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 Apr 2025 - 19 Apr 2025
Surfers Paradise Easter on the Esplanade
Hop on down to the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets this Easter long weekend for a two-night Easter egg-stravaganza! On Good Friday and Easter Saturday, they're transforming the Esplanade into an Easter Paradise! Soak up the vibrant atmosphere, browse up to 100 market stalls, discover unique handmade gifts, enjoy live entertainment, and treat yourself to delicious sweets and goodies. The Easter Bunny will be hopping by for an egg-stra special meet & greet on April 18th and April 19th between 5pm-8pm. Here's what you can egg-spect! Meet & Greet with the Easter Bunny (Both nights 5pm-8pm) Live Music & Entertainment Artisan handmade goodies Family Friendly Activities Sweet treats for all Plus, if hunger strikes - or you're just in the mood for a cheeky drink - Surfers Paradise's vibrant restaurants and bars are just steps away!
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28 Apr 2025
Writers Festival April 2025
Immerse yourself in the captivating world of words at the Bond Writers Festival.Are you an academic, educator or clinician who wants to ‘write better’? Are you aiming to get published in academic journals or The Conversation, or simply tell better stories to your reader? If any of this resonates, the Writers Festival is for you!After a successful 2024 launch, we simply couldn’t resist offering this opportunity again. The Bond University Writers Festival will bring together a diverse community of writers and readers, to explore the art and science of writing well, and communicating our studies and stories. You can expect to be inspired, energised and given the space to reflect. We hope you’ll join us on the Gold Coast in April 2025.#BondWritersFestival #WordsofWisdom #UnleashYourCreativity #WritingRevolutionKeynote Speaker Lorelei Lingard COST: $250
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22 May 2025 - 25 May 2025
2025 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
Welcome to Australia’s must-see boating blockbuster! The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is the greatest show afloat! The Southern Hemisphere’s marquee marine event with a superstar lineup of more than 300 exhibitors across everything from the latest marine gadgets and must-have technology to a massive display of trailer boats, sail boats, motor yachts and superyachts plus a raft of exciting new product launches. The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show promises plenty of showstopping moments from exclusive VIP experiences in The Lagoon Beach Club to boatloads of activities, including live entertainment stages, fishing demonstrations, street performers and a fun-filled kids activities. Get along to the biggest and best boating lifestyle show with over 740 boats and thousands of marine products. Don’t miss this full-on, four-day, action-packed event of all things aquatic. Save the Date - May 22-25, 2025
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24 May 2025 - 30 Aug 2025
Cloudy with a Chance of Art
Cloudy with a Chance of ArtEyes to the sky! HOTA’s Children’s Gallery is a place for dreaming and creativity. The sky is the limit to your imagination, so we encourage families to look up and see some amazing artworks by Australian artists - historical and contemporary - that also look to the skies for inspiration. A curated display of cloud artworks will set the scene for play and creativity ‘beneath the clouds’ in the Children’s Gallery. Artwork: Peter Smets ‘Curious’ 2006, oil on canvas. Collection, HOTA Gallery. Donated through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program by Peter Smets 2012
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06 Jun 2025 - 07 Jun 2025
Gold Coast Disability & WorkAbility Expo
The Gold Coast Disability and WorkAbility Expo brings together a wide range of product and service providers to help people with disability live their best lives. Meet with a range of providers including government and advocacy, aids and equipment, financial and legal services, education, training and employment providers, social and leisure options, transport and vehicles, health and medical products and services, allied health professionals and support services, all under one roof in an accessible and inclusive environment. The expo will also feature a range of informative and interactive presentations delivered by industry experts, and all-ability adult and children’s entertainment. Expo accessible features: Auslan Interpreters, live captioning at the stage, Bindi Maps indoor wayfinding, quiet time Saturday morning 9am-10am, service animal friendly with watering station, accessible venue facilities, drop off zone and accessible parking. Jump the entry queues by registering your attendance for the free Gold Coast Disability and WorkAbility Expo on Friday 6th and Saturday 7th June 2025 at Coomera Indoor Sports Centre. Get organised with the Expo Guide that will give you the lowdown on parking, exhibitors, floor plan, and the stage and entertainment schedule.
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07 Jun 2025 - 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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07 Jun 2025
Hota Twilight Markets
Saturday 7th June 4pm - 9pm Step into a twilight wonderland at Hota's mid year Night celebration! They'll have an array of gourmet food stalls, live music and unique artisan goodies! Soak up the goodies with your family and friends and enjoy the live tunes all night long.
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12 Jun 2025
Marrow
MarrowA choreographic course correction for a nation searching for a new direction. Set on a shared ground where politics and identity are not our totality, Marrow is a muscular dance work that sees Australian Dance Theatre’s incredible ensemble tangle with layers of smoke and light to disassemble our dominant cultural narratives and reveal the truth of our past. Created by Daniel Riley in collaboration with ADT’s Company Artists, senior Kaurna/Ngarrindjeri Elder Uncle Moogy Sumner AM, composer James Howard (SAVAGE), Matthew Adey (THE HUM) and Ailsa Patterson (Tracker), Marrow sees the company delve deeper into the falsehoods and alienation at the core of our shared history. Bracingly honest, Marrow is a clear-eyed and powerful work that sifts through the smoky forms of our national conscience to imagine a new future that acknowledges the push of our present moment.
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13 Jun 2025 - 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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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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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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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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13 Sep 2025 - 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, recognizes 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! Save the date! Submissions open Monday 16 Jun 2025Submissions close Friday 8 Aug 2025
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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.