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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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18 Jan 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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18 Jan 2026
Gold Coast Wedding Expo
The Gold Coast Wedding Expo, organized by Your Local Wedding Guide, is set to be a premier event for couples planning their perfect wedding. Taking place at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre, this expo brings together the best wedding industry suppliers from the local area, allowing attendees to connect with leading professionals who can help make their dream day a reality. With the event being held bi-annually, this marks the 15th edition of the expo, further establishing its reputation as a significant occasion for wedding planning in Australia.Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest bridal fashions and meet with various exhibitors who offer a wide array of services and products essential for weddings. The expo promises to inspire with fantastic ideas and personalized advice, helping couples find the right suppliers for their needs. Additionally, participants can register for a chance to win a major prize package, receive a complimentary copy of the 'Your Local Wedding Guide' magazine, and immerse themselves in a wealth of inspiration to ensure their wedding day is as special as envisioned. HighlightsPopular among visitors forTop 100 in Apparel & Clothing in Australia
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03 Feb 2026
Surfers Paradise GLAM Makeup Masterclass
Learn how to create a Glam Make-Up Look with the latest styles and trends with Makeup Artist & Colour Expert Adam BuechnerLearn how to create a Glam Make-Up Look with the latest styles and trends with Makeup Artist & Colour Expert Adam BuechnerTake your Makeup Skills to the next level! Learn how to create your perfect smokey eye, sculpted cheeks with creme contouring, false lashes and ombre lips!We love the no-makeup makeup look, however, sometimes you want just a little more GLAM. Enter our Glam Makeup Masterclass...Adam is a Professional Makeup Artist & Colour Expert with 15 years of experience. His make-up techniques have been developed to amplify natural beauty; from a natural glow to a glamorous cut crease, Adam believes in enhancing your features to create your perfect look in your best colours.Adam will teach you how to apply makeup so you look & feel fabulous, ready for a special event or a night out with the girls."I am so excited to share as much of my knowledge as I can with you and help you create a unique Glam look ready for your next event!" - AdamLearn How to Apply* Full Coverage Foundation* Concealer* Cream Contour* Powder* Blush & Highlighter* Eye Shadow - Smokey Eye Trend + Shimmer Cut Crease* Koh or Liquid Eyeliner* Mascara* False Lashes* Lipstick + Lip LinerWhat you receive:* 2.5hr lesson with Professional Makeup Artist Adam Buechner* Makeup Workbook* Makeup Face Chart* Reusable False Lashes* Colour Coding Chart* One-on-one consultation at the end of classRequirements:• Nothing!• You may bring your own makeup and brush set. Alternatively, we will have makeup products and brush sets for you to borrow.• A willingness to learn and have fun :)• Classes are limited to 10 people.• Please arrive 10-15 minutes before the session.COST: $99
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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
On The Cutting Room Floor
Discover the hidden power of post production in On the Cutting Room Floor, a deep dive into the art and impact of film editing. Join a panel of acclaimed editors as they share how raw footage is transformed into cohesive, compelling stories through rhythm, structure, and intuition. From navigating hours of material to balancing creative instincts with distributor notes, these behind the scenes storytellers reveal the high stakes decisions that shape a film’s final form. Hear firsthand how a single edit can alter tone, shift narrative direction, or even save a troubled production. Insightful and eye opening, this discussion celebrates the unsung artistry of the editing room, where some of the most crucial storytelling truly begins.
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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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05 Feb 2026
Industry Update 2026
Showrunner, screenwriter, director, and 6-time AACTA Award winner Tony Ayres (The Home Song Stories, Clickbait, The Survivors) joins us for a discussion reflecting on over 33 years of storytelling in the ever-evolving landscape of Australian screen. Ayres will shares his experience working across film and television in a wide range of genres.Unpacking how he’s kept pace with a rapidly evolving industry and ever-changing audience tastes, to jumping head first into the streaming era to tell stories that consistently connect with local and global audiences. This is a unique opportunity to hear from one of Australia’s most influential storytellers about the art and craft of screen storytelling today.
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05 Feb 2026
Meet the Streamers
Streaming has upended how audiences watch content and how stories are made. In this session, senior executives from Australia’s top streaming platforms step onto the stage to discuss what’s driving the next chapter of digital entertainment.From changing viewing habits to the new opportunities for Australian creators, the panel will explore the forces shaping the industry right now and what’s on the horizon.Whether you’re a fan, a filmmaker, or just curious about where the screen sector is heading, this is a chance to hear directly from the people defining the streaming era. Panelists will be announced shortly.
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05 Feb 2026
Queensland on Screen: Iconic Locations, Iconic Stories
As vast as they are versatile, Queensland’s landscapes - from vibrant cityscapes to pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and rugged outback - are not just backdrops, they are active storytellers. See the sunshine state through expert eyes as our panellists unpack why Queensland's natural beauty, cultural significance and unique urban environments make for such desirable production destinations, adept at doubling as well as delivering authentic main character energy.Panellists to be announced.
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05 Feb 2026
Drag Bingo
Ivyy and Lulu are back in 2026 and they've only gotten better with age. Join us for a night of glitz, glamour, and unforgettable fun at Drag Bingo featuring the fabulous Ivyy Monroe and Lulu Lemans! Get ready to laugh, play, and cheer as these incredible performers bring their unique flair to every round. Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and compete for exciting prizes while soaking in the electrifying energy of the drag scene. Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy an unforgettable evening of entertainment and celebration.
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05 Feb 2026
Meet the Nominees: Broadcast TV Producers
This is your chance to meet from some of the television producers nominated for the 2026 AACTA Awards. At this intimate event, some of Australia’s leading producers behind episodic content will share their personal insights into some of your favourite shows. Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity to hear from these acclaimed AACTA nominees.
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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
Experience 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. Following the screening, we’ll be joined in discussion by friends, colleagues, and filmmakers.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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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.