Find Your Perspective
There's a rumour that we're not a very "artsy" place. Good thing it's just a rumour. Galleries, theatre groups, nostalgia museums, sculpture festivals and indigenous performances just brush the surface of a cultural canvas that goes far deeper. As they say - art is purely a matter of perspective after all. Looking for more inspiration? Check out the cultural highlights of the Gold Coast hinterland.
arts & culture
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From now until 11 Nov 2026
Wicker
On the outskirts of a village by the sea, lives a Fisherwoman; smelly, single and perpetually ridiculed. One day, fed up with her stuffy, small-minded neighbors, she commissions herself a husband to be made from wicker. In an otherwise conservative town, this unconventional romance sparks outrage, jealousy and chaos.
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From now until 11 Nov 2026
Pressure
In the tense 72 hours before D-Day, and the fate of the free world hanging in the balance, PRESSURE follows General Dwight D. Eisenhower and Captain James Stagg as they face an impossible choice—launch the largest and most dangerous invasion in history or risk losing the war altogether. Based on the Untold True Story.
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From now until 11 Nov 2026
Primetime
In 2006, To Catch a Predator host Chris Hansen sets out to make television history.
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From now until 05 Dec 2026
Quiet Hour
On the first Saturday of every month between 9am-10am we offer Quiet Hour in HOTA Gallery. Our Quiet Hour is provided to ensure a relaxed and calm environment for anyone who prefers a quieter visitor experience. Please meet at Ground Entry for access to Quiet Hour.During Quiet Hour: Signage encourages visitors to contribute to a more calming environment Tannoys (public address system) are turned off Music is turned off Accessible bathrooms without electric hand dryers available for use Lower sound and light levels are employed where possible We can provide a quiet break out space, please ask a member of staff A Social Story for the Gallery is available at reception and to download below.
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From now until 30 Jan 2027
HOTA Collects: Alchemy
The concept of alchemy is rich with allegory and metaphor, offering a framework for artists working across photography, ceramics, sculpture and painting. Alchemy brings together works from the HOTA Collection that engage with materiality, process, decay and transformation. From cameraless photography processes, to sculpture, ceramic and drawings made with wind and fire, this exhibition explores the philosophical and physical ways contemporary artists employ alchemical processes in their practice. Alchemy also features two light-based sculptures by Australian artist Lindy Lee, recently acquired for the HOTA Collection to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the HOTA Gallery.Artists include Daniel Boyd, Vincent Brown, Elisa Jane Carmichael, Rose Farrell & George Parkin, Leah King-Smith, Jae Hoon Lee, Lindy Lee, eX de Medici, David Oswald, Susan Purdy, Cameron Robbins, Justine Varga and John Wolseley.
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From now until 23 Jan 2027
Energies 26
Energies is an annual exhibition showcasing the exceptional creative talents of senior secondary students on the Gold Coast. For nearly forty years, this prestigious exhibition has provided emerging artists with a professional platform to present their work, empowering students to pursue careers in the arts. Energies is a celebration of the creativity of our young people shaping the artistic future of the region.2026 Submissions are now closed.
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From now until 15 Nov 2026
BETWEEN FORMS - Group Exhibition | 4 Artists
BETWEEN FORMS brings together four artists working across painting, graphite and ceramics, each exploring the relationship between material, process and artistic expression.Through the considered practices of Chantal O'Malley, Nita Barca, Roz Perugino and Martina Skalicky, the exhibition reveals the distinct ways artists interpret, shape and respond to the world around them.From the fluidity of oil paint and the quiet precision of graphite to the tactile, transformative nature of clay, each practice offers a different perspective on the creative process.
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From now until 25 Dec 2026
CHRISTMAS AT HOTA
Christmas at HOTA brings the magic of the festive season to life with an exciting program of entertainment and dining. Enjoy a spectacular show, settle in for a festive movie, laugh the night away at the Christmas Comedy Gala, indulge in a festive feast, and discover so much more. Gather your family and friends and celebrate a very HOTA Christmas.
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From now until 11 Nov 2026
Sense And Sensibility
From Focus Features and Working Title comes an irresistible new take on Jane Austen’s iconic Sense and Sensibility: a charming, witty, and deeply relatable story of love and sisterhood starring Daisy Edgar-Jones and Esmé Creed-Miles.
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From now until 29 Nov 2026
Prison Island
Prison Island is an interactive adventure where teams take on 39 thrilling challenge cells. Perfect for all ages and group types including friends, families, or co-workers.The experience offers 60 to 120 minutes of gameplay with 39 unique themed cells and an adrenaline-fueled team challenge. Teams of 2 to 5 can participate, ideal for friends, families and co-workers. A thrilling mix of mental puzzles, physical challenges and team coordination is offered. Teams work to collect as many points as possible before time runs out.Perfect for any occasion including birthday celebrations, team building and bachelor and bachelorette parties.
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11 Nov 2026
You Can See Everything - Eyes Open Preview at Dendy Cinemas Southport
Be the first to see You Can See Everything at the Eyes Open Preview.From boundary-pushing directors Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim comes notorious Silicon Valley founder Elizabeth Holmes thirty four days before she's sent to prison.She invites a skeptical film crew to document her every move. What begins as an intimate portrait of an enigmatic criminal becomes a mind-bending three-year journey into the abyss.
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13 Nov 2026
GC Comedy Showcase
Laugh out loud with the funniest local* acts live at GC Comedy Shows – your new favorite night out! (*may include one ring in from Brisbane)GC Comedy ShowsGet ready to laugh your socks off at the GC Comedy Shows! (no replacement socks will be provided, this isn't Bounce) enjoy hilarious performances up close and personal. Hosted by Brad Pearson, stand up comedian and actor who has appeared on Foxtels The Comedy Channel, 10's Star Search, 7's Home and Away, plus many other TV shows, web series, and feature films for the last 20 years.A former Dracula's Cabaret performer and award-winning director he has worked with everyone from Ahn Do to Andrew Denton and Harry Connick Jnr.Whether you're coming with friends or flying solo, expect a night full of fun vibes, great jokes, and reviews written by AI. Don’t miss out on the chance to catch some of the funniest acts around and one guy who is a friend of the MC.
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From now until 26 Dec 2027
Carrara Markets Car Boot Sale
Carrara Markets is famous for its Sunday morning Car Boot Sale!If you love a second-hand bargain then you're sure to find it amongst the boots full of preloved fashion, books, toys, homewares, tools, bibs and bobs!If you have a garage full of stuff you don't know what to do with, then you can make some cash from your trash by becoming a car boot seller! Seller sites are $50. No bookings required. Just turn up on the day with your car loaded up & start selling!Carrara Markets Car Boot Sale is open every Sunday morning 7am to 10am in the car park.
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15 Nov 2026
The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend - The Celebration Concert
The Songs of John Farnham: A Living Legend – The Celebration Concert brings a once-in-a-generation musical event back to the big screen, capturing an extraordinary gathering of Australian and international stars at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena to honour the voice, the songs and the enduring legacy of John Farnham.Led by Farnham’s longtime Musical Director Chong Lim AM, the John Farnham Band joins a 38-piece orchestra and choir as part of a spectacular ensemble of more than 120 artists and musicians. The star-studded celebration features Vanessa Amorosi, Tina Arena, Jimmy Barnes, Mahalia Barnes, Kate Ceberano, Diesel, Celine Dion, Rob Farnham, Dannielle Gaha, Hans, Human Nature, Hugh Jackman, Jack Jones, Chris Martin, Richard Marx, Jessica Mauboy, Ruby Rodgers, Jon Stevens, Mitch Tambo, Keith Urban, Mark Vincent and Ross Wilson.Personally invited by John, the artists bring their own voices to his remarkable catalogue, breathing fresh life into the anthems and ballads that have soundtracked generations of Australian lives. A powerful celebration of music and connection, this unforgettable concert film also shines a light on Head and Neck Cancer Australia and its vital work supporting people affected by the disease
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From now until 06 Feb 2028
HOTA Farmers and Artisan Market
The HOTA Markets are one of the Gold Coast's most vibrant community markets, held every Sunday morning, in the iconic HOTA precinct from 6am-11.30am.Like the Gold Coast itself, we're a celebration of independence and lifestyle! They are passionate about local farmers, makers, bakers and growers, we like knowing where our goods come from, and we love supporting new and emerging small businesses. The markets are part of the fabric of the Gold Coast, they're proud to support and foster local artists and live music, as well as supporting social causes representing the local community.Each Sunday HOTA comes alive with in-season farm-fresh produce, delicious artisan foods, boutique fashion and handcrafted wears. All nestled against the backdrop of Evendale Lake and the stunning HOTA landscape.
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20 Nov 2026
Pickpockets
Jesse, a lone-wolf pickpocket, fights a turf dispute with Robin, a charming rookie. Their flirty competition quickly devolves into all-out war - With set-ups, public humiliation, stolen stashes, and a near-death trip to the ER. Until the score of a lifetime appears and the former rivals are forced into an uneasy alliance. But when the plan goes sideways (and feelings get involved) the thieves find themselves in the crosshairs of a murderous lunatic. If they want to stay alive, they must overcome their romantic insecurities and pull off the perfect heist. Not to mention, fix the rift with the last person they expected to be the love of their life.
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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.