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Calendar Celebrations Sorted
entertainment
- Free Event
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From now until 20 Sep 2026
Quokka Nook Launch Weekend
Meet the Quokkas at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary this September. From 18 to 20 September 2026, be among the first to visit Quokka Nook, home to two new Quokkas making their debut on the Gold Coast.The launch weekend includes daily pop-up activations, chats with a Wildlife Keeper, face painting and a kids' colouring competition.Guests can also enter the Name the Quokkas Competition, submitting name suggestions for the chance to win a trip for two to Rottnest Island, valued at over $2,600, including flights, accommodation, return ferry travel and car hire, thanks to Trip.com.National Trust Queensland members enjoy extra perks across the weekend, including a free Quokka keyring for the first 200 Youth members each day, and a free Quok-tail for Adult members dining at The Homestead.All activities are included with General Admission.
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From now until 05 Oct 2026
Dreamworld Country Fair
Round up the family and experience the charm of the countryside at Dreamworld Country Fair, returning to Dreamworld on the Gold Coast.Enjoy a unique celebration of all things country, included with your Dreamworld admission. Dreamworld's event page highlights line dancing, live entertainment, country music, barnyard animal encounters, themed food, roving characters and family-friendly activities throughout the park.Step into a country-inspired wonderland featuring colourful decorations, tractor displays, interactive experiences and plenty of entertainment for all ages. Young visitors can meet friendly farm animals at Belinda's Barnyard Buddies, join Farmer Finn's Round-Up Scavenger Hunt, and explore creative scarecrow displays designed by local schools.Enjoy live country-themed performances, learn new moves at the Country Fair Line Dance, and savour delicious country-style food and treats available throughout the event. With exciting rides, wildlife encounters, family attractions and seasonal entertainment all in one destination, Dreamworld Country Fair offers the perfect school holiday day out for families, friends and visitors to the Gold Coast.Saddle up and discover the country spirit at Dreamworld Country Fair, where farmyard fun, family entertainment and unforgettable memories come together for a limited time
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21 Sep 2026 - 19 Sep 2026
Glow and Tell
Glow and TellAn interactive, light-filled storytelling adventure.This engaging interactive experience blends the magic of light and the simplicity of storytelling.Using UV light watch our custom-built tent be transformed into a magical performance space where stories and imagined worlds come alive as glowing drawings appear on the walls and floor.Following the performance, Families are invited to create and illustrate their own stories in glowing UV light.
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19 Sep 2026
A Bee Story
A Bee StoryQueen Bee and Worker Bee must work together to rebuild their hive after it’s destroyed by a bushfire, but things never quite go to plan…This enchanting production combines circus, theatre, dance, live music, and acrobatics to bring the story vividly to life. Celebrating collaboration, resilience, and care for the environment, it inspires empathy, creativity, and a deeper connection to the natural world.As an accompaniment to the show, A Bee Story was written by Maria McRae and Elizabeth McRae, with illustrations by Maisie Oatz. To purchase a copy A Bee Story please contact: hotaeducation@experiencegoldcoast.com
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19 Sep 2026
Hot Potato Band
Hot Potato BandGet ready for an unforgettable night with Hot Potato Band at HOTA! This Sydney-based brass collective, with three albums and over a decade of touring worldwide, brings explosive energy, infectious rhythms, and vibrant visuals to the stage, transforming the traditional brass band into a modern dance party, with special guest performers adding even more excitement to the show.As the headlining act to kick off the Kids Take Over Festival at HOTA, their high-energy, interactive performance is perfect for all ages and families to attend. HPB’s genre-defying sound promises a lively, inclusive atmosphere where you can dance, cheer, and experience music like never before. Don’t miss this celebration, it’s an experience the whole family will love!
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23 Sep 2026 - 26 Sep 2026
Erth's Dinosaurs
Erth's DinosaursErth’s Dinosaurs is a bold new adventure from Australia’s internationally acclaimed puppet innovators. This stunning new production reimagines Erth’s most iconic prehistoric creatures with updated design, immersive storytelling and the latest paleontological discoveries.From the moment the lights go down, audiences are transported back millions of years to encounter life-sized dinosaurs that walk, roar and interact in jaw-dropping realism. From towering carnivores to gentle herbivores, each creature is brought to life through masterful puppetry that will captivate children and adults alike.Packed with thrills, surprises and dino-sized wonder, Erth’s Dinosaurs is an unforgettable theatrical experience that ignites curiosity, imagination and awe. Whether you are five or ninety-five, this spectacular show promises a fun and educational journey into the ancient past.Book now and prepare to meet the giants of prehistory like never before.
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01 Oct 2026 - 11 Oct 2026
BEACON
BEACONA bright and bold BEACON of belonging this epic, large-scale installation becomes a landmark for joy across the 11-days of BLEACH Festival taking over the HOTA Lakeside Precinct. Led by Award-winning Gold Coast Arts Organisation Everybody NOW!, BEACON is a new commission designed by Internationally acclaimed Artist Morag Myerscough (UK), in collaboration with hundreds of Gold Coasters who participated in creative workshops. Impossible to miss, BEACON calls you in with vibrant colours, hand-painted patterned entrances and adorned gateways. Step inside to discover a welcoming space for all people, of all ages to explore, connect and create. Become mesmerized as the natural world interacts with the artwork; light dances through space, shapes move with the wind, and poetic text by best-selling author and ABC TV presenter Holly Ringland signal messages from people and place. Across the festival, as dusk falls BEACON sends out a siren of song with local community singers performing a special musical arrangement of Holly Ringland’s poem, before neon light transforms the artwork into a glowing nighttime festival hub. Be sure not to miss the festival choir signing the artwork to life at the BEACON Opening Night on Thursday 1 October as part of BLEACH 2026! BEACON is supported by the EGC Arts Fund.
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03 Oct 2026 - 01 Oct 2026
THAW
THAWHigh above, suspended by a crane, a figure isolated on three tonnes of melting ice struggles for balance. As sunset approaches what will be left? Created by Joshua Thomson, with an original score by Alaska’s Matthew Burtner, THAW is a potent metaphor for our time and an inspirational act of endurance, supported by unprecedented achievements in design and engineering. “It’s reflective of the real world, what’s happening now. We have glaciers melting.” - audience member, Sydney An urgent call to act on climate together, from leading Australian physical theatre company Legs On The Wall, THAW reaches across languages and circumstances to reflect humanity’s shared contemporary truth: There’s no time to waste.Thu 1 Oct, 5:00am - Surfers Paradise Beach Sat 3 Oct, 12:00pm - HOTA Lake Precinct
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02 Oct 2026
Lady Blackbird & Electric Fields
Lady Blackbird & Electric FieldsBLEACH Festival 2026 kicks off its opening Outdoor Stage Concert Series with a double bill of Australian and International soul with Lady Blackbird and Electric Fields – and best of all, it’s free! Heralding from the United Kingdom by way of the USA, is the internationally acclaimed “Grace Jones of Jazz”, Lady Blackbird. Featuring a powerhouse of soul, jazz and storytelling that collide in a voice that stops you in your tracks. Every Lady Blackbird song is an unmistakable sound of freedom. Harnessing a mighty voice that effortlessly embodies power, yearning and balladry, her powerful sound can evoke joy in one moment and then heartbreak in the next. Opening the night will be Electric Fields, the multi-award-winning duo who will bring their breathtaking beauty and power to the stage in a merge of traditional culture and electronic music. Featuring the rare and beautiful voice of Zaachariaha Fielding (who often sings in the traditional language of the Anangu People) and the brilliance of Producer Michael Ross to deliver soulful pop sounds of epic proportions to intensely intimate story-songs. This special music event is a celebration of song, soul and storytelling from two very powerful voices. Lady Blackbird and Electric Fields play HOTA’s Outdoor Stage, free for the opening weekend of BLEACH Festival 2026. Gates open: 6pm
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From now until 31 Oct 2026
Fright Nights at Warner Bros. Movie World
As day fades, darkness takes hold. Fright Nights has returned to corrupt the farthest corners and darkest depths of Warner Bros. Movie World. With nowhere safe to turn, one question decides your fate... Will you Survive the Night?Conquer five petrifying Scare Mazes, brave returning and new Horror Encounters, explore brain-melting Panic Rooms, take on scream-inducing night rides and roaming monsters. Fright Nights rises during October only, so make sure to grab your tickets before it's too late...
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03 Oct 2026
SIX60
SIX60It has been 7 years since SIX60 have graced HOTA’s Outdoor Stage with their collision of roots, soul, pop and dubstep; Now they return to Gold Coast audiences as part of BLEACH Festival 2026 for a pure celebration of New Zealand born music alongside powerhouse SUB-TRIBE. SIX60’s ability to infuse their music with deep kiwi roots and rich cultural heritage has generated them a devoted fan base, numerous accolades and sold-out performances all over the world. Their live performances are widely praised for being high-energy, anthemic, and genuinely engaging leaving audiences hyped and truly euphoric. Supporting SIX60 is SUB-TRIBE, delivering their tropical party of roots, reggae and hip-hop with deep base and solid grooves. They have been festival favourites at WOMAD, Good Love and Island Vibes, bringing the high energy feel-good vibes that have crowds skanking for more. Gates open: 6pm
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10 Oct 2026 - 16 Oct 2026
Happy Halloween at Dreamworld
Happy Halloween returns to Dreamworld.Get ready for family-friendly Halloween fun after dark.Happy Halloween returns this October, transforming Dreamworld into a world of Halloween surprises, festive entertainment and after-dark adventures. Enjoy rides under the stars, free trick-or-treating, live entertainment, themed food and drinks, and plenty of opportunities to dress up and join the fun.Solve clues, collect treats and show off your best costume, while thrill-seekers enjoy some of their favourite rides after dark. Plus, don't miss Belinda's Boo-tiful Costume Contest for your chance to win fantastic prizes.With limited event nights available and several nights selling out last year, guests are encouraged to book early to avoid missing out. Book your Happy Halloween adventure today.
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11 Oct 2026
BLEACH Festival 2026
BLEACH Festival 2026BLEACH Festival is back like you’ve never seen it before. Taking over the HOTA precinct for 11 massive days of live music, contemporary dance, world-class theatre, interactive installations and mind-altering art. The much-loved arts and culture festival welcomes a new Artistic Director; Felix Preval who promises to deliver a fresh take to the long running festival. Felix Preval brings two decades of experience in the performing arts, including holding the role of Artistic Director of Darwin Festival from 2017 – 2022 and Festival Producer at Melbourne Fringe from 2012 – 2016. BLEACH Festival 2026 will feature a range of local, national and international artists, presenting performances, new installations and community engaged works that celebrate the city’s natural environment and transform the HOTA precinct for the duration of the festival. Come early, stay late!Full program coming soon.
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17 Oct 2026 - 31 Oct 2026
Spooky Nights at Sea World
Step into a world of Halloween magic as Sea World Spooky Nights returns this October.Explore seven immersive spooky precincts filled with fangtastic entertainment, glowing displays, and after-dark surprises. Meet your favourite characters dressed in their Halloween best, enjoy rides under the stars, and witness enchanting shows & presentations throughout the evening. Create magical family memories with five spellbinding nights to choose from.Get one free entry with a Premium Annual Pass.
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17 Oct 2026
Australian Burlesque Festival - The Big Tease Soiree - Gold Coast
Australian Burlesque – The Big Tease SoiréePresented by the Australian Burlesque FestivalReturning to the Gold Coast in 2026, The Big Tease Soirée celebrates 17 spectacular years of glamour, artistry and world-class burlesque.Experience an unforgettable evening at Miami Marketta, where Australia's finest burlesque performers join acclaimed international guest artists for a dazzling celebration of cabaret, variety and the art of tease.From breathtaking costumes and captivating choreography to bold personalities and show-stopping performances, every moment is designed to surprise, delight and leave you wanting more. Blending the elegance of classic burlesque with contemporary creativity, The Big Tease Soirée showcases the very best of this timeless art form in an atmosphere of glamour, laughter and spectacular entertainment.Whether you're a lifelong lover of burlesque or discovering it for the very first time, prepare for an evening filled with sparkle, sophistication and unforgettable performances.Join in as the Australian Burlesque Festival celebrates 17 years of legacy and championing burlesque excellence across Australia.Acknowledging that this event takes place on the traditional lands of the Yugambeh people and paying respects to Elders past and present.Visit the website to learn more about the festival, artists, upcoming shows and to subscribe to the newsletter.
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28 Oct 2026 - 30 Oct 2026
Asia Pacific Screen Awards
Tickets are now on sale for the 2026 Asia Pacific Screen Awards and Forum, held on the GoldCoast on the traditional land of the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh language region. Filmmakers and industry leaders will come together for three days of practical project development, industry insight, collaboration and connection. The Forum journey culminates in the 19th Asia Pacific Screen Awards Ceremony, bringing delegates together to celebrate the region's outstanding screen talent and achievements. APSA will recognise achievement across Best Film, Best Screenplay, Best Cinematography, Best Director, Best Performance, Best Youth Film, Best Animated Film, Best Documentary Film, and more to be announced.
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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.