Calendar Celebrations Sorted
entertainment
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From now until 16 May 2026 (Fortnightly)
Ross Noble - Cranium of Curiosities
Ross Noble - Cranium of CuriositiesRoll up, roll up! Or use a more conventional form of transport to get to the show. It’s entirely your choice. Unless you accidentally become trapped in a barrel*.Should that happen, then just find an incline and start rolling to see the one and only Ross Noble! He is the Wizard of Waffle, The Rambler Royale, The Noodlers’ Noodler, and he’s back live on stage to tour a tornado of tangents. What the show will be about is anybody’s guess, but that’s all part of the fun when you look inside his Cranium of Curiosities. *We strongly advise trying not to get trapped in a barrel before or during the performance. Despite the expression “barrel of laughs,” it may impede your enjoyment of the show and potentially anger a cooper. *barrel maker. We are fairly certain the mascara mishap music maker Alice Cooper would be fine with it. “Thrilling to watch… weepingly funny” Daily Mail"No one does off-the-wall noodling better" - Evening Standard (4 Stars) www.alist.com.auwww.rossnoble.com
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03 May 2026
Gold Coast Film Festival 2026
Gold Coast Film Festival 2026The Gold Coast Film Festival (GCFF) is a celebration of film and filmmaking hosted in Queensland’s most dynamic screen destination, the Gold Coast.Now in its 25th year, GCFF2026 will showcase amazing local and international films, exploring diverse stories and unique perspectives on-screen through its short and feature film programme.
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From now until 12 Jul 2026
Aka Sorbie: Saltwater Heart
Aka Sorbie: Saltwater HeartKnown to family as Aka (grandmother), Lisa Sorbie Martin invites you to share in her art and Torres Strait culture in an immersive new Children’s Gallery exhibition. Memories and moments from Aka Sorbie’s childhood have been brought to life and infused with the vibrant colours and patterns of her art practice. Connect to Aka Sorbie’s saltwater heart as you play and learn about the reef, play cubby in the island hut, relax at the story tree, discover patterns in nature and art, and get creative at Aka’s table. This is a place to bring freshwater and saltwater people together to share stories, learn about First Nations culture and celebrate the natural environment. "It's very important, it's part of our culture that we teach our young ones; it's our way of life.” – Aka (Lisa Sorbie Martin) Presented by HOTA, Home of the Arts Proudly supported by Experience Gold Coast
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From now until 03 May 2026
Gold Coast Film Festival
The Gold Coast Film Festival (GCFF) is a celebration of film and filmmaking hosted in Queensland's most dynamic screen destination, the Gold Coast.GCFF2026 will showcase amazing local and international films, exploring diverse stories and unique perspectives on-screen through its short and feature film programme.Across the incredible 12 days, the festival includes inspirational panels, outdoor screenings, and special events at HOTA (Home of the Arts), including the crowd favourite event, SIPFest (Shorts in Paradise), that sees thousands gather under the stars.The festival program proudly offers industry education events that will inspire and create incredible opportunities for emerging and established screen creatives to learn, connect and grow.The Gold Coast Film Festival is supported by the Queensland State Government through Screen Queensland, Australia's Gold Coast, Tourism and Events Queensland along with Experience Gold Coast and venue partner HOTA (Home of the Arts).Festival Dates: Wednesday 22 April to Sunday 3 May 2026.
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04 May 2026
Ciderfest with Morris Dancing & May the Fourth Be With You!
Witness the last apple of the crop to drop! With an explosive shot, then the real party begins, and the cider begins to flow. Morris dancers celebrating and a feast for all to enjoyJoin them on a day of dance and music as they celebrate old traditions of historic England.Morris Dancers will be performing on May Day long weekend holiday Monday from 1pm.Dont forget it will be May 4, so get in your best Star Wars outfits and celebrate too.
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06 May 2026 - 10 May 2026
The Bookbinder
The BookbinderThey say you can get lost in a good book. But it’s worse getting lost in a bad one... An old man sits down to read the tale of an erstwhile bookbinding apprentice. As he speaks the story spills from the pages and into the bindery. The Bookbinder weaves shadow play, paper art, puppetry, and music into an original dark fairytale in the vein of Coraline and Jonathon Strange and Mr Norrell. First performed in the back room of a second-hand bookshop, it has gone on tour across Australia, South Africa, UK, Canada, China, and USA–from the attic of Aotearoa / New Zealand’s oldest bookbindery to the Lincoln Center, NYC. Its awards include Best Theatre and Best in the Fringe at NZ Fringe 2014, the International Excellence Award at Sydney Fringe2014, and the Children’s Theatre Award at Fringe World, Perth in 2015. From Trick of the Light Theatre comes an inventive one-man performance for older children and adults. “A real delight”–The Guardian, UK “Spell-binding storytelling at its purest and best...”–Theatreview, Dunedin “A beautiful, articulate and engaging show that is as engaging as it is mysterious" ★★★★★–alledinburghtheatre.com, Edinburgh
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07 May 2026
Banff Mountain Film Festival - Gold Coast
Presented by World Expeditions, the Banff Mountain Film Festival World Tour delivers a thrilling 3-hour adventure through the world of extreme mountain sports. Experience the most captivating short films from fearless explorers, trail runners, mountain bikers, skiers, paddlers and climbers who push boundaries across the globe.Following the legendary Banff Mountain Festival—the world's largest and most prestigious mountain celebration held annually in Canada's stunning Banff—this tour brings the very best to audiences worldwide. From over 300 exceptional films showcasing mountain sport, culture, environment, adventure and exploration, only the most outstanding award winners and crowd favourites are selected for the global journey spanning 390 communities across 35 countries.The Australian programme presents an extraordinary collection of short films captured in Earth's wildest and most remote locations. Prepare for breathtaking cinematography that transports you to impossible places, compelling stories that challenge perspectives, and heart-pounding action sequences that will leave you breathless. This is adventure filmmaking at its absolute finest. The original and the best mountain film festival is an Adventure Reels event.For more details visit the website.
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14 May 2026 - 17 May 2026
Blues on Broadbeach
Get ready to celebrate a major milestone as Blues on Broadbeach marks its 25th Anniversary in 2026, transforming the Gold Coast into a rhythm and blues mecca over four days. For a quarter of a century, this iconic festival has delivered unforgettable live music, and the 2026 edition promises another electrifying chapter.The free lineup brings together an exceptional mix of international and homegrown talent across four days of soul-stirring entertainment, set against the vibrant backdrop of parks, streets and venues throughout Broadbeach. Artists including Ian Moss, Ruthie Foster, The Bamboos, MonoNeon, Robert Finley, The Lachy Doley Trio and so much more.Returning for its third year, is the Sunday Ticket featuring Australian blues powerhouse The Teskey Brothers in their festival debut, joined by Emma Donovan and Ash Grunwald.Elevate your experience with the Late Night Supper offerings, choose from two intimate evenings pairing standout live blues with curated dining at The Roosevelt Lounge or Social Eating House + Bar.Enjoy the four days of live entertainment, secure your Sunday Ticket, grab your Late Night Supper ticket and be part of this landmark celebration in 2026.
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15 May 2026
Jason Leong: In Laughing Memory
Jason Leong: In Laughing MemoryAfter losing one of his best friends to cancer, Dr Jason Leong did a very Dr Jason Leong thing to process his grief: write a comedy show about it.Join him in his most personal hour yet, as he navigates loss and love with laughter.Dr Jason Leong is a medical doctor turned comedian and he never fails to bring that up, unprompted. He has had two Netflix specials, performed at Just For Laughs Montreal in 2022, and won the 7th Annual International Hong Kong Comedy Competition. He tours around the world because he loves comedy and ultimately, money.Jason opens with a darkly funny yet touching tale about loss—specifically, the death of a close friend. It’s bleak, yes, but told in the way only Jason can: sincere, raw, and cathartically hilarious. -Bakchormeeboy, Singapore"It is easy to see why Leong is such a hit with Malaysian audiences — at the heart of it all, he is a gifted storyteller." ★★★★★ The Malay Mail"Manages to transcend the typical Malaysian tropes, while still never losing the provenance of where his humor took root." ★★★★★★ Coconuts KL“An engaging, amiable chap.” ★★★★ ArtsHub Australia “Great sharp-witted humour” Stage Whispers Australia"He’ll pick up on the everyday, mundane minutiae of life and blow it out of proportion for a good laugh." Hype.my
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16 May 2026
Behind The Mask Charity Gala 2026
Behind The Mask Charity Gala 2026Join Us for the 2026 Behind the Mask Charity GalaExperience an evening of elegance, compassion, and purpose at the Behind the Mask Charity Gala, proudly hosted by Charity PTSD Resurrected Inc.This captivating black-tie masquerade invites you to don your finest attire and immerse yourself in a night of sophistication, entertainment, and heartfelt giving. It’s a wonderful opportunity to network and celebrate hope, all while supporting a life-changing cause.
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17 May 2026
Music of the Night
Australia’s Premier Tribute to the music of Andrew Lloyd Webber and the West End Musicals⭐️Winners of the 2025 ACE Production Show of the Year and Performers of the Year! ⭐️ Joey Fimmano is back in 2026 with his sensational sell out show MUSIC OF THE NIGHT ™. With a new format and new songs added, this mesmerizing stage show is taking Australia by storm, leaving audiences spellbound with the sheer brilliance of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's timeless creations, and the world's greatest musical hits from the West End and Broadway! Enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with breathtaking musical performances from some of Andrew Lloyd Webber's most beloved productions. From the haunting melodies of Phantom of the Opera to the electrifying rhythms of Jesus Christ Superstar, and the heart-warming tunes of Joseph and His Technicolour Dreamcoat. The stage will come alive with the unrivalled artistry of Australia's very own multi award-winning instrumentalist and vocalist, Joey Fimmano. Together with world-class performers, Miss Saigon star Dexter Villahermosa, Leading soprano Michaela Hodgson (The Phantom of the Opera on Sydney Harbour 2026), and Dynamic Vocalist Katelyn Vella, they'll create an experience of Musical Excellence like no other! You'll be treated to a splendid tribute to the West End Musicals featuring selections from Les Misérables, The Sound of Music, Mary Poppins and Jersey Boys! Accompanied by an incredible live band led by some of the finest musicians in the country, the atmosphere will be electric, inviting you to sing along, tap your feet, and lose yourself in the enchanting melodies. Truly what a beautiful night! The experience of the show and talent was so memorable. Admire you all, still thinking about it and chatting to everyone I know about it! Thank you, thank you, thank you. Paula Duncan AM
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23 May 2026 - 30 May 2026
Sessions Surf Festival
The Sessions Surf Festival invites the Gold Coast community together for a week of entertainment and inspiration. The goal is to create a meaningful culture around films, art, music, and surf. The Sessions Surf Festival will be an all-ages, week long festival hosted at multiple locations throughout the Gold Coast. The community will enjoy film screenings, live music, panel conversations, art exhibits, surf contests and more with world-class surfers and top-tier creatives.
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23 May 2026
Ivan Aristeguita - Ready to Mambo
Ivan Aristeguita - Ready to MamboAustralia’s favourite Venezuelan is back with a hilarious new show about dancing through tough times, finding joy in chaos, and shaking off your worries to a Latino beat.In these uncertain times, one thing is for sure, if you are not laughing, you're dancing, so why not do both with the happiest hombre in showbiz!Vamos! Ivan Aristeguieta is ready to mambo! Are you?As seen on Have You Been Paying Attention?, Thank God You're Here and the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Opening Night gala.4 x WINNER BEST COMEDY – ADELAIDE FRINGE 2017, 2022, 2023, 2026MOST OUTSTANDING SHOW NOMINEE – MELBOURNE INTERNATIONAL COMEDY FESTIVAL, 2021"Ivan Aristeguieta has outdone himself again...do yourself a favour and get a ticket" ★★★★★ - The Adelaide Hipster
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17 Jul 2026 - 29 May 2026
Very Short Film Festival - Gold Coast
The Very Short Film Festival is a national film festival showcasing bold short films from emerging Australian filmmakers, with all films under five minutes.The Gold Coast screening presents a curated selection of Australian short films spanning comedy, drama, documentary and experimental work. The program brings together diverse storytelling voices and styles, offering audiences the opportunity to experience contemporary short filmmaking on the big screen.Each screening features a mix of standout films from the 2026 program, with stories designed to engage, entertain and spark conversation.Part of the festival's national tour, the Gold Coast event offers a unique chance to discover new Australian filmmaking talent in a cinema setting.
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29 May 2026 - 30 Jul 2026
Bron Lewis: Chaos
Bron Lewis: ChaosBron Lewis’ life is complete and utter chaos, just ask her dog trainer. She has three kids - an emotional tweenager, a four-year old stalker and a middle one, and just when things couldn’t get any harder, she bought a puppy. A glutton for punishment, Bron has welcomed the flourishing of her comedy career, which means she has a million plates in the air and even more smashed on the ground around her feet. Bron, an ex-high-school teacher, wears the battle scars of an undervalued profession and is still reeling from the initial shock of motherhood 12 years ago. Come bask in her humiliating attempts at juggle-parenting, teaching, a career change and flailing mental health, because as the saying goes, ‘if we can’t laugh about it, we’ll burn the city to the ground’. If you’ve ever thought ‘If one thing goes wrong, we’re all dead meat’ or ‘What the hell was I thinking?’ then this is the comedy show for you!
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30 May 2026 - 28 Nov 2026
Backstage with the Brewmaster
A brewery tour like no other! Whether you're fascinated by the technicalities of brewing great beer or simply interested and curious to learn more about how their beer is made (and why), this experience is for you.Strictly limited to a maximum of 18 guests. Includes 90 minutes of exclusive access to Brewmaster Brennan – exploring, sampling, Q&A'ing and all round enjoying behind the scenes insights, along with plenty of beer and food plus more special gifts to take away. Arrive at least 15 minutes early to check in, Backstage Experience starts promptly.
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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.