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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.
arts & culture
- Free Event
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12 Jul 2025 (Monthly)
HOTA Hawker Night Market
Get ready to treat all five senses at the HOTA Hawker Night Markets on the new date Saturday July 12 for a celebration of food, culture, and entertainment. The Gold Coast is set to come alive with colour, culture and cuisine as the HOTA Hawker Night Markets return for an open-air celebration inspired by the bustling hawker centres of Southeast Asia. With over 150 gourmet and artisan stalls, this is a street feast for your senses you don't want to miss – bursting with international flavours, handmade treasures, and that buzzing market energy we all love. Lay out your picnic rug on the lawn and kick back with your haul of delicious eats and gourmet goodies. Soak up live local tunes and those dreamy Surfers Paradise skyline views across Evandale Lake. What's on the menu: Flavours from across the globe 150+ gourmet food and artisanal stalls Live local bands and performers Fire twirlers & roving entertainment Gorgeous views over Evandale Lake and the Surfers Paradise skyline Free entry HOTA is a hot destination, and parking will be limited due to several popular events around the precinct! They recommend you scoot, bus, walk, ride, skip, unicycle, rideshare, Hopo or carpool to make the most of the evening!
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From now until 18 Sep 2025
Anna Carey’s Magic + Memory: make me a home
Anna Carey’s Magic + Memory: make me a homeOur new Children’s Gallery exhibition is your home away from home at HOTA. Gold Coast artist Anna Carey creates miniature models of houses and the rooms inside them. Her work has been spectacularly brought to life in an oversized model created for play and daydreams. What is real? Where could you use your imagination? There are magical and memorable moments to discover as we invite you to ‘make a home’ in our Children’s Gallery. Entry is free. Presented by HOTA, Home of the Arts with Anna Carey
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From now until 17 Aug 2025
National Gallery of Australia: Enjoy this Trip - The Art of Music Posters
National Gallery of Australia: Enjoy this Trip - The Art of Music Posters'The musicians were turning up their amplifiers to the point where they were blowing out your eardrums. I did the equivalent with the eyeballs.' Victor MoscosoDrawn from the National Gallery’s expansive collection of Australian and international music posters spanning the 1960s to 1980s, Enjoy this trip: The art of music posters captures the spirit of the times as an era of experimentation. Journey back to the Summer of Love and be transported to a time when the music was funky, the art was kaleidoscopic and psychedelia was in full swing. Enjoy this trip presents a nostalgic exploration of the times through art, graphic design, music, colour and typography. This is a National Gallery Touring Exhibition supported by the Australian Government through the National Collecting Institutions Touring and Outreach Program. Curator: Leanne Santoro, Curator, Sharing the National Collection. Artwork: Paul Worstead, Jimmy Jones Souvenirs, Mental as anything - Creatures of leisure (Martin), 1982, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, gift of the artist 1994 This work appears on screen courtesy of the artist © Paul Worsted / Copyright Agency, 2024
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From now until 18 Jun 2025
Materialists
MaterialistsLucy works at a high-end matchmaking company meeting moneyed professionals and trying to pair them up. She happens upon Harry - tall, handsome, gracious and very very rich. He'd be a catch for Lucy's clients but he is more interested in Lucy herself. Their meet up is interrupted by John, a broke cater waiter and struggling actor whose presence can pierce through Lucy's carefully constructed veneer. Country Of Origin: USA & Finland.
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From now until 14 Jun 2025
Scenic Rim Farming Expo
The 3rd annual Scenic Rim Farming Expo is for backyard gardeners to big-acre farmers, this two-day expo, proudly hosted by the Rotary and Lions Service Clubs of Harrisville, celebrates Scenic Rim's rich agricultural heritage, thriving rural industries, and natural beauty. With over 100 exhibitors showcasing the latest in farming, sustainability, and rural living, it's a must-attend event for anyone passionate about agriculture and the future of farming in the region. Friday 13 June – Farming Field Day Friday is all about innovation, education, and networking for farmers, industry professionals and students. It's an opportunity to connect with experts, explore new advancements, discover career development opportunities, and take part in hands-on demonstrations designed to support and grow operations. Saturday 14 June – Lifestyle & Hobby Farm Expo Saturday welcomes families, hobby farmers, and rural lifestyle enthusiasts with additional demonstrations, workshops, and offerings. Whether you're tending a backyard veggie patch or managing a larger property, there's something for everyone.
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From now until 28 Dec 2025
HOTA Farmers and Artisan Market
The HOTA Markets are one of the Gold Coast's most vibrant community markets, held every Sunday morning, in the iconic HOTA precinct. Like the Gold Coast itself, we're a celebration of independence and lifestyle! They are passionate about local farmers, makers, bakers and growers, we like knowing where our goods come from, and we love supporting new and emerging small businesses. The markets are part of the fabric of the Gold Coast, they're proud to support and foster local artists and live music, as well as supporting social causes representing the local community. Each Sunday HOTA comes alive with in-season farm-fresh produce, delicious artisan foods, boutique fashion and handcrafted wears. All nestled against the backdrop of Evendale Lake and the stunning HOTA landscape.
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21 Jun 2025 - 18 Oct 2025
Gold Coast Vegan Markets
Enjoy a great day out by the beach and playground at Broadwater Parklands with your favourite vegan eats, drinkies, shopping and charities. All your favourite vegan eats, shopping and charities. Dog friendly (on lead) Car Parking at Broadwater Parklands Peninsula Playground Parking or on Street. G:link @gclightrail @hopogc Free entry Easy public transport with buses and trams nearby Onsite car parking: https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/.../Broadwater-Carpark Kid friendly playgrounds Coordinators and authorised representatives reserve the right to ask patrons to leave the event in instances where their behaviour may cause harm and/or disruption. Soliciting information and promoting/selling products must be approved by coordinators.
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From now until 19 Jul 2025
Welcome to Parad-Ice - The Variety Ice Skating Show
Get your tickets to 'Welcome to Parad-Ice', a one-of-a-kind variety show, featuring fierce ice-skating that will dazzle with acrobatics, spins, and clown antics. Fun for the whole family. Located at Planet Chill Ice-Skating Rink, inside Paradise Resort Gold Coast.
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03 Jul 2025 - 13 Jul 2025
The Doyles Art Award
An annual not-for-profit art award and exhibition held in the beautiful historic village of Mudgeeraba. Artists compete for cash prizes with the winner taking home $20,000. Focusing on representational art, The Doyles Award exhibits over 300 artworks entered by local and national artists. Categories include Landscape, Still Life, Figurative, Juniors and All Abilities. Start your art collection, or add to an existing one! All adult artwork is available for purchase. Entry is absolutely free. Come along and enjoy a few hours discovering the inspirational talent on display. Follow on socials or visit the website to see what activities, workshops and events are happening during The Doyles.
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20 Jul 2025
Gold Coast Wedding Expo
The Gold Coast Wedding Expo is a prominent tradeshow dedicated to the wedding and bridal industry. This bi-annual event is held at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre in Gold Coast, Australia, and attracts a diverse audience interested in fashion, beauty, and wedding apparel. Organized by Your Local Wedding ... Read More Guide, the expo offers a comprehensive platform for exhibitors and attendees to connect and explore the latest trends and offerings in the wedding market.This event caters to a wide audience reach across Australia, making it an essential stop for anyone involved in wedding planning, from brides and grooms to industry professionals. Attendees can expect to find a variety of exhibitors showcasing products and services that range from wedding attire to beauty services, ensuring that every aspect of the wedding planning process is covered. The Gold Coast Wedding Expo is a must-visit for those looking to make their special day perfect. HighlightsPopular among visitors forTop 100 in Apparel & Clothing in Australia
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From now until 20 Jul 2025
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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From now until 20 Jul 2025
Dogs on the Green Markets Benowa, Gold Coast
The Gold Coast's Greatest dog friendly markets. 70+ dog related vendors, with everything doggie available, toys, treats, physios, training, vets, holistic medicines and more! Free entry, free parking. Leashed, social dogs welcome. Delicious food trucks and coffee vendors onsite. $5 charity raffle- go in the draw to win 4+ prizes, each worth hundreds of dollars Please bring cash on the day to support the vendors with fast service and no card surcharges.
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02 Aug 2025 - 03 Aug 2025
Botanical Bazaar 2025
The Botanical Bazaar is the Gold Coast's premier Gardening and Sustainability Festival. It is an interactive Gardening and Sustainable living event aimed to educate and inspire all nature enthusiasts. The event is a perfect blend of learning, shopping, and entertainment, all focused around gardening and sustainable living. Educating and inspiring nature enthusiasts of all ages. See around 90 green exhibitors and local artisans plus celebrity gardener’s talks, demonstrations, botanical art, community groups and kids nature activities. Hear from industry experts on three speaker stages, including beloved ABC Gardening Australia personalities such as Sophie Thomson and Costa Georgiadis. Check out the website for the 2024 line-up. Their insights are truly inspiring, packed with innovative ideas and practical tips. Learn how to grow your own food, urban and small space gardening, and sustainable living concepts. The on-site community gardens are a highlight, with guided tours by celebrity gardeners showcasing sustainable gardening practices. But don't just listen and learn; get hands-on with 30 engaging workshops. The atmosphere was alive with local, live music under The Musical Tree and The Patch, creating a magical backdrop to the festivities. The Kid’s Hub was buzzing with nature play activities and yoga sessions, and the new School Garden Competition is a hit! A relaxing weekend at the Parklands with live music with delicious food, kids hub, market stalls and more.
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31 Aug 2025
Gold Coast's Annual Wedding Expo 2025 - Gold Coast Turf Club
The Gold Coast Annual Wedding Expo is a well-established and popular event in the heart of the Gold Coast region, hosted at the Gold Coast Turf Club. Featuring over 100 of the finest wedding and bridal suppliers from the Gold Coast and beyond, this expo brings together the best in wedding inspiration. With a vibrant, local atmosphere, the Gold Coast Bridal Expo is full of colour, creativity, and live entertainment—an unmissable event for couples. Enjoy free entry and parking, plus receive the exclusive ‘I’M GETTING MARRIED’ Bridal Bag. The hand-selected vendors include florists, bridal gowns, photographers, wedding cars, cake designers, videographers, reception venues, and more.
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06 Sep 2025
Witches Market Gold Coast - Ostara
The Witches Market returns to the Gold Coast for its 4th year, and this year celebrating Ostara (Easter) as it truly falls on this date in the Southern Hemisphere
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12 Sep 2025 - 21 Sep 2025
SWELL 2025 Guided Sculpture Walk
Join us on an artistic expedition with guest curators to guide you through a selection of the sculptures. Gain insight and perspective into the sculptures and discover the methods behind the creations. Engage in creative conversations and indulge in the experience of SWELL. Ticket includes a SWELL printed program. Children under 12 are free. Please note, these tours may require walking on sand. If you would like to enquire about accessibility tour please email enquiry@swellsculpture.com.au For more info head to the SWELL Information Hubs at the exhibition or email us. If you would like to book a private SWELL Sculpture Tour email enquiry@swellsculpture.com.au.
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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.