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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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From now until 23 Jan 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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From now until 15 Oct 2025
BOLERO
BOLEROEvery 15 minutes, someone somewhere in the world plays Ravel's "Bolero" – it's a legacy its artist could never have imagined. Renowned composer Maurice Ravel (Raphaël Personnaz) is haunted by self-doubt and melancholy. Commissioned by eccentric and magnanimous Russian dancer Ida Rubenstein (César-winning Jeanne Balibar), he must compose a carnal, rapturous fanfare for her latest ballet. Blocked creatively and cast aside by his peers, Ravel turns to his closest friends for inspiration – pianist Marguerite Long (Emmanuelle Devos, Masquerade), his friend Cipa (Vincent Perez) and Cipa's sister Misia (Doria Tillier), whom he hopelessly adores. Set against the decadent, industrialised Paris of the 1920s, "Bolero" demands that Ravel draw on the essence of sound itself to redeem his raw genius, or risk being consumed by it completely. A tribute to the timelessness of the composer’s haunting masterpiece, Bolero, writer-director Anne Fontaine takes us on a deconstructed, elliptical journey through the idiosyncratic life of Maurice Ravel, via his struggle to complete that 17-minute piece of music. Premiering at the International Film Festival in Rotterdam, BOLÉRO is a celebration of a classical genius. Country of Origin: France
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From now until 15 Oct 2025
The Travellers
https://tickets.hota.com.au/overview/49590The Travellers is a poignant, funny and heartwarming family story from acclaimed filmmaker Bruce Beresford. Stephen Seary, a charismatic and successful stage designer, returns to his small hometown in Australia to say goodbye to his dying mother. What was to be a quick trip descends into chaos, drama, and at times downright funny moments as Stephen navigates family responsibilities, a difficult relationship with his father, old friends & past lovers, all while trying to return to Europe for a major opera contract. Country Of Origin: Australia
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From now until 15 Oct 2025
One Battle After Another
One Battle After AnotherBob is a washed-up revolutionary who lives in a state of stoned paranoia, surviving off-grid with his spirited and self-reliant daughter, Willa. When his evil nemesis resurfaces and Willa goes missing, the former radical scrambles to find her as both father and daughter battle the consequences of their pasts.Country Of Origin: USA
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From now until 06 Jan 2026
HOTA Collects: Metamorphosis
HOTA Collects: MetamorphosisArtists have been transforming found materials through cutting, assembling and pasting for centuries. Processes such as collage and assemblage flourished in Australia from the mid-twentieth century, with artists repurposing the discarded detritus of modern life to create new meaning. Through collage and photomontage, artists reconfigure images to examine themes such as feminism, environmentalism, and the connection between self and place. Metamorphosis brings together work by more than thirty Australian artists from the HOTA Collection, who have used these transformative methods to explore ideas of identity, memory and perception. The exhibition title draws from the words of Colin Lanceley, a key figure in the development of assemblage art in Australia, who observed: ‘The transformation of materials, the metamorphosis, informed by a poetic sensibility, is the key to creativity.’ Included in the exhibition are works by Lorraine Connelly-Northey, Rosalie Gascoigne, James Gleeson, Robert Klippel, Julie Rrap, Sally Smart, Ruby Spowart, Brett Whiteley, Judith Wright and Jemima Wyman. Image: Ruby Spowart, South Stradbroke triptych 1992, silver gelatin prints, collaged. Collection, HOTA Gallery. Gifted by the citizens of the Gold Coast to future generations 1993 © The artist’s estate
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From now until 15 Oct 2025
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale
Downton Abbey: The Grand FinaleDOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE, the cinematic return of the global phenomenon, follows the Crawley family and their staff as they enter the 1930s. As the beloved cast of characters navigates how to lead Downton Abbey into the future, they must embrace change and welcome a new chapter. Country Of Origin: UK
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From now until 19 Jan 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 15 Oct 2025
Kangaroo
KangarooInspired by a true story, Kangaroo is a heartwarming family comedy about a disgraced TV host, Chris Masterman, and a young indigenous girl, Charlie, who work together to rescue and rehabilitate a group of orphaned joeys in a remote outback community. The Original BBC documentary was a hit in the UK and in Australia.Country of Origin: Australia
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From now until 06 Jan 2026
KEN DONE: NO RULES
‘There are no rules. And if there are rules, then you may as well break them.’ – Ken Done Ken Done’s paintings have captured public imagination for more than four decades. As one of Australia’s most recognisable artists, Done is beloved for his bold use of colour and vibrant imagery, resulting in paintings which are exuberant celebrations of the world around him. Done has forged a career unlike any other artist this country has seen, resisting traditional art-world expectations and embracing spontaneity and emotion over rigid technique. At a youthful eighty-five, Ken Done remains true to his personal philosophy – that an artist can and should create their own rules. Ken Done: No Rules features artworks from the 1980s to today which are largely drawn from Done’s personal collection. In his signature optimistic style, he captures the intimacy of his home and garden through to the majestic grandeur of Australia’s reefs, beaches and coastlines that have made Ken Done a household name. The exhibition features an exclusive animation showcasing a selection of Ken Done's iconic paintings, offering visitors a deeper immersion into his vibrant universe. Also included is a selection of outfits from Australian designer duo Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales of Romance Was Born from their 2023 collaborative collection Done Zone. This exhibition is curated in partnership with The Ken Done Gallery, Sydney.
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From now until 09 Nov 2025
ENERGIES 25
ENERGIES 25Nurturing artistic talent for nearly 40 years, ENERGIES is a renowned exhibition showcasing the exceptional work of senior secondary visual art students on the Gold Coast. This well-loved platform provides a professional gallery setting for these rising stars to unveil their creativity. More than just an exhibition, ENERGIES champions artistic excellence, recognises best practices in arts education, and empowers students to pursue careers in the arts. ENERGIES fosters a thriving artistic lineage. Esteemed alumni like Michael Candy, Abbey McCulloch, Rebecca Ross, and Michael Zavros are a testament to the exhibition’s success. Continuing this tradition of excellence, ENERGIES is a collaborative effort between Gold Coast Visual Arts educators, students and HOTA Gallery. Mark your calendars! The next ENERGIES exhibition will take centre stage at the HOTA Gallery from 13 Sept. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to witness the brilliance of the Gold Coast's next generation of artists!
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15 Oct 2025
ENCORE
ENCOREHelensvale State High School proudly presents ENCORE, our annual dance showcase celebrating the talent, passion, and creativity of our dedicated dance students. This dynamic performance features a diverse range of styles—from contemporary and jazz to hip-hop and lyrical—choreographed by both students, our teachers and industry professionals. ENCORE offers an inspiring glimpse into the school’s vibrant performing arts culture, highlighting the growth and achievements of our dancers. Audiences can expect a high-energy and polished performance in an evening that honours hard work and artistic expression. Join us at HOTA for an unforgettable celebration of youth, movement, and excellence.
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From now until 15 Oct 2025
The Roses
The RosesLife seems easy for picture-perfect couple Ivy (Olivia Colman) and Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch): successful careers, a loving marriage, great kids. But beneath the façade of their supposed ideal life, a storm is brewing – as Theo’s career nosedives while Ivy’s own ambitions take off, a tinderbox of fierce competition and hidden resentment ignites. The Roses is a reimagining of the 1989 classic film The War of the Roses, based on the novel by Warren Adler. Countries of origin: USA & UK
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16 Oct 2025
Life Drawing Session Southport (Freestyle)
FREESTYLE LIFE DRAWING Join us for an immersive Freestyle Life drawing session In a unique Art Gallery setting in Southport - open to beginners and experienced artists This is a self directed practice session, no formal instruction, Doors open 5.30pm for 6.00pm Start WHATS INCLUDED Life model Pencils, charcoal sticks,pastels erasers and sharpeners Newsprint / butchers paper rolls for warm-up sketches Drawing Cartridge Paper sheets A1 A2,Drawing boards, easels tables and chairs WHAT TO BRING Any specialty media or paper you want to use This is a self-directed practice session , there’s no formal instruction, but a supportive environment encourages you to create at your own pace. Important Information Sessions are strictly 18+ Life drawing involves nude and partially nude poses. Gallery 8 is a licensed venue, no BYO Q & A Do I need to have drawing experience to attend? Not at all! Our sessions are open to beginners and experienced artists alike. this is a self directed practice session, no formal instruction, Do I need to bring my own art supplies? We provide charcoal, paper, and boards. You’re welcome to bring your favourite pencils, sketchbooks, or paints if you’d like to use your own. Is food and drink available during the event? Yes, our Gallery 8 café bar is open with coffee, wine, and light bites available for purchase. Can I bring my own drinks? No BYO – Gallery 8 is a licensed venue, but we have a full bar available. Doors open from 5.30pm. Can under-18s attend? These sessions are for adults (18+) due to the nature of life drawing with nude models.
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From now until 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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18 Oct 2025
Monster Jam Gold Coast
Monster Jam is returning to the Gold Coast, where ten world-champion athletes and their 12,000-pound Monster trucks will tear up the dirt in a competition of speed and skill, for a shot at the Event Championship. With never-before-seen trucks debuting in Australia this year Sparkle Smash and JCB DIGatron – and the return of Son-uva Digger, it's As Big As It Gets. The Gold Coast's Cbus Super Stadium will host the event, where Monster Jam trucks will defy the laws of physics as they do the impossible with high-flying action and jaw-dropping stunts that amount to an unexpected, unscripted, and unforgettable experience, only at Monster Jam.
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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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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.