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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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15 Feb 2026 (Monthly)
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 30 Apr 2026
A Bigger View
Embark on a journey of epic proportions as you immerse yourself in monumental works of art from the National Gallery of Australia (NGA). Made possible through the Australian Government's Sharing the National Collection initiative, this exhibition brings together masterpieces from the NGA alongside major works from our very own collection.Spanning decades and continents, each epic in scale and subject, these artworks demonstrate the various and unique approaches artists take to the landscape.A highlight for visitors will be two artworks created by Henri Matisse (1869 -1954), one of Europe's greatest twentieth-century modernist artists. Accompanying Matisse's uniquely abstracted views of sea and sky forms is an extraordinary work by senior Australian artist, Imants Tillers, presenting a vision of the Australian landscape inspired by Eugene Von Guérard's 1863 masterpiece North-east view from the northern top of Mount Kosciusko, seen here together for the first time.These works will be complemented by stunning works from HOTA's own collection. Uluru by Pintupi artist Long Tom Tjapanangka brings a First Nations perspective of Australia's biggest landmark to the exhibition, and a stunning hinterland painting by beloved Australian artist Wiliam Robinson invites contemplation of the natural world around us.Prepare to be awestruck by the grandeur of these works, as you explore a bigger view.
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From now until 07 Mar 2026
HAPPY BIRTHDAY 2U2
HAPPY BIRTHDAY 2U2When did you last receive a hand-drawn birthday card - or create one for someone else? Born from a treasured family tradition of gifting hand-drawn birthday cards, this installation by Hikoko Ito invites you to savour the joy of receiving one from a stranger who shares your birthdate - your “birthday twin” - and the delight of giving one in return. 366 Birthday Mailboxes, one for each day of the year, are arranged in deliberate disarray. Each bears a “Happy Motif,” reimagined from the Chinese character『樂』- symbolising happiness - by Hikoko and her late father, Sun Chan, celebrating its myriad expressions. Begin at The Calendar Wall: find the “Happy Motif” for your birthdate. Then, seek your matching Birthday Mailbox. Within, a card from your unseen birthday twin quietly awaits. The first batch of cards was created by local students and HOTA’s patrons - followed by offerings from visitors like you. Each one carries warmth and sincerity, sharing good wishes across all ages, cultures, and backgrounds. In the spirit of reciprocity, you are invited to craft a card for another birthday twin, continuing this chain of special connection. Each blank card features an artwork from HOTA’s collection to inspire your creation - you might even spot the original in the Gallery. Every motif matched, every card exchanged whispers: we are here - together. Through shared birthdates and strokes of ink and pigment, we transcend difference, embrace our collective humanity, and pass kindness forward - one heartfelt card at a time. Image Credit: Hikoko Ito, HB2U2 2025, Art Gallery of New South Wales. Image courtesy AGNSW. Hikoko Ito Japan/Hong Kong, Happy Birthday 2U2 2025 mixed media installation; powder-coated steel mailboxes with die-cut acrylic panels, printed vinyl wall design Collection of the artist
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From now until 28 Jan 2026
The Secret Agent
The Secret Agent1977. In a Brazil tormented by the military dictatorship, Marcelo, a man in his forties fleeing a troubled past, arrives in the city of Recife where he hopes to build a new life and reconnect with his family. That's without taking into account the death threats that lurk and hover over his head. Countries Of Origin: Brazil, France, Germany, & Netherlands. Golden Globes Winner 2026: Best Motion Picture - Non-English LanguageBest Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture Drama - Wagner Moura
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From now until 01 Feb 2026
Cloudy with a Chance of Art
Cloudy with a Chance of ArtEyes to the sky! HOTA’s Children’s Gallery is a place for daydreaming and creativity. The sky is the limit to your imagination, so we encourage families to look up and see amazing historical to contemporary artworks by Australian artists who also look to the sky for inspiration. A curated display of cloud artworks will set the scene for play and creativity ‘beneath the clouds’ in the Children’s Gallery. Proudly supported by Experience Gold Coast
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From now until 18 Apr 2026
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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28 Jan 2026
Drag Queen Bingo | 28 January
Forget nanna bingo - this is full-blown DRAG BINGO CHAOS 💅🎉 Round up your crew and settle in for a wild night of laughs, games and outrageous fun, hosted by the iconic Ivyy Monroe & Kathy Pacific! Featuring epic Drag performances as well as DJ VICES dropping banging tunes throughout the night! 🎶🔥 The party comes to you with our exclusive Drag Bingo-themed cocktails delivered straight to your table, plus feast your way through the incredible street food vendors at Miami Marketta. Loud, proud and totally unforgettable - you’ve been warned 😉 MA15+ event This is a safe, inclusive and accepting space. No children or babies — strictly no exceptions.
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04 Feb 2026 - 05 Feb 2026
2026 AACTA Awards Industry Gala
AACTA is kicking off the celebrations in 2026 with the annual AACTA Awards Industry Gala! The Australian Academy is rolling out the red carpet to honour the exceptional artists whose creativity and talent bring stories to life. With over 30 AACTA Awards up for grabs, this is the event of the year you absolutely can’t miss.But wait - the night doesn’t finish there! The fun keeps going at the Official After Party presented by Screen Queensland. Join us for drinks and canapés, mingle with friends and colleagues, and dance the night away. Or join us at the AACTA Karaoke Bar - back for the second year in a row and known as the place to be. It’s the perfect chance to continue the celebrations and make even more memories!Discounted tickets are available for AACTA members by inputting your member number into the discount code section.Extend your stay on the Gold Coast and join us on Thursday February 5th for the AACTA Industry Day. Hear from the creators of Australia’s biggest productions and network with our nation’s brightest screen practitioners. Whether you’re a filmmaker, a producer, or just a passionate fan, AACTA Industry Day is your chance to immerse yourself in the dynamic world of screen entertainment and be a part of the future of film and TV.
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05 Feb 2026
We Interrupt This Broadcast
We Interrupt This Broadcast is your must-listen podcast for the Australian screen industry, featuring weekly interviews with key industry figures, and a monthly round-up of news and opportunities.Over the past year, hosts Kirsty Stark and Julie Eckersley have asked every guest the same question: If you could pitch one big idea to change the screen industry for the better, what would it be?Now they're bringing together some of the boldest, smartest and most inspiring ideas that could shape the future of the Australian screen industry, in a live format at AACTA Festival 2026.Come along, contribute your vision, and help turn the industry’s best ideas into reality.
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05 Feb 2026
Meet the Nominees: Film Producers
This is your chance to meet the some of the producers nominated in the feature film categories for the 2026 AACTA Awards. At this intimate event, some of Australia’s leading producers will share their personal insights into some of your favourite films from the year. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to hear from these acclaimed AACTA nominees.
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05 Feb 2026
The Great Entertainer - Special Screening
Presented by BingeExperience the life and career of TV icon Brian Walsh, told by those who knew him best and presented on the big screen as part of AACTA Festival.Join Foxtel from 5.30pm for drinks before we head into the screening at 6.15pm.The Great Entertainer, a Foxtel Original feature documentary, pays tribute to Brian Walsh, the Foxtel executive whose three decades at the network helped shape the careers of Hugh Jackman, Nicole Kidman, Kylie Minogue, Jason Donovan, Guy Pearce and many more.Featuring interviews with actors, performers, and colleagues including Danielle Cormack, Patrick Brammall, Harriet Dyer, Leah Purcell, Deborah Hutton, Marcia Hines, and Wayne Pearce.Celebrating Walsh’s influence on talent, storytelling, and Australian television, the screening offers audiences a chance to reflect on the impact of one of the industry’s most remarkable figures and hear from those who knew him best.
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05 Feb 2026
Film Financing Q&A with Jack Christian
Filmmakers rarely get genuine access to ask financiers absolutely anything. This session flips the format: an all-Q&A, open-mic session led by AACTA Chair and Filmology Finance CEO Jack Christian, joined by financing industry guests. Come with the questions you need answered. Whether it’s clarifying offsets, incentives and rebates; MGs, DGs, gap and bridging; cash-flow lender expectations, security, and what “collateral” actually means.Where the questions lead, we’ll follow - unpacking deal-brokering and packaging, aligning MGs, pre-sales and debt, reading the market, and negotiating terms that keep projects bankable as conditions shift. No decks, no speeches - just clear, practical answers. You’ll leave with sharper tactics and clearer strategies to package, broker and close.
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05 Feb 2026
Industry Keynote with Wayne Garvie
Wayne Garvie, President of International Production at Sony Pictures Television Worldwide, will deliver a keynote on the future of the global screen industry. With extensive experience leading international productions and shaping strategy across markets, Garvie will share his perspective on television and streaming, the changing expectations of global audiences, and the creative and commercial forces reshaping screen storytelling today.
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05 Feb 2026
Meet the Nominees: Writers
A staple of the AACTA Festival program each year, this is your chance to meet some of the writers nominated for the 2026 AACTA Awards. At this intimate event, some of Australia’s leading screenwriters will share their personal insights into drafting and writing this year's nominated films and television shows. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to hear from these acclaimed AACTA nominated writers.
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05 Feb 2026
Tomorrow’s Screen Workforce
Leading screen companies are investing in their workforce to strengthen creative and technical expertise, build inclusive teams, and support mid-career professionals stepping into leadership roles.Representatives from leading streamers and production companies share how partnerships with educators, screen agencies and community organisations are helping them meet production and recruitment challenges. From neuro-inclusive VFX programs to regional training pathways and leadership development for experienced crew, these collaborations are building stronger teams and more resilient production ecosystems across the country.This discussion highlights how strategic partnerships are shaping a skilled, adaptable workforce and the opportunities emerging through the Location Offset Training Requirement.
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05 Feb 2026
Meet the Nominees: Music Supervisors
In this deep-dive event, leading music supervisors unpack the delicate art of selecting music for film and TV, balancing budget, rights, and emotional impact. Through case studies we’ll explore how music choices shape tone, influence audience perception, and even change a scene’s meaning entirely. How would that moment hit without the music we now associate with it? What tracks almost made the cut and why didn’t they? Whether you’re a filmmaker, music lover or simply curious about what happens behind the scenes of your favourite shows and films, this session will tune your ears to the storytelling power of sound.
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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.