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Your Event Line Up
Some say we like to see ourselves as the main event, but really, we do it all for you! High-energy stage show sound good? How about beach cinema or symphony under the stars? If sport's more your thing, why not check out a NRL or AFL game? Or for lovers of low-key, get into one of the many grassroots arts and food festivals. Check out the latest events on Gold Coast below.
All Events
- Free Event
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08 Feb 2026
Meet Formation Effects
Showrunner, screenwriter, director, and 6-time AACTA Award winner Tony Ayres (The Home Song Stories, Clickbait, The Survivors) joins us for a discussion reflecting on over 33 years of storytelling in the ever-evolving landscape of Australian screen. Ayres will shares his experience working across film and television in a wide range of genres.Unpacking how he’s kept pace with a rapidly evolving industry and ever-changing audience tastes, to jumping head first into the streaming era to tell stories that consistently connect with local and global audiences. This is a unique opportunity to hear from one of Australia’s most influential storytellers about the art and craft of screen storytelling today.
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08 Feb 2026
Chloe Hayden on Move Over Mama
AACTA Award-winner and Heartbreak High star Chloe Hayden joins beloved Gold Coast radio host Emily Jade O’Keeffe and her daughter Millie Valentine for a special live recording of their hit podcast Move Over Mama at the AACTA Festival. Chloe will share what it means to grow up inside Australia’s screen industry, navigating fame and identity in the public eye, and taking ownership of your voice in an era where young talent is watched, scrutinised and celebrated in real time.
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08 Feb 2026
Hour by Hour - Shabana Azeez in The Pitt
Australian actress Shabana Azeez is a breakout star in HBO’s gripping medical drama, The Pitt. The series explores the moral and emotional complexities of life inside a modern hospital and won five Emmy's at the 2025 Primetime Emmy Awards.In this engaging conversation, Azeez reflects on her work in a series that balances high-stakes medicine with intimate human stories, tackling questions of ethics, resilience, and compassion under pressure. This conversation includes dynamic behind the scenes sequences and exclusive footage of The Pitt.
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08 Feb 2026
Two Years Later - World Premiere
Walk the red carpet at the gala Australian premiere of the upcoming Paramount+ series Two Years Later, a romantic comedy-drama starring Brenton Thwaites and Phoebe Tonkin, filmed entirely in Queensland.Following the screening, join special guests for an on-stage conversation exploring the creative journey behind the series - from its sun-drenched Queensland setting to its honest, hilarious take on modern love, awkward dates, and unexpected chemistry.For fans of rom-coms and homegrown stories, this premiere promises a warm, witty and intimate celebration of Australian storytelling on the global stage.Two Years Later is an eight-episode romantic comedy-drama series set in post-pandemic Brisbane, exploring the complexities of love, identity, and adulthood through the story of Emily and Ryan—two thirty-somethings whose daily flirtation on their work commute is disrupted by COVID-19. After an unexpected reunion two years later, Ryan impulsively proposes they go on eight dates to decide if they're meant to be married. Together, they navigate personal revelations, unexpected family drama, professional upheavals, and their contrasting worldviews—all while discovering genuine intimacy.5:30pm doors open6:00pm event commences
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08 Feb 2026
Next Gen of Aussie Film Stars
Meet the breakout young actors before they become household names. Australia has a long history of launching the next global screen stars, and in this special AACTA Festival session you’ll meet rising stars on the brink of major careers. Hear how they’re navigating the industry at a time when Australian talent is being discovered younger and cast in bigger roles.This is your chance to connect with the future of Australian screen storytelling and witness the next generation before the rest of the world catches up.
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08 Feb 2026
Mandy Walker AM ASC ACS: Behind the Lens
Widely celebrated as one of Australia’s most accomplished cinematographers, Mandy Walker has brought her visionary eye to films ranging from intimate Australian stories like Lantana and Tracks, to international blockbusters such as Mulan, Hidden Figures, Elvis, and Snow White.Mandy will take audiences behind the camera, breaking down key scenes from her diverse body of work. From the challenges of small-budget Australian productions to the scale and spectacle of major studio projects, she will share insights into her creative process, collaborations with directors, and the technical innovations that have defined her career.This exclusive session offers a rare opportunity to explore the artistry and vision of a cinematographer whose work has shaped both Australian and global cinema.
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08 Feb 2026
The Sound of Fury Road
Sound designer David White (Mad Max: Fury Road, The Railway Man, Dangerous Animals) is one of Australia’s most accomplished screen sound artists.David’s Oscar-winning work on Mad Max: Fury Road helped define one of the most exhilarating action films of our time. In this on-screen deconstruction, he revisits key sequences from the film to show how sound is used to tell the story, underscore emotion, build tension - and create dramatic action sequences that immerse audiences in the relentless intensity of its high-octane world.This is a rare opportunity to explore how sound shaped a modern classic, guided by the Oscar winner who brought it to life.
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08 Feb 2026
David Michôd & Antony Partos - Music in Film
Acclaimed filmmaker David Michôd and celebrated composer Antony Partos come together for a special AACTA Festival conversation exploring their creative partnership across three landmark collaborations - Animal Kingdom, The Rover and Christy. They’ll discuss how music shapes story, the creative language they’ve developed together, and how score and image combine to build emotion and atmosphere. Through an open conversation and selected clips, this session offers a rare look at one of Australian cinema’s most distinctive creative pairings.
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08 Feb 2026
In Conversation with Author Andy Weir
Bestselling author Andy Weir (The Martian, Artemis, and Project Hail Mary) beams in live to AACTA Festival ahead of Project Hail Mary’s release to share insights into his approach to storytelling and the upcoming films journey to the screen.
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08 Feb 2026
David Williamson on Writing Gallipoli
Acclaimed Queensland screenwriter and playwright David Williamson reflects on the making of Gallipoli, one of Australia’s most iconic films. In this special session, Williamson will discuss the writing process, the collaborations that shaped the screenplay, and the enduring impact of the film on Australian cinema.A rare chance to hear directly from one of the country’s most influential storytellers about the craft of screenwriting and the legacy of this landmark film.
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08 Feb 2026
Christopher Nolan’s Editor - Lee Smith
Oscar-winning Australian editor Lee Smith is widely recognised as one of the greatest living film editors, with a career spanning more than four decades and some of the most acclaimed works in modern cinema. A frequent collaborator of Christopher Nolan, Lee has edited more than ten of Nolan’s films, including Inception, The Dark Knight and Dunkirk.His remarkable career also includes collaborations with other legendary filmmakers such as Peter Weir and Sam Mendes - shaping films that have left a lasting impact on audiences around the world.In this special AACTA Festival session, Lee joins us live from New York for a visual showcase of his extraordinary work. Through a curated selection of iconic scenes, he will reveal how the invisible art of editing builds emotion, rhythm and narrative power, transforming raw footage into unforgettable cinematic moments.
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08 Feb 2026
Sourdough Pizza Masterclass Helensvale
🍕🍕🍕 It's pizza time! 🍕🍕🍕Sip & TasteJoin our Sourdough Pizza Masterclass in a 3 hours hands-on class, Enjoy your own pizza, take home 2 pizza dough balls and my sourdough starterThe only Sourdough Pizza MasterclassIn this masterclass you will learn to make from scratch a great sourdough pizza, hand stretch as a Professional Pizza Chef, top and cook in a Pizza oven at 400 degrees and much more…You will also learn:What Sourdough isHow to feed the starterThe sourdough health benefitsHow to bake sourdough pizza in your home ovenThe difference between Napolitan and Roman style pizzaAnd much more…Knowledge required:This class is suitable for anyone who would like to enjoy a fun experience of making your own sourdough pizza.For who this Masterclass is:for anyone who would like to enjoy a Sunday Lunch having fun making your own pizzaIf you are intolerant to gluten and wanted to eat a healthy Pizza that doesn't upset your stomachIf you have already done my sourdough bread workshop and would like to expand our skills to PizzaYou will become a member of The Sourdough Science Academy and will get ;2 sourdough pizza bases to bake at homeMy recipeMy sourdough cultureLifetime Access to our private group where you can share your results and ask for adviceYou will also have a chance to buy Local Certified organic flours and imported Italian Pizza ToppingsWhat to bring:A bottle of waterA notepad and penSourdough Pizza Masterclass presented byThe Sourdough Science AcademyFounder Roberto Giammellucca, Italian Chef, Baker and Pizza Master.Special Offer: Book 1 Month in Advance and Save 10%!Planning ahead pays off! When you book your class with us at least one month in advance from the class date, you’ll enjoy a fantastic 10% discount. The price will be updated in automatic based on the date you are buying the ticket.Sourdough Pizza MasterclassThe Sourdough Science AcademyFounder Roberto Giammellucca, Italian Chef, Baker and Pizza Master 👨🍳 🍕 🥖
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08 Feb 2026
The Devil's Playground - 50th Anniversary Screening
Marking 50 years since its release, Fred Schepisi’s The Devil’s Playground remains a cornerstone of Australian cinema. After the screening, join Fred Schepisi, lead actor Simon Burke, writer Thomas Keneally and special guests, as they reflect on the creative process, the film’s cultural significance, and the collaboration that brought this landmark story to life.
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09 Feb 2026
🏈 COORS PRESENTS: Super Bowl LX Live at The Balcony
🏈 Super Bowl LX — Live on the Big Screen at Cooly Hotel! Catch every moment of the Super Bowl LIVE on the massive balcony screen at Cooly Hotel! Kick-off coverage starts 10:00 AM, Monday 9 February, with all the big hits, big plays and big-game energy. Enjoy the open-air atmosphere, icy drinks, and free food rolling out during the game. Whether you're here for the touchdowns, the halftime show or the vibe — this is the place to be. Don’t miss it!
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09 Feb 2026
🏈 COORS PRESENTS: Super Bowl LX Live on the Balcony
🏈 Super Bowl LX — Live on the Big Screen at Cooly Hotel! Catch every moment of the Super Bowl LIVE on the massive balcony screen at Cooly Hotel! Kick-off coverage starts 10:00 AM, Monday 9 February, with all the big hits, big plays and big-game energy. Enjoy the open-air atmosphere, icy drinks, and free food rolling out during the game. Whether you're here for the touchdowns, the halftime show or the vibe — this is the place to be. Don’t miss it!
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10 Feb 2026
DAN KING The LIVE SOULGASM TOUR | CLOSING SHOW (Gold Coast)
SOULGASM: The LIVE! Experience - Gold Coast Closing Show.CONNECT WITH SPIRIT AND SELF.Note: This event has been updated to the new February 2026 tour schedule due to overwhelming demand. All previously purchased tickets remain valid for this rescheduled date.After selling out events across Canada, Spiritual Conduit & Medium Dan King brings his globally acclaimed experience to Australia for the first time ever, SOULGASM: The LIVE! Experience, INtimate with the INfinite.Known as the Rated-R Avatar for his raw, real, and revolutionary delivery, Dan’s work merges inspiration, enlightenment, and entertainment in an unapologetically modern way. His sessions are emotional, humorous, confronting, and profoundly healing, a night that shakes your soul and awakens your truth.ALL IN ATTENDANCE RECEIVE A PERSONAL READINGIn this all-readings, all-night, for all in attendance format, no one leaves unseen.You can ask Spirit a specific question about anything in your life, or simply receive the message you most need to hear in this moment.Every message is unique, powerful, and deeply personal, and you’ll often discover even more through the readings of others.THE EXPERIENCE: PANEZSKI ARTISAN DISTILLERY, GOLD COASTThe Australian Closing Night will be hosted at the exquisite Panezski Artisan Distillery in Upper Coomera, an intimate, premium venue opening its doors exclusively for this event.Guests are invited to arrive early, settle in, and enjoy a relaxed dining experience before the show begins.Panezski’s handcrafted cocktails, award-winning spirits, and delicious modern menu will be available for purchase throughout the evening.This is not just an event, it’s an evening to savour.Come early, dine, connect, and let your energy align before stepping into an unforgettable night with Dan King.Expect laughter, tears, breakthroughs, and undeniable connection in a uniquely up-close setting that will stay with you long after the night ends.You won’t walk out the same person you walked in as.WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYINGFrom laughter to tears to life-changing clarity, here’s what audiences around the world have said after a night with Dan King:“If a spiritual advisor like Dan were a drug, it would be unethical not to use it.”- Jenna B.“After an event that awesome, I think I need a cigarette… and I don’t even smoke!”- Andrea O.“Listening to Dan speak has without a doubt changed who I am for the rest of my life.”- Janessa R.“I leave feeling truly seen and heard by this incredibly soulful man.”- Wendy W.“Authentic, funny, engaging and gifted - Dan is the real deal!”- Alisia G.“Dan King has the ability to get right to the heart of the issues holding you back in your life.”- Justin E.COME ONE. COME ALL. COME… BACK TO YOU.Presented by Pask MediaA transformational live experience awakening souls across Australia.
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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.