May 2025
Gold Coast Film Festival Script To Screen
Gold Coast Film Festival Script To ScreenLive script read of the winning 2025 Queensland Screenwriting Award. Our Script to Screen event offers a rare opportunity to experience a screenplay’s journey from the very beginning – with the script. The winning script will be played out with a table reading and actors from QUT in front of the live audience.With thanks to QUT Acting Students and Associate Professor of Acting Andrea Moor. The Queensland Screenwriting Award 2025 will presented at the Gold Coast Film Festival Awards Gala 2025.
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05 May 2025
Ciderfest with Morris Dancing
Witness the last apple of the crop to drop! With a musket shot, then the real party begins and the cider begins to flow. Morris dancers celebrating and a feast for all to enjoy Join them on a day of dance and music as they celebrate old traditions of historic England. Morris Dancers will be performing on May Day long weekend holiday Monday from 1pm.
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06 May 2025
I Wanna Be a Musician
I Wanna Be a MusicianJoin multi-award-winning multi-instrumentalist Adam Page on a wild musical ride that will explain just how awesome it is to be a musician, proving there’s a musician in all of us – whether you know it or not! Using everything from pots and pans to soulful saxophone, Page weaves the honks and bashes of a gazillion different things into a tapestry of sounds using looping pedals to create musical mayhem for the whole family!
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07 May 2025 - 22 Oct 2025
Ballun Gawrehma: River Stories
Ballun Gawrehma: River StoriesJoin local Kombumerri man Lann Levinge—a multi-talented artist who is a singer, songwriter, producer, director, and creative designer—for a unique journey into the heart of Kombumerri culture. Lann will guide students through culturally significant sites, sharing local history passed down by elders. Begin your exploration at Wulabora, a dedicated space for sharing and gathering that celebrates Kombumerri heritage. Lann will weave together family stories, local history, the legacy of Jenny Graham and the Keeper of the Light, as well as Dreamtime tales and environmental wisdom. This sensory-rich experience includes hands-on interaction with authentic indigenous artefacts—such as clothing, weapons, and tools—alongside immersive soundscapes composed by Lann himself. As Lann expresses, "I’m passionate about discovering new ways to nurture and inspire a new generation of language and cultural warriors. My goal is to raise awareness and foster connections with indigenous culture, particularly the Kombumerri ways and the Yugambeh Language, through visual art, music, and dance." Don’t miss this opportunity for your students to engage deeply with local indigenous culture. Contact education@hota.com.au to arrange your education perspectives experience. This tour is open to school groups only.
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07 May 2025
Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival 2025 | Gold Coast
Presented by World Expeditions, the 2025 Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour is a three-hour celebration of the mountain and adventure sports world. Sharing the most exhilarating short films from explorers, runners, mountain bikers, skiers, paddlers and climbers from around the globe. The tour is hot on the heels of the largest and most prestigious mountain festivals in the world, the Banff Mountain Festival, which takes place every November in the mountain town of Banff, in Canada. More than 300 of the world’s best mountain sports, culture, environment, adventure, and exploration films are shown during the week-long event. A selection of award winners and audience favourites then tours the globe, visiting 390 communities and 35 countries as part of the festival’s official world tour. This year, the Australian line-up features a captivating collection of short films shot in some of the most wild and remote corners of the world. The program is packed full of mesmerising cinematography, thought-provoking storylines and adrenaline-inducing action sequences. The original and the best mountain film festival is an Adventure Reels event.
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09 May 2025
Gold Coast Film Festival Women in Film Lunch
Women in Film LunchThe Women in Film Lunch celebrates influential women in Australia’s film industry. It’s a chance to be inspired by notable females and utilise networking opportunities over a memorable afternoon in the stunning Lakeside Room, at HOTA. This annual event aims to elevate the profile of women in Queensland's film industry, while shaping a narrative that will inspire future generations. It carries the tradition of celebrating stories, perspectives and experiences of women in the screen industry. It has quickly become one of the highlights of the festival.Due to alcohol service at the event, tickets are only available to those 18 and above.
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09 May 2025
GCFF INDUSTRY DAY: Pitch in Paradise
GCFF INDUSTRY DAY: Pitch in ParadiseJumpstart your career and sharpen your pitching skills at our free Industry Networking Day, dedicated to helping you take the next step in your filmmaking journey. You’ll have the chance to network with seasoned industry professionals and pitch your ideas to them directly. Whether you have a feature film concept, short film, or a new project you’re working on, this is your opportunity to make connections, be bold, have a go and get valuable feedback.
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10 May 2025
Australian Eagles and Money For Nothin Dire Straits Experience - Southport
Hall of Fame Icons concert brings two legendary tributes in an unforgettable night of rock ‘n’ roll magic. Featuring the internationally celebrated Australian Eagles Show and the electrifying Money For Nothing: Dire Straits Experience, this event promises to be a musical extravaganza like no other. The Australian Eagles Show, renowned for their pitch-perfect renditions of Eagles classics, is fronted by the talented Michael Thompson and Shayne Browne. This five-piece band has wowed audiences across the globe with their meticulous recreation of the Eagles' timeless hits. From the melodic ‘Desperado’ to the high-octane ‘Life in the Fast Lane’ and the soulful ‘New Kid in Town’ every performance is a journey through the Eagles' storied catalog. Fans can also look forward to tributes to the solo hits of Joe Walsh, Don Henley, and the late Glenn Frey. Joining Australian Eagles is Money For Nothing: Dire Straits Experience, a tribute formed in 2017 that captures the essence of one of the most beloved groups from the 70s and 80s. Led by the seasoned Terry McMahon, whose guitar skills and vocals mirror the legendary Mark Knopfler with uncanny precision, Money For Nothing delivers a performance that is a must-see for rock enthusiasts and Dire Straits fans alike. With a six-piece live band, they recreate the iconic sound of Dire Straits, delivering every riff and solo with passion and precision.
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10 May 2025
Gold Coast Film Festival 2025 SIPFest (Shorts in Paradise)
Gold Coast Film Festival 2025 SIPFest (Shorts in Paradise)Gather your friends, pull up a picnic rug and join us under the stars at the incredible HOTA Outdoor Stage for SIPFest (Shorts in Paradise). The premier Gold Coast short film festival competition will showcases, submitted from around Australia and Internationally. With live music, incredible short films, food trucks and bars, this is the ultimate outdoor film experience and best of all IT’S FREE! The night culminates in the live announcement and presentation of the SIPFEST award categories and gives our audience the opportunity to vote for their favourite “People’s Choice” award of the night! This event is in Chill Out mode. This is a licensed all ages event, and some of the film content may contain mature themes, parental guidance is recommended. This is a ticketed free event, register now. All attendees must have a ticket to enter and children under 3 do not require a ticket.
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10 May 2025
Urban Wine Walk Burleigh Heads
The streets and laneways of Burleigh Heads will come alive this Autumn as a line-up of the best venues transforms into an Urban Cellar Door for you to visit on a self-guided trail. How does it work you ask? Simply decide which venue you'd like to start from and you're off. Choose your own adventure as you and your friends move from venue to venue tasting delicious wines thanks to the incredible line-up of Australian winemakers. Guaranteed to sell out, the Urban Wine Walk promises a fun and unique self-guided wine-tasting experience that you and your friends won't want to miss.
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12 May 2025 - 15 Oct 2025
Songcraft Studio
Songcraft StudioExperience a special season of the Songcraft Studio workshops with Gold Coast's HaydenGoSeek (aka Hayden Andrews of Cheap Fakes). As a collaborative artist with HOTA’s Those Who Rock, Hayden brings a wealth of experience and a unique flair for crafting pop hits with undeniable appeal. Since debuting as a Triple j Unearthed artist in 2007, Hayden has earned a reputation for his versatility across genres and creative mediums. His work has been featured in national campaigns (Pillowtalk, Lexus, HOTA, Central Queensland Tourism), the Netflix series Umbrella Academy, the Hollywood film Move Me No Mountain and more showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend styles while continually pushing the boundaries of his artistry. Hayden’s musical journey has taken him across the globe, performing at iconic music festivals such as Big Day Out, Splendour in the Grass, and many more with his band, Cheap Fakes. A passionate mentor, Hayden is dedicated to helping the next generation of artists thrive. Through his songwriting workshops and collaborations, he guides emerging musicians in finding their unique sound and navigating their artistic journeys. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn from one of the best and take your skills—and your music—to the next level!
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13 May 2025 - 18 May 2025
Den Devine Celebrates Blues on Broadbeach 2025
Celebrate Blues on Broadbeach at Den Devine. Rain, Hail or Shine.. they will have the best of the best in live entertainment on the Den Devine stage. Kicking off a massive week from Tuesday with 17 gigs! Tuesday & Wednesday Open 4pm-midnight Tuesday: Open Mic Night Food & Drink specials all night Wednesday: 7-11pm Pre-Blues on Broadbeach Jam Thursday & Sunday Open 12 midday - 12 midnight Friday & Saturday Open 11am - 12 midnight Thursday: 1-4pm Majelen 5-7pm Damon Smith 8-11pm Frank Sultana Friday: 11am-2pm Alpha Stomp 3-5pm Pete Cornelius 6-8pm Tessa Devine 9-12am Billy K Blues Band Saturday: 11am-2pm Sugar Game Band 3-5pm Sam Buckley 6-8pm Ian Mathers Band 9-12am The How Dare You's Sunday: 12-2pm Matt Katsis 3-6pm Dan Hannaford 7-10pm TaylorMade Blues Band Late night kitchen till 10:30pm Book now via OpenTable, please read terms and conditions prior to booking.
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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.