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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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Wednesday (Weekly)
The Exhibitionist Bar Pizza & Cocktail Masterclass
The Exhibitionist Bar Pizza & Cocktail MasterclassAfter a sell out season in 2024, the Pizza & Cocktail Masterclass is returning to The Exhibitionist Bar! Join us perched atop the city as the sun goes down to learn the intricacies of mastering your dough, the simplicity of great toppings, as well as mixing up the best Spritz to pair with pizza.
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From now until 29 Oct 2025
The Kreative Fairies presents Fairy Rhyme Time
Get ready for a whimsical musical adventure with The Kreative Fairies at Pines Shopping Centre!Welcome to The Kreative Fairies presents Fairy Rhyme Time! Join us at The Pines Elanora, Wednesday's at 10:00 AM for a magical experience combining sensory play, imagination and learning.– Sing along with puppets and Fairy Ani’s original and classic songs– Dance with musical instruments and props like pom poms, parachutes, and maracas– Explore stories through song and imagination– Play and learn with classic tunes and new favouritesWe hope to see you there!**Note:** The event will be held in **Australia/Brisbane** timezone. A parent/ guardian must supervise their child(ren) at all times during this event.COST: $5
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27 Aug 2025 - 13 Sep 2025
DIY Masterpiece
DIY MasterpieceWe’re inviting you to make the next masterpiece! Join us in the Gallery Foyer for free, drop-in art activities. We’ll have options for kids and adults so everyone can get in on the action! No bookings needed – just drop-in between 10am-2pm for the fun! Wed 27 – Sat 30 Aug Treasure Maps and Layered Landscapes Wed 3 – Sat 6 Sept Animal Masks and Exquisite Corpse Collage Wed 10 – Sat 13 Sept HOTA Holiday Postcards and Ken Done Mindfulness ColouringChildren under 14 must be accompanied by an adult or carer and cannot be left unsupervised at any time. Thank you for your understanding.
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From now until 25 Sep 2025
Dancing in the Dark Runaway Bay
🖤 LIGHTS OUT AND DANCE – YOUR WEEKLY ME-TIME MOVEMENT! 🖤 💃🏼 A place to dance like no one’s watching – because they aren’t! 🕺 Get ready to ditch the daily grind and embrace an hour that’s all about YOU! Lights Out And Dance is more than just a dance class – it’s a liberating, feel-good escape where you can let go, move freely, and soak in all the happy vibes. 🖤 What’s it all about? Step into a uniquely exhilarating space where the lights go out, the music goes up, and the stress melts away. Whether you’re grooving like no one’s watching or unleashing your inner superstar, this is your time to shine! This isn’t just a workout; it’s an endorphin-boosting, soul-soothing experience that leaves you grinning from ear to ear. Think of it as your weekly self-care ritual, where bliss, joy, and connection take centre stage. 🌈 Why Join? At Lights Out And Dance, we’re building a vibrant, judgment-free community where everyone is welcome. It’s a space to rediscover your love of movement, connect with like-minded souls, and find pure happiness – all while dancing in the dark. 💃 What to Expect? 1 hour of total dance freedom – no choreography, just vibes!A welcoming community that feels like family.A huge energy boost, with happiness that lasts long after the music stops.A chance to prioritise YOU in a world that’s always on the go. 🎟 Tickets & Bookings At just $10 per person, this is the best value joy you’ll find! Online bookings only (no cash sales, sorry!) due to our insurance policy, which requires everyone to digitally agree to our terms and conditions at the time of booking. Spaces are limited, so grab your spot before they’re gone! Can’t make it? No worries – we’ve got you covered with a one-time transfer option provided 24 hours’ notice is given. This offer is not available for any free community events. 👨🎤 Ready to Dance? For more handy tips & answers to any of your questions, check out our website for more information, including these two handy pages! https://lightsoutanddance.com/what-to-expect-from-a-lights-out-sessionhttps://lightsoutanddance.com/faqs 👩🏼🎤 Let’s light up the dance floor (in the dark) and make joy a priority and weekly habit! See you there! 💃🏼🖤🕺
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30 Aug 2025 (Monthly)
Art Write Now: Creative Writing Workshops
Art Write Now: Creative Writing WorkshopsBe inspired by HOTA Gallery’s dynamic art displays and get your pen moving! Facilitated by award-winning writer Christine Betts, this series of creative writing workshops involve fun, interactive exercises and thought-provoking discussion to fuel your creative writing dreams and get your words onto the page! Recommended for ages 16+ Sat 30 Aug – Go Outside and Write – Exploring the public art collection around HOTA Gallery and parklands, we’ll capture the visual and broader details such as sounds, textures, and atmosphere. Sat 20 Sept – The Next Generation of Artists – Using the three-act structure, write Flash Fiction inspired by the ENERGIES 25 exhibition, showcasing the exceptional work of senior secondary visual art students on the Gold Coast.
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31 Aug 2025
Winter Camp Tamborine Mountain Sunday 31st August 2025
About Mount Tamborine Meeting point to be advised. The monthly markets are on. There's the Gallery Walk. Perhaps the Rainforest walk (though I feel this is in a different part of Mt Tamborine) Lunch at a local restaurant at your cost. Leaving meeting point at 8.30 a.m. returning 4.30 p.m. Cost is $20 each. Date Sunday 31 August 2025 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (UTC+10) Cost: $20.00
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From now until 23 Nov 2025
Harrisville Sunday Farm Day
Looking for a fun family morning out surrounded by animals? Heritage Poultry's Farm Day’s are perfect for you! Sunday Farm Days are a great opportunity to escape the city for a genuine farm experience. These events occur on the last Sunday of every month in Harrisville, a small suburb in the beautiful Scenic Rim - and less than an hour from Brisbane! Sunday Farm Days give kids the chance to have some fun with the animals on a working farm. There is an animal nursery full of baby lambs and goats to feed and play with - and everyone's favourite alpaca George! They also have plenty of piglets to say hello to. There is a designated chick & duckling holding area and some silkie chickens who love a cuddle! Then there is face painting and pony rides for some extra fun! In case you get hungry, coffee and a sausage sizzle is available, and an ice cream van - perfect for the warm weather. All regular poultry and produce is available as well. With plenty of beautiful green space to enjoy, gather your friends and family, bring your picnic blankets and enjoy a beautiful morning out in the picturesque Scenic Rim!
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01 Sep 2025 - 02 Sep 2025
The Scene Project
The Scene ProjectSuitable for Years 7-12, The Scene Project is Queensland Theatre’s largest educational offering. It builds connection, wellbeing, and collaboration by empowering participants to engage in the creative process of theatre making in a way that resonates with them and their community. Now in its 11th year, the program has a long history of bringing valuable insight into the development of new work, and for igniting ownership and passion within participants across the state.
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From now until 10 Dec 2025
Distracted
ADHD Expert Panel Discussions and Q&A'sJoin us on the 1st Wednesday of each month at HOTA to mingle with our ADHD community. Listen to ADHD topics presented by industry experts along with time for Q&A's. Bring your coach, teacher, friend, boss, relative, partner or just yourselves. We are always implementing ways to make our events neurodiversity and sensory-friendly.
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03 Sep 2025
Sunroom | Paper Clay Vessels
Sunroom | Paper Clay VesselsInspired by the paper clay and ceramic works exhibited as part of the exhibition SURGE on Level 5 at HOTA Gallery, we’ll be creating our own unique, paper clay vessels to take home. Playful, experimental approaches to handling the material, including layering, imprinting and shaping the paper clay will be explored. The Sunroom program provides a safe creative space for art making creative play and exploration for adults who identify with disability. We believe in the social model of disability - that is, disability is the result of the interaction between people living with impairments and an environment filled with physical, attitudinal, communication and social barriers. (Sourced from PWD) No prior art making experience is necessary, only a willingness to engage your imagination, curiosity and sense of play.Recommended ages 16+
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05 Sep 2025
For a Kinder Tomorrow Lunch
Join Cherish Women's Cancer Foundation in raising vital funds for research that's changing the future for women diagnosed with gynaecological cancer. This uplifting event brings together a passionate community of supporters, researchers and survivors all driven by a shared commitment to kinder, more effective treatment options. Hear courageous stories from women whose lives have been touched by gynaecological cancer. Attendees will enjoy a beautiful two-course lunch and four-hour beverage package, alongside like-minded guests who care deeply about women's health. Don't miss the chance to take part in our exclusive jewellery raffle, live auction, and fundraising activities, all supporting life-changing research. Every dollar raised helps fund cutting-edge clinical research aimed at improving treatment outcomes, reducing side effects, and giving women more time with the people they love. With live music, meaningful moments and a powerful cause, this is more than a lunch. It's a chance to make a real difference.
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From now until 03 May 2026
Spirit Making Class
Craft your signature spirit! In their Spirit Making Class, you will have the opportunity to craft your personalised unaged bottle of Rum, Gin, Brandy, Vodka, or Schnapps. With an extensive selection of botanicals and ingredients sourced from their apothecary, you'll have all the tools you need to design a spirit that suits your taste perfectly. Their Head Distiller will be your guide throughout the process. From selecting the ideal botanicals to operating your own distillation equipment, you'll receive expert guidance every step of the way. This is an interactive class that allows you to roll up your sleeves and create your own unique spirit. At the end of this extraordinary class, you'll proudly take home a 500ml bottle of your very own handcrafted spirit. It's not just a bottle; it's a testament to your creativity and newfound distillation skills. Display it on your home bar or share it as a special gift. Complimentary drink upon your arrival. Guided Distillery Tour and Tasting Experience featuring four samples. Professional distillation guidance provided by our Head Distiller. Exclusive access to their selection of botanicals from the apothecary. A 500ml bottle of your personally crafted spirit. A delightful grazing board to share. 10 percent discount on any liquor purchase made the same day.
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09 Sep 2025
Free Yoga Day - Spring Reset
Step into the new season with a fresh perspective and a calm, uplifted spirit. The Spring Reset is more than just a day of free yoga - it's an invitation to pause, realign, and nourish oneself from the inside out. Enjoy a full day of free yoga and meditation classes, with sessions designed to support all levels - whether participants are brand new or seasoned yogis. Sink into deeply rejuvenating wellness sessions like breathwork, mindfulness, and gentle movement practices that help clear away the heaviness of winter. The event also serves free warming chai, offering community connection, and sharing the uplifting vibes ASMY is known for. Explore the holistic approach to wellbeing, reconnect with intentions, and feel the joy of moving and breathing together again. Whether guests stay for one class or spend the whole day at the event, they will leave feeling refreshed, inspired, and grounded - ready to bloom into spring.
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09 Sep 2025 (Monthly)
Ballun Gawrehma: River Stories
Ballun Gawrehma: River StoriesJoin local Kombumerri man Lann Levinge—a multi-talented artist who is a singer, songwriter, producer, director, and creative designer—for a unique journey into the heart of Kombumerri culture. Lann will guide students through culturally significant sites, sharing local history passed down by elders. Begin your exploration at Wulabora, a dedicated space for sharing and gathering that celebrates Kombumerri heritage. Lann will weave together family stories, local history, the legacy of Jenny Graham and the Keeper of the Light, as well as Dreamtime tales and environmental wisdom. This sensory-rich experience includes hands-on interaction with authentic indigenous artefacts—such as clothing, weapons, and tools—alongside immersive soundscapes composed by Lann himself. As Lann expresses, "I’m passionate about discovering new ways to nurture and inspire a new generation of language and cultural warriors. My goal is to raise awareness and foster connections with indigenous culture, particularly the Kombumerri ways and the Yugambeh Language, through visual art, music, and dance." Don’t miss this opportunity for your students to engage deeply with local indigenous culture. Contact hotaeducation@experiencegoldcoast.com to arrange your education perspectives experience. This tour is open to school groups only.
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11 Sep 2025
Live Like Her Challenge - Gold Coast
Live Like Her Challenge – Gold Coast invites you to spend one night sleeping in your car to raise vital funds and awareness for older women facing homelessness. This impactful event sheds light on the growing crisis affecting grandmothers, mothers, sisters, and friends in the community.. One night if your life can change hers forever. Right now, thousands of older women in Queensland are facing homelessness, many of them right here on the Gold Coast. These are not just statistics; they are our grandmothers, mothers, sisters, aunties, friends, women who are simply struggling to stay afloat. With the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, more and more women are finding it difficult to make ends meet. It's a heartbreaking reality, but one we have the power to change. The Live Like Her Challenge is a powerful fundraising event that raises vital funds to provide housing and support for these vulnerable women. By taking part, you're not just spending one night in your car, you're offering someone a home, a sense of safety, and a better life. Join them to ensure more older women have a safe place to call home. They can't do this without you, but together we can make a real difference.
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13 Sep 2025
Disco Night - 70-90's
About 70-90s Disco Night Date Saturday 13 September 2025 7:00 PM - 11:59 PM (UTC+10) Panezski Artisan Distillery2/2 Sierra Place, Upper Coomera QLD 4209
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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.