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Calendar Celebrations Sorted
entertainment
- Free Event
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15 Sep 2026 - 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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16 Sep 2026
The Box Show
The Box ShowIn the hands of Junkyard Beats, ordinary household items are transformed into extraordinary musical instruments and unwanted junk comes alive in exciting and surprising ways.The Box Show excites the imagination of children and adults alike. We follow four characters during their daily activities in a world made of cardboard boxes and junk. The contents of an abandoned kitchen and wheelie bins become the greatest drum set in the world; plastic bags are an amazing musical instrument, and the human body becomes a unique sound machine. Tag along for a day in the life o a bunch of musical misfits as they reinvigorate the junk that the world has forgotten. Learn about sustainability with this high energy, imaginative music-in-education performance combining drumming, dance, theatre, and comedy. With a language of gibberish and rhythm, this show is accessible to all ages and audiences.
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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04 Dec 2026
Ministry of Sound Summer Dance Festival
Ministry of Sound Summer Dance FestivalMinistry of Sound returns in 2026 bigger and bolder with a new summer date, 3 stages, and an extended festival footprint that now includes both the HOTA Outdoor Stage and HOTA Parklands. Ministry of Sound Summer Dance Festival will be their biggest ever show on the Gold Coast! Headlined by the world-renowned Ministry of Sound Orchestra, alongside international DJ’s and a standout roster of homegrown talent. Experience an open-air dancefloor, soundtracked by the biggest dance anthems of all time. Redefined, reworked, and reimagined on a scale like never before. Summer Dance Festival is a celebration of the greatest moments in dance music history and the artists who defined our dancefloor. In a Queensland exclusive, Ministry of Sound Summer Dance Festival will be presented at HOTA Home of the Arts complete with 3 stages, beer gardens, food trucks, and outdoor bars, all backed by the Surfers Paradise skyline and nestled amongst the lush parklands and waterways of the HOTA Precinct - This is your ultimate summer dance event. Register here to get in early for pre-sale and first release pricing.
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05 Dec 2026
Not So Silent Night Christmas Ball at The Star Gold Coast
Your night includes a decadent 3-course dinner, 4.5 hour beverage package and live entertainment in our spectacularly themed ballroom.INCLUSIONS3-course dinner4.5-hour beverage package (6.00pm - 10.30pm)Beverage upgrade ticket holders can also enjoy a selection of spirits as a part of their beverage packageLive entertainmentWHENSaturday, 5 December 20266.00pm - 11.30pmPRICEGeneral Admission: $225pp*General Admission + Beverage Upgrade: $250pp**Includes Eventbrite ticketing feeThis event is for guests 18 years old and over. Tickets are limited. Book now to avoid disappointment.MENUBread roll and butterENTRÉEMushroom and ricotta tortelli, lemon and parsley sauce, toasted nuts, caramelised butter, sage~~ alternate serve ~~Smoked Aylesbury-cross duck breast, beetroot textures, sour cherries, cabbage, whipped mascarpone, pink peppercornMAINAtlantic salmon, Kipfler potato salad, salsa verde sauce, fennel, watercress~~ alternate serve ~~Roasted beef fillet, parmesan potato pave, seasonal greens, Café de Paris butter, beef jusDESSERTPassionfruit curd tart, mango compote, Chantilly cream, pineapple crispBEVERAGE PACKAGEWINESparklingSauvignon BlancChardonnayRosePinot NoirShirazBEERHahn Premium LightHahn Super DryByron Bay LagerStone and Wood Pacific AleJames Squire Orchard Crush AppleNON-ALCOHOLICHeineken ZeroAssorted soft drinks and juicesMineral and still waterBeverage upgrade ticket holders can also enjoy the following spirits in addition to the above.Skyy VodkaJack Daniels BourbonEl Jimador TequilaGordon’s GinBundaberg RumTERMS AND CONDITIONSSubject to availability, change and cancellation. No refunds will be provided for booking cancellations or no-shows. Please note once booking payments are made we are unable to offer any refunds. If a person under your booking is unable to attend the event, you can allocate the ticket to another person. If The Star cancels the event for any reason all monies will be refunded. Must be 18 years or over to attend. Not available in conjunction with any other offers or discounts. No further discounts apply. Dietary options will be available on prior request, however additional dietaries will not be able to be accommodated on the day without prior notice. Beverage selection subject to availability and may change without notice. The Star Club Member discounts do not apply. Casino Dollars cannot be used for this event. The Star practises the responsible service of alcohol.
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09 Jun 2027 - 13 Jun 2027
Cooly Rocks On
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the iconic motors, music, and lifestyle of yesteryear when Cooly Rocks On returns!Renowned as one of Australia's best Show 'N' Shine displays, Coolangatta will be transported back in time as the streets are lined with over 1000 cars, hot rods, kustom classics, lowbrow art, and more — all lining the vibrant streets of Coolangatta in a dazzling tribute to automotive culture.When it comes to music, prepare to be swept away by some of the finest rock 'n' roll, swing, rockabilly, and tribute acts from across the globe. Cooly Rocks On holds the distinguished honour of being one of only three Australian festivals to host an official preliminary round of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, where the winner earns a coveted spot at Elvis Week in Memphis, USA.Festival favourites don't stop there: the iconic Cooly Rocks On Pin-up Pageant is a celebration of vintage glamour and charm, while the Nostalgia Markets along the Coolangatta beachfront offer a treasure trove of retro goods, memorabilia, and collectibles.With a captivating mix of free and ticketed entertainment spanning five unforgettable days, Cooly Rocks On 2027 promises to be an exhilarating journey back in time - and we can't wait to relive the magic with you in Coolangatta!
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26 Jun 2027
Scenic Rim's Winter Harvest Festival
Taste, sip and discover the Scenic Rim at the Winter Harvest Festival - the ultimate farm gate event for families and food lovers alike!As the signature event of Eat Local Month, this authentic food festival proudly showcases the very best of the Scenic Rim's culinary offerings, all in one flavour-filled day.It's your chance to eat and drink your way around the region, connect with local farmers, growers, and producers, and enjoy cooking demonstrations led by top Queensland chefs and Scenic Rim Food Ambassadors. From hands-on workshops to live displays, the region truly comes to life before your eyes.Wander through 60 plus local produce stalls, indulge in the flavours of the season's harvest, and sample local wine, beer, and spirits. Say hello to the team from 612 ABC Brisbane, cheer on the crowd-favourite Tractor Pull competition, and soak up the vibrant festival atmosphere.Pack an empty esky (or two), gather the kids, and rally your friends – it's a day of country hospitality and unforgettable experiences you won't want to miss.
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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.