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Work is Play
You're growing when you're learning. You're growing even more when there's fun to be had. Join a local class or workshop, meet new friends, enjoy a laugh or two and learn something new.
classes & workshops
- Free Event
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From now until 16 May 2027
Cooly Classic Ocean Swim Festival
Swimmers have a rare opportunity to swim a course with some of Australia’s most revered surf breaks as your backdrop – Snapper Rocks, Coolangatta and Kirra.There are four distances, from 1km to 5km, but it’s always the 2.0km Cooly Classic from Snapper Rocks to Kirra Beach which attracts the masses.Your start line, Snapper Rocks, is one of the world’s most famous surf breaks. Then, your course is a straight line to Kirra Beach, passing Rainbow Bay, Greenmount and Coolangatta Beaches as you swim.Throughout the week, there’ll be a range of small group sessions and clinics with guest coaches. This is a chance to receive specialist coaching and also swim with local squads at some of the Gold Coast’s favourite open-water training locations.
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From now until 22 Apr 2027
Gold Coast Eisteddfod
South East Queensland is home of the Gold Coast Eisteddfod which is the largest youth festival of performing arts in Australia.It is not only a platform for launching the careers of international performers, but also a place where enduring memories are created, future careers are fostered and the stars of tomorrow are developed.Gold Coast Eisteddfod has sections in all genres of Music, Dance & Drama including Dance Solos, Young People with Disability, Strings, Wind & Brass, String Orchestras, Small Ensembles, Dance Groups, Choral, Bands, Stage Bands, School Dance Groups, Piano, Vocal & Speech & Drama.Held from July to September each year at various venues across the Gold Coast.
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From now until 31 Dec 2026
Movie Review Club
On the fourth Wednesday of each month, HOTA Cinema hosts a Movie Review Club. Meet like-minded people and discuss the selected film* with a forum of academics. Simply see the listed film ahead of time and join us on the day for an interactive discussion. It’s FREE to join the club!*To view film cinema ticket prices apply.Film to be reviewed: Sense And Sensibility When: Wed 28 October 2026, 10:30am Where: Lakeside Terrace Cost: Free!
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13 Nov 2026 (Monthly)
Art Explorers
Art ExplorersJoin us for Art Explorers – HOTA Gallery tours for little people with big imaginations. These playful sessions invite children and their parents/carers to connect with art through movement and storytelling, encouraging curiosity, creativity and fun! This program is recommended for children aged 2-5. Children must be accompanied by an adult carer and cannot be left unsupervised at any time. Thank you for your understanding.
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18 Nov 2026
SAVA: A Country Day, Your Way
SAVA is a self-guided country day for women, created around rest and the freedom to follow your own rhythm. There are no set schedule and no pressure to join in. Wander between experiences, spend an hour in a hammock, or find one peaceful spot and stay there.There is nothing you need to achieve.Rest, Move, Reflect & Create, Wander or Do absolutely nothing.Included in your day Tea and refreshments, with time to linger.Optional add-on verandah lunch.Come alone or bring a friendYou're welcome to come by yourself or with a friend who'd enjoy the same gentle pace. SAVA is designed for individuals and friends attending together, so we're not able to host group bookings or celebrations.There are limited spots available, you will need to get in early.
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21 Nov 2026
A Handmade Christmas Festival
A festive day out on the Gold Coast celebrates talented local makers and everything handmade.What guests will find: handmade market stalls featuring earrings, candles, clothing, bags, Blind Date with a Book, homewares, gifts, and so much more. Delicious food vendors and sweet treats. Learn to line dance with fun beginner-friendly sessions. Sit and sing-a-long Christmas carols. Face painting for the kids. Christmas craft activities for children.This event celebrates all things handmade, not just yarn. Guests are welcome to come along to support local artisans, discover one-of-a-kind treasures, and enjoy a festive community atmosphere at the best Christmas market on the Gold Coast.Family and friends are welcome, kicking off the Christmas season by shopping local and supporting handmade.
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25 Nov 2026
Sunroom – Galaxy Lanterns
The Sunroom program provides a safe space for artmaking, creative play and exploration for adults with a disability. Lindy Lee’s mesmerising works, Above the Heavens and Below the Earth (2024) are showing at HOTA Gallery as part of HOTA Collects: Alchemy. The polished and perforated stainless-steel pods are lit from within, casting a constellation of light across the gallery walls. In this Sunroom we will create our own light sculptures inspired by the cosmos. No prior art making experience is necessary, only a willingness to engage your imagination, curiosity and sense of play.Recommended for ages 16+. Registration required, includes support worker/carer.
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28 Nov 2026 - 29 Nov 2026
Mayor's Christmas Carols
The festive season is set to sparkle as City of Gold Coast's Mayor's Christmas Carols returns to HOTA, Home of the Arts, for its 15th year! Join them for two magical nights of live entertainment, family fun and Christmas cheer.Missed out on a ticket? You can still be part of the magic! Pack your picnic blanket for the HOTA Parklands and enjoy a family-friendly screening of the event on the big screen, delicious food truck treats and free Ferris wheel rides for the whole family.Leading this year's stellar line-up is ARIA Award-winning singer Samantha Jade, joined by powerhouse DJ Havana Brown!There's plenty to delight the whole family, with performances from The Royal Navy Band Queensland, Warner Bros. Movie World's Looney Tunes Christmas Show and, of course, a special visit from Santa himself.Hosted by 7NEWS' Amanda Abate and Chris Parsons, culminating in a fireworks finale. Auslan interpreters will be on hand to help make the event an inclusive and welcoming experience for everyone.City of Gold Coast's Mayor's Christmas Carols are supported by 7NEWS, HOTA, Home of the Arts, and Village Roadshow Theme Parks.
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28 Nov 2026
HOTA Ideas: Photographic Practices in Focus
HOTA Ideas is a forum for leading artists, thinkers and cultural practitioners to share perspectives through public lectures and in-conversation style talks. Join us on the opening day of the Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award exhibition for a panel discussion with exhibiting finalists, hosted by Director of UNSW Galleries and 2026 Award panellist, José Da Silva.
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28 Nov 2026
Movies Under the Stars: The Polar Express, Surfers Paradise - Free
What better way to spend an evening than outdoors watching a movie under the stars!The City of Gold Coast Movies Under the Stars program is free, family-friendly fun on offer from September 2026 through to April 2027 right across the city.Gather your family and friends, pack a picnic or take advantage of delicious food options available in the local area.*** TICKETS NOT REQUIRED – JUST SHOW UP! ***Tickets are not required, however you can ‘reserve a spot’ on Eventbrite to sign up for event updates/reminders.Event date: Saturday, 28 November 2026Location: Lionel Perry Park, Surfers ParadiseDoors at 6pmMovie starts: 7.00pmMovie: The Polar ExpressA young boy boards a train and embarks on an extraordinary journey to the North Pole to meet Santa Claus. His life takes a turn after he encounters special people that make his journey memorable.Rating: G | Length: 100 minsThis Movies Under the Stars event is proudly brought to the Division 10 community by Cr Darren Taylor. @crdarrentaylordivision10If weather is uncertain - or for more information including updates - please see the Spectrum or Facebook Event page.For a list of Movies Under the Stars events, see www.spectrumentertainment.com.au/events/category/outdoor-cinema/ or https://www.whatsongoldcoast.au/movies.#GCMoviesUnderTheStars
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28 Nov 2026
Sanctuary Cove Santa's Arrival and Rotary Buggy Parade
Christmas comes alive at Sanctuary Cove with the much-loved Santa's Arrival and Rotary Buggy Parade!Join the festive celebrations as Santa makes his grand arrival at the Marine Village, accompanied by Rudolph, the Gold Coast Drumline, Christmas performers and a colourful procession of spectacularly decorated golf buggies.Families can enjoy the festive entertainment, soak up the waterfront atmosphere and support Rotary Hope Island's fundraising efforts.Buggy owners are invited to join the parade, with the best-dressed buggy winning a luxury weekend stay at InterContinental Hayman Great Barrier Reef. Registrations are essential for participants. Buggy registrations: Phone or email Ray White Sanctuary Cove.Make a day of it with boutique Christmas shopping, waterfront dining and festive fun throughout the Marine Village.Proudly presented in partnership with Ray White Sanctuary Cove.
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05 Dec 2026
ACA Gold Coast Chapter - December 2026 (CANCELLED)
AboutThe ACA Gold Coast Chapter meets on the first Saturday of each month. Agenda: TBCDateSaturday 5 December 2026 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM (UTC+10)Robina Community Centre, Multipurpose Room 1 San Antonio Court, Robina QLD 4226
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10 Dec 2026
Sanctuary Cove Carols on the Lawn and Christmas Market
Celebrate the magic of Christmas by the waterfront at Sanctuary Cove's much-loved Carols on the Lawn!This free family event returns with an exciting new addition for 2026, a festive Christmas Market on Marina Lawn.Browse a curated collection of artisan gifts, handmade treasures, and seasonal treats before settling in for an evening of live entertainment and Christmas favourites.Bring a picnic blanket, gather the family and enjoy the atmosphere as the waterfront comes alive with festive performances, delicious food and Christmas cheer.Visitors can also enjoy the Marine Village's restaurants, cafés and bars, with a variety of dining options available.The evening concludes with a spectacular fireworks display over Sanctuary Cove Marina.This is a free event. Please arrive early to find parking and secure a spot on the lawn. Capacity limits will apply.Proudly presented in partnership with Ray White Sanctuary Cove.
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11 Dec 2026
Gold Coast Hinterland Nature Adventures for Kids (School Holidays)
Birdwings Forest School offers Kids Nature Adventures in the Gold Coast Hinterland, providing visiting families with a unique, nature-based day camp experience for children aged 5–12 years. Set across bushland, rainforest, creeks, and open spaces, the program invites participants to spend the day exploring, creating, and connecting with nature.Guided by experienced nature mentors and forest school leaders, participants engage in bushcrafts, handcrafts, creek play, and campfire cooking within a natural adventure playground. With no gear required, this fully facilitated experience offers a meaningful alternative to theme parks and typical holiday activities.Located in Guanaba, near Mt Tamborine, it's ideal for families visiting the Gold Coast. While children are immersed in nature, parents can enjoy exploring the surrounding hinterland. Bookings are essential for this small-group experience.
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18 Dec 2026
Movies Under the Stars: Elf, Broadbeach - Free
What better way to spend an evening than outdoors watching a movie under the stars!The City of Gold Coast Movies Under the Stars program is free, family-friendly fun on offer from September 2026 through to April 2027 right across the city.Gather your family and friends, pack a picnic or take advantage of delicious food options available in the local area.*** TICKETS NOT REQUIRED – JUST SHOW UP! ***Tickets are not required, however you can ‘reserve a spot’ on Eventbrite to sign up for event updates/reminders.Event date: Friday, 18 December 2026Location: Kurrawa Park, BroadbeachDoors at 6pmMovie starts: 7.00pmMovie: ElfBuddy, a human, is raised amongst elves at the North Pole. When he discovers that he is not an elf, he travels to New York to search for his biological father.Rating: PG | Length: 97 minsThis Movies Under the Stars event is proudly brought to the Division 10 community by Cr Darren Taylor. @crdarrentaylordivision10If weather is uncertain - or for more information including updates - please see the Spectrum or Facebook Event page.For a list of Movies Under the Stars events, see www.spectrumentertainment.com.au/events/category/outdoor-cinema/ or https://www.whatsongoldcoast.au/movies.#GCMoviesUnderTheStars
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23 Jan 2027
An Evening with Lee Asher
What happens when you give an animal a second chance? For Lee Asher, the answer changed his life. The founder of The Asher House, an animal sanctuary in Oregon, Lee has rescued more than 1,000 dogs since 2020. Along the way, his candid stories and infectious love for his pack have won him a global following. Now Lee comes to Australia to share the remarkable animals and unexpected moments behind his rescue journey. From the dogs who challenged him to those who helped him find his purpose, he explores what it takes to keep showing up for animals in need, and what they can teach us about resilience, connection and starting again. Warm, funny and deeply personal, An Evening with Lee Asher is for anyone who has ever loved an animal and felt that love returned. Join Lee for a night of stories, heart and hope.VIP Inclusions • VIP allocated seating • Pre Show Meet n Greet up close with Lee Asher and Photo Opportunity.
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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.