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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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14 Dec 2025
Cooly Carols
Seas and greetings! The much-loved Cooly Carols is returning beachside at Queen Elizabeth Park. Hosted by the Gold Coast's very own Nicka35, the evening will be filled with festive fun and live music from local favourites Chloe Styler, Birren and the Paper Daisies, plus Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary's Blinky Bill Christmas show. This free, family-friendly event is the perfect way to celebrate the festive season. Bring your picnic blanket, friends and family, and settle in for an evening filled with your favourite Christmas carols, a delicious variety of food trucks, and a special visit from the big man in red. The night will finish with a dazzling fireworks finale lighting up the Coolangatta sky. Auslan interpreters will be on stage to ensure an accessible and welcoming experience for all. Encouraging you to walk, ride, scoot or skate to the event - Santa has his parachute packed! Celebrate the magic of Christmas at Cooly Carols, proudly presented by City of Gold Coast.
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From now until 14 Dec 2025
Salsa in the Park
Salsa in the Park is an event open to everyone and it is free. It is held at The Porch in Broadwater Parklands, Southport. DJs will play a variety of latin music to keep everyone dancing. There will be a free dancing lesson, followed by two and a half hours of social dancing dancing, or sit, relax, watch and enjoy the music and dancers go about their pace.
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15 Dec 2025 - 21 Dec 2025
Santa's Butterfly House
Step into a world of wonder at Australia Fair this Christmas with Santa's Butterfly House, a truly one of a kind photo experience for the whole family. Visitors can capture a magical moment with Santa surrounded by beautiful butterflies and the joy of Christmas. Come and enjoy this exclusive holiday experience, designed to create lasting memories.
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17 Dec 2025
Gold Coast Community Beach Cleans for Conservation - Tallebudgera
Join Watergum for a community beach clean and learn about the incredible marine life that calls the Gold Coast home.COST: Free
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20 Dec 2025 - 21 Dec 2025
Christmas in Coomera
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Coomera! Enjoy a weekend of family fun, with: DJ Dance Party: Expect a flurry of excitement with a DJ on the decks, snow machines, pop-up performances from the Hip Hop Santa's and games with prizes up for grabs. North Pole Putt Putt: Get ready to tee off this Christmas with a 9-hole putt putt course. Perfect for parents and Santa's little putters. Santa: What's Christmas without an appearance from Santa? The jolly man in red will be taking to the stage throughout the event. Roving Entertainment: Keep an eye out for stilt walking candy canes, Hip Hop Santas and Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer. They'll be spreading the Christmas cheer as they roam through the event precinct. The Grinch: Don't miss your chance to say hello and snap a pic with the Grinch. Face Painting: Santa's little helpers are ready with their brushes and glitter! What Christmas-inspired design will your little one choose? Photo Moments: Snap a photo in Santa's sleigh or take to his throne. Bring some extra festive flair by wearing your matching Christmas outfits. There will also be food trucks on-site to satisfy your taste buds and market stalls for those last-minute gifts/stocking fillers. Christmas in Coomera is produced by City of Gold Coast. For more information, search Christmas in Coomera on Facebook.
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From now until 15 Aug 2027
Harmonic Sanctum Sound Baths – Gold Coast
Harmonic Sanctum offers one of the Gold Coast's most tranquil and transformative wellness experiences, blending ancient sound healing with modern mindfulness in a series of immersive sound bath events. Set against the backdrop of the coast's natural beauty, these gatherings invite you to unwind, recharge, and realign through the resonant tones of crystal singing bowls, Whether you're a seasoned meditator or simply seeking stillness in the chaos, there's something deeply restorative for every soul. Held in serene indoor settings Harmonic Sanctum attracts locals, wellness seekers, and mindful travelers alike. Expect a sensory journey designed to clear the mind, calm the body, and awaken inner balance. Spaces are intimate and limited to preserve the sacred atmosphere early booking is essential to secure your place in this deeply soothing sonic experience.
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25 Dec 2025
Christmas Day Penthouse Buffet, The Island Gold Coast
Soak up panoramic views of Surfers Paradise from The Island Penthouse this Christmas.Enjoy a festive buffet of fresh seafood, traditional roasts, seasonal vegetables, salads, sides, and desserts, paired with a three-hour drinks package including Mumm Marlborough Prestige Sparkling, premium wines, premium beers, Christmas sangria, watermelon spritz cocktails, soft drinks and juices. Tickets are limited.Tickets $239 + booking fee, all-inclusive. Every ticket includes the three-hour beverage package.When: Thursday 25th December, 11am – 2pmWhere: The Island Penthouse. View the space here.This is an 18+ event with only one ticket level available and includes the drink package. The Family Buffet in the Glasshouse has children's ticket levels. Buy tickets to the Christmas Day Family Buffet in the Glasshouse here.-----Buffet MenuChilled SeafoodLocal king prawns with cocktail sauce (gf, df)Natural Pacific & Rock oysters with shallot mignonette dressing (gf, df)Tasmanian Smoked Salmon with creme fraîche, capers, dill (gf)Chilled Moreton Bay bugs, lemon dressing, chives (gf, df)Warm SeafoodBaked whole sides of market fish (gf, df)Oyster Kilpatrick (gf, df)Steamed mussels, provencal sauce, olives, parsley (gf)Roast MeatsTraditional maple and mustard glazed ham (gf, df)Roasted chicken, pan jus (gf, df)Mustard crusted beef sirloin (gf, df)SaladsPotato salad with basil pesto, red onion, Grana Padano, semi dried tomato, fresh basil (v)Roasted beetroot, baby spinach, hazelnut, goats cheese, salsa verde (gf, v)Heirloom tomato, cherry bocconcini salad, basil, aged balsamic dressing (gf, v)Shaved fennel, wild rocket and citrus salad with yuzu vinaigrette (gf, df, v, ve)VegetablesHerb & garlic roasted potatoes (gf, df, v, ve)Maple glazed sweetcorn, paprika salt (gf, df, v)Baked broccoli and cauliflower mornay, Grana Padano, parsley (gf, v)Balsamic glazed root vegetables, local honey, cumin seeds (df, gf, v)Sides & AccompanimentsArtisan bread rolls with butterGravyRed wine jusDessertsChristmas plum puddings with custardChristmas meringues with passion fruit, mango & raspberriesFresh seasonal fruit platesLamington rouladeChristmas Petite fours*Menu subject to change based on supply and availability of seasonal produce. gf – gluten free, df – dairy free, v – vegetarian, dfo – dairy free option, vegan.COST: $245.78
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14 Jan 2026
Gold Coast Community Beach Cleans for Conservation - Main Beach
Join Watergum for a community beach clean and learn about the incredible marine life that calls the Gold Coast home.Join Watergum for a Gold Coast Community Beach Clean for Conservation and learn about the incredible marine life that calls the Gold Coast home. From dugongs to whales, seagrass meadows to rocky reefs, and of course our much-loved marine turtles, our coastline is teeming with life worth protecting.As we clean up the beach together, you’ll learn about:The different marine species found along our shores and reefsHow to spot and report sightings of these speciesThe important role of these habitats in supporting marine ecosystemsWhy the Gold Coast is such an important nesting and feeding area for marine turtlesHow to get involved and connect with organisations making a difference for our marine environmentTo maximise our impact, we also complete a Beach Clean audit and submit the data to the Tangaroa Blue Australian Marine Debris Initiative, contributing to national efforts to reduce ocean pollution.This event is the perfect opportunity to give back to nature, expand your marine knowledge, and take part in hands-on conservation. Families, friends, community groups, and ocean lovers of all kinds are welcome!🗓️ Date: 14th January 2025⏰ Time: 8am - 10am📍 Location: Philip Park, Main BeachPlease register to receive event details. If you’re unable to attend, kindly cancel your ticket so we can offer your spot to someone else.Gold Coast Community Beach Cleans for Conservation is proudly funded through the Queensland Government’s Community Sustainability Action grant program.COST: On Sale 08/12/2025 at 12:30 am
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19 Jan 2026
A&H Water warriors
Water based games and activities for everyone to get involved in – including the parents! Games, relays, and challenges with a twist.Water based games and activities for everyone to get involved in – including the parents! Games, relays, and challenges with a twist.Water based games and activities for everyone to get involved in – including the parents! Games, relays, and challenges with a twist, all designed to get you moving and possibly soaked at the same time. Bring a dry change of clothes.This is a free activity.Please register, but no need to show your ticket on the day.Any questions please contact the provider, Dirk 0424 746 496.For more Active & Healthy School Holiday activities be sure to check out the calendar Active & Healthy calendar | City of Gold CoastCOST: On Sale Dec 3 at 9:00 AM
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11 Apr 2026 - 12 Apr 2026
Supanova Pop Culture Expo Gold Coast
The Supanova Pop Culture Expo Gold Coast is set to captivate fans and enthusiasts from all walks of life on April 11-12, 2026, at the prestigious Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. This vibrant celebration of pop culture showcases the best in comics, anime, movies, and gaming, promising an immersive experience filled with panels, workshops, and exclusive merchandise. Attendees can look forward to meeting beloved creators, participating in cosplay competitions, and engaging with fellow fans in a lively atmosphere. HighlightsPopular among visitors forTop 100 in Entertainment & Media in Australia
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From now until 04 May 2026
Tamborine Mountain Arts Trail
Discover the Creative Heart of Tamborine Mountain – Arts Trail Returns This May This Labour Day Long Weekend, visitors are invited to embark on an immersive journey through the vibrant arts scene of Tamborine Mountain. The Tamborine Mountain Arts Trail offers a rare opportunity to engage with artists in their studios, experience dynamic exhibitions, and explore a region rich in creativity and natural beauty. With over 20 open artist studios, four central art hubs, and more than 100 participating artists, this free, self-guided event highlights the incredible depth of artistic talent in the Scenic Rim. Open Artist Studios & Art Hubs – Step inside the creative spaces of painters, sculptors, ceramicists, textile artists, and printmakers. Meet the makers, hear their stories, and see firsthand how their work comes to life. Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition – Large-scale and site-specific sculptures set against the stunning natural backdrop of Tamborine Mountain, creating a striking fusion of art and landscape.
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16 May 2026 - 17 May 2026
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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22 Jun 2026 - 24 Jun 2026
Creative Hearts ART RETREAT Scenic Rim June 2026
Getaway for rest'n'relaxation inspiration at Creative Hearts Art Retreat in Australia’s fabulous wine regaion. Relax. Restore. Reconnect.COST: Sales Ended
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14 Aug 2026 - 16 Aug 2026
2026 Pacific Airshow® Gold Coast
Pacific Airshow® Gold Coast: Bigger, Faster, Louder and on sale now! Pacific Airshow Gold Coast is back and they're ready to go bigger, faster and louder than ever before, with three days of unbelievable aerial and on-sand entertainment. For the best views, electrifying live commentary, performer autograph sessions and an atmosphere you'll find hard to beat, the only place to be is on the inside. You'll be right in the hub of the action as world-class aviators tear through the skies during over four hours of heart-pounding action. In addition to the world-class airshow, you can access Performer Signing Sessions to meet your heroes, get engaged in the new STEM area, grab some delicious food and drink options from the awesome vendors, and let the kids loose in the PA Kids Zone.
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07 Sep 2026 - 08 Sep 2026
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.Image credit: Jade Ellis
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11 Oct 2026
Beaudesert Milky Way Masterclass
Do you want to learn night photography to capture the beautiful Milky Way? Join multi-award-winning photographer David Magro for a night under the stars! Beginners and enthusiasts are welcome. The Masterclass takes place in a classroom before spending the night photographing the stars. You will leave with beautiful photographs. Most cameras can photograph the Milky Way and galaxies. Borrow one of their cameras on the night. Masterclass details will be provided upon booking . The Masterclass venue is the The Club Beaudesert and the amazing nearby dark sky photography location will be along Tamrookum church, directions will be provided on the night. You will learn how to: Photograph the Milky Way and night sky. Compose your photographs in the dark. Produce noise-free photographs. Easily photograph panoramas. Plan your future photographs. Edit your photographs with the Milky Way Masterclass Suite included. Plus receive access to the Milky Way Masterclass Suite learning tutorials guides and the Facebook support group, David Magro Masterclass. Photographing the stars have never been easier.
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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.