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Calendar Celebrations Sorted
entertainment
- Free Event
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21 Nov 2025
Fridays on the Lawn – Student Edition
Fridays on the Lawn – Student EditionWe’re thrilled to relaunch the reimagined Fridays on the Lawn – Student Edition! This exciting event highlights the talents of local student solo acts, bands, and DJs, offering a dynamic platform for young musicians to shine.Set in a lively and supportive environment, the event nurtures creativity, collaboration, and community connection. It’s an incredible opportunity for budding artists to gain real-world performance experience, guided by HOTA’s professional staff, while showcasing their skills in a premier arts industry space.Don’t miss this vibrant celebration of young talent, bringing the community together and inspiring the next generation of musicians.
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28 Nov 2025
Teardrops on My Dildo
Teardrops on My DildoFabulous, filthy and downright hilarious! Brace yourselves for a wild ride of side-splitting hilarity with the modern-day Queen of Sass, as she takes you on a laugh-out-loud adventure of her trials and tribulations of parenting, dating and all things female. Winner: 'Best Comedy' Newcastle Fringe 2022. ★★★★1/2 'Vanessa Larry Mitchell is as far from demure as you could possibly imagine, but wow, will she make you laugh.... beyond naughty and will have tears of laughter rolling down your face' - Fringefeed ★★★★ "You will literally laugh for an hour. And that is a rare thing. Vanessa is more relaxed and direct behind a comedy mic than anyone I have seen" - The Scotsman ★★★★ "You know when you go out to a club with a group of girlfriends and the handbags are thrown down, and you're dancing all night completely carefree as if the rest of the world don't exist, and you only stop to rest over a few drinks with teeny umbrellas, and there's always that one friend that is side-splittingly funny and holds court all evening? Yep, that's exactly what Vanessa Larry Mitchell's one-woman show feels like" - Mindshar ★★★★ "You will literally laugh for an hour. And that is a rare thing. Vanessa is more relaxed and direct behind a comedy mic than anyone I have seen" - The Scotsman ★★★★ "You know when you go out to a club with a group of girlfriends and the handbags are thrown down, and you're dancing all night completely carefree as if the rest of the world don't exist, and you only stop to rest over a few drinks with teeny umbrellas, and there's always that one friend that is side-splittingly funny and holds court all evening? Yep, that's exactly what Vanessa Larry Mitchell's one-woman show feels like" - Mindshare
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29 Nov 2025
Aladdin theatre play
Aladdin is an adaptation of the Disney movie performed by Starlettes Drama Theatre TeensCOST: On Sale Oct 1 at 12:00 AM
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Friday (Weekly)
Very Merry Long Lunch, The Island Gold Coast
Your Office Family Christmas - Very Merry Long Lunch at The Island Gold Coast.Gather your office family for a Very Merry Long Lunch that takes all the stress out of planning your Christmas Party. This year, we’re making it easy—just get your numbers together and turn up!Our Christmas Long Lunch comes with all the trimmings. Enjoy a festive feast with our Family Style share menu, packed with all your holiday favourites. For those looking to raise a glass (or two), we’ve got an optional three-hour drinks package featuring cocktail carafes, premium wines, beers, and bubbles. Prefer to keep it simple? No worries—guests opting for just the food menu can purchase drinks from the bar on the day.We’ll have live tunes to keep the vibes merry and a photo moment to capture the memories. Plus, every booking gets their own festive-themed table, so you can celebrate in style.What: Very Merry Long LunchWhen: Friday, 12th December, 12pm – 3pmWhere: The Island PenthouseTickets:$95 p/person for the Family-Style Share Menu, or$134 p/person with the three-hour beverage package featuring cocktail carafes, premium wines, beers, and bubbles.It’s the perfect way to wrap up the year with your work crew—just show up and enjoy. The Island Rooftop is open after the event concludes.Minimum of four guests per table. All guests at the one table must be on the same ticket option.-----Family-Style MenuOn the tableArtisan bread rolls with butter and smoked saltTo StartPoached Mooloolaba prawns, compressed apple, fennel, radish, finger lime dressing (df, gf)Chicken and leek terrine, sourdough crumb, truffle oil, tarragon mayonnaise (gfo)MainsRosemary and garlic slow cooked lamb shoulder, seeded mustard jus (df, gf)Herb roasted chicken, pan jus, roasted onions (gf)SidesRoasted heirloom carrots with goats cheese and macadamia (gf, v)Rosemary and garlic roasted potatoes, smoked salt (df, gf, ve, v)To FinishPassion fruit tart, blackberries, sorghumPavlova, mango, raspberries, kiwifruit*menu subject to change.COST: A$98.65 – A$138.68
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12 Dec 2025
The Greatest Christmas Show
The Greatest Christmas ShowThe Greatest Christmas Show is Australia’s #1 family Christmas event, blending heartwarming moments, spectacular magic, and world-class entertainment into one unforgettable night. Led by internationally acclaimed Master Illusionist Anthony Street, prepare for breathtaking illusions that will leave you wondering if Christmas magic might just be real. Soaring vocals will fill the theatre with the spirit of Christmas, while our cast of incredible dancers and a jaw-dropping cirque aerial act bring the stage to life in a flurry of wonder, skill, and glittering costumes. From high-flying feats to touching moments that capture the true meaning of Christmas, and a very special visit from Santa Claus himself, this is a show that will warm hearts, inspire smiles, and create cherished memories for the whole family. 🎟 Don’t miss the magic. Don’t miss the laughter. Don’t miss the #1 family show this Christmas.
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14 Dec 2025
Spilt Milk Gold Coast
Australia's most in-demand festival, Spilt Milk, returns in 2025 with a lineup overflowing with some of the most talked about local and global artists from recent times. With bill-toppers Kendrick Lamar, Doechii, Sara Landry, Dominic Fike and ScHoolboy Q, alongside the likes of d4vd, Nessa Barrett, Sofia Isella, Skin On Skin, sombr, Club Angel, The Rions, South Summit and more. The acclaimed festival tour re-enters mightier than ever, this December returning to their beloved stops of Ballarat/Wadawurrung, Perth/Whadjuk, Canberra/Ngunnawal and Gold Coast/Kombumerri. Visit the website for the full lineup and tickets.
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17 Dec 2025
Little Humpty's Christmas Party
Join them for a Christmas Party like no other. Evie, Henry and their other camels really know how to party and they want all their little friends to come along! They’ll even have a visit from Santa who will be making a special appearance! Come along in your best Christmas getup- they’ll have prizes for best dressed. Make sure you bring your camera to get the perfect Christmas shot with your favourite camel! Please wear closed-in shoes and a smile. While you are there, you can feed the friendly camels, shop around in their Skincare and Souvenir Shop, visit their Homestead Cafe for a delicious breakfast, brunch or lunch and try their famous Camelcino. All their dairy products are also available for purchase straight from the farm, so bring an esky or a cooler bag.
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19 Dec 2025
Christmas Actually
The Music of Love Actually Live On Stage All I want for Christmas is you... Christmas Actually is the ultimate silly-season starter, bursting with nativity lobsters, cinnamon sticks and endless fun! Relive the magic musical moments from beloved holiday classic Love Actually including songs by Mariah Carey, Joni Mitchell, Norah Jones, Eva Cassidy, Kelly Clarkson, The Beach Boys and The Beatles, brought to life by a rockstar band of Australia’s top musicians and vocalists. Starring Australian cabaret icon Libby O’Donovan OAM, Christmas Actually will deliver all the hits from your favourite festive soundtrack, wrapped up with a sprig of holly and bucketloads of comedy and charm. Don’t miss this absolute (Christmas) cracker of a show! "Love Actually fans will absolutely eat it up but even non-fans will find this show hard to resist!" - Time Out "An absolute cracker of a show." - Sydney Arts Guide "A must-see experience for all Love Actually fans and music fans, too." - ArtsHub
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19 Dec 2025
Lube Me Alone: Vanessa Larry Mitchell
Lube Me Alone: Vanessa Larry MitchellFollowing the success of her internationally toured debut solo show ‘Teardrops on My Dildo’, Vanessa Larry Mitchell returns with her next instalment of side-splittingly hilarious events, so wild they would leave a priest speechless!★★★★★ ‘….Wildy fun, unapologetically real’ - Kids in Adelaide (Adelaide Fringe)★★★★ 'Vanessa is more relaxed and direct behind a comedy mic than anyone I have seen' - The Scotsman (Edinburgh Fringe)
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31 Dec 2025 (Monthly)
New Year's Eve Fireworks Cruise
The Gold Coast New Year’s Eve Cruise is the perfect way to ring in 2025! Sail along the Gold Coast waterways and enjoy the fireworks aboard the Spirit of Elston. The cruise begins along the canals, taking in the stunning Surfers Paradise skyline, before heading out to the Gold Coast Broadwater for the City of Gold Coast midnight fireworks from open-top decks. Enjoy a glass of Chandon on arrival along with gourmet canapés and a great selection of beverages including local wines, premium beers, and cider throughout the evening.
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From now until 08 Feb 2026
AACTA Festival
The 2025 AACTA Festival brought together Australia's top creatives for five unforgettable days of film, television, and storytelling. In 2026, they're back and ready to celebrate Australia's unique stories and the people who make them through connection, creativity, and community. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Gold Coast, the 2026 AACTA Festival will return to HOTA, Home of the Arts and unite screen lovers, filmmakers and industry leaders, for an unmissable celebration of Australian screen culture and excellence.
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From now until 04 Feb 2026 (Annual)
AACTA Awards Industry Gala
AACTA is kicking off 2026 with a night of connection, celebration, and industry excellence at the annual AACTA Awards Industry Gala! This exclusive evening honours the extraordinary talent working behind the screen, from cinematographers and editors to writers, producers, and sound designers, recognising the creative minds who bring Australia's stories to life in film, television, documentary, online, and short films. The AACTA Awards Industry Gala it's a chance for screen professionals to come together, make new connections, and celebrate the best in craft with peers and collaborators from across the country.
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06 Feb 2026
AACTA Awards Ceremony
The AACTA Awards Ceremony, presented by the Foxtel Group honours Australia's most talented filmmakers and storytellers, celebrating exceptional achievements in film and television and spotlighting the creativity that defines our industry.
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07 Feb 2026
Screen Careers Expo
The AACTA Screen Careers Expo, is your ultimate guide to building a career in the Australian screen industry. An invaluable opportunity for students, graduates, and career changers, the Expo offers insights into every corner of the screen industry — from production and post-production to creative and technical roles. Attendees can explore the diverse career pathways available and discover the education and training opportunities that can help them get there.
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07 Feb 2026
Laneway Festival
Laneway Festival began in 2004 at St. Jerome's Bar — a tiny, ex-Swedish meatball shop turned speakeasy hidden down Melbourne's Caledonian Lane. By February 2005, the Summer Series had spilled into the laneway itself. Posters were printed, restaurants sold food out their back doors, and a makeshift stage was thrown up at one end of the alley. The sold-out street party had no production manager, few rules, and an entire community behind it. A festival was born. Twenty-one years later, Laneway Festival is one of the most loved and respected live music events across Australia and New Zealand — a tastemaker festival renowned for discovery, community, and championing the most exciting artists from around the world. This year, Laneway Festival will make its Gold Coast debut at Southport Sharks — a fresh backdrop and the perfect chance to connect with fans in a region that's always shown enormous love for live music. The new site offers a unique setting with an easy-to-navigate layout, seamless movement between stages, and excellent transport connections. Intimate yet expansive, it's set to deliver a world-class festival experience.
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From now until 01 Apr 2026
Somerset Storyfest Writers' Festival
Book lovers and storytellers, get ready for an exciting celebration! The annual Somerset Storyfest Writers' Festival is returning to the Gold Coast. This highly anticipated event will bring together over 30 of the country's most renowned authors, illustrators, and artists, aiming to inspire both aspiring writers and passionate readers. Throughout the festival, attendees can enjoy daily interactive sessions with talented authors, as well as book signings at the Book Shop. But the excitement doesn't stop there – a series of exclusive public events is also designed to captivate and entertain. Our standout events include the annual Prologue Party, Literary Lunch and Long Table Dinner. Whether you're looking to meet your favourite author, engage in thought-provoking discussions, or simply soak up the festive atmosphere, Somerset Storyfest offers something for everyone!
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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.