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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
- Free Event
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From now until 23 Jan 2026
Welcome to Parad-Ice - The Variety Ice Skating Show
Get your tickets to 'Welcome to Parad-Ice', a one-of-a-kind variety show, featuring fierce ice-skating that will dazzle with acrobatics, spins, and clown antics. Fun for the whole family. Located at Planet Chill Ice-Skating Rink, inside Paradise Resort Gold Coast.
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From now until 28 Dec 2025
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. 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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From now until 29 Oct 2025
Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere
Springsteen: Deliver Me From NowhereBruce Springsteen's journey crafting his 1982 album Nebraska, which emerged as he recorded Born in the USA with the E Street Band. Based on Warren Zanes' book. Country Of Origin: USA.
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From now until 29 Jan 2026
A Bigger View
Embark on a journey of epic proportions as you immerse yourself in monumental works of art from the National Gallery of Australia (NGA). Made possible through the Australian Government's Sharing the National Collection initiative, this exhibition brings together masterpieces from the NGA alongside major works from our very own collection. Spanning decades and continents, each epic in scale and subject, these artworks demonstrate the various and unique approaches artists take to the landscape. A highlight for visitors will be two artworks created by Henri Matisse (1869 -1954), one of Europe's greatest twentieth-century modernist artists. Accompanying Matisse's uniquely abstracted views of sea and sky forms is an extraordinary work by senior Australian artist, Imants Tillers, presenting a vision of the Australian landscape inspired by Eugene Von Guérard's 1863 masterpiece North-east view from the northern top of Mount Kosciusko, seen here together for the first time. These works will be complemented by stunning works from HOTA's own collection. Uluru by Pintupi artist Long Tom Tjapanangka brings a First Nations perspective of Australia's biggest landmark to the exhibition, and a stunning hinterland painting by beloved Australian artist Wiliam Robinson invites contemplation of the natural world around us. Prepare to be awestruck by the grandeur of these works, as you explore a bigger view.
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From now until 06 Jan 2026
HOTA Collects: Metamorphosis
HOTA Collects: MetamorphosisArtists have been transforming found materials through cutting, assembling and pasting for centuries. Processes such as collage and assemblage flourished in Australia from the mid-twentieth century, with artists repurposing the discarded detritus of modern life to create new meaning. Through collage and photomontage, artists reconfigure images to examine themes such as feminism, environmentalism, and the connection between self and place. Metamorphosis brings together work by more than thirty Australian artists from the HOTA Collection, who have used these transformative methods to explore ideas of identity, memory and perception. The exhibition title draws from the words of Colin Lanceley, a key figure in the development of assemblage art in Australia, who observed: ‘The transformation of materials, the metamorphosis, informed by a poetic sensibility, is the key to creativity.’ Included in the exhibition are works by Lorraine Connelly-Northey, Rosalie Gascoigne, James Gleeson, Robert Klippel, Julie Rrap, Sally Smart, Ruby Spowart, Brett Whiteley, Judith Wright and Jemima Wyman. Image: Ruby Spowart, South Stradbroke triptych 1992, silver gelatin prints, collaged. Collection, HOTA Gallery. Gifted by the citizens of the Gold Coast to future generations 1993 © The artist’s estate
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From now until 06 Jan 2026
KEN DONE: NO RULES
‘There are no rules. And if there are rules, then you may as well break them.’ – Ken Done Ken Done’s paintings have captured public imagination for more than four decades. As one of Australia’s most recognisable artists, Done is beloved for his bold use of colour and vibrant imagery, resulting in paintings which are exuberant celebrations of the world around him. Done has forged a career unlike any other artist this country has seen, resisting traditional art-world expectations and embracing spontaneity and emotion over rigid technique. At a youthful eighty-five, Ken Done remains true to his personal philosophy – that an artist can and should create their own rules. Ken Done: No Rules features artworks from the 1980s to today which are largely drawn from Done’s personal collection. In his signature optimistic style, he captures the intimacy of his home and garden through to the majestic grandeur of Australia’s reefs, beaches and coastlines that have made Ken Done a household name. The exhibition features an exclusive animation showcasing a selection of Ken Done's iconic paintings, offering visitors a deeper immersion into his vibrant universe. Also included is a selection of outfits from Australian designer duo Anna Plunkett and Luke Sales of Romance Was Born from their 2023 collaborative collection Done Zone. This exhibition is curated in partnership with The Ken Done Gallery, Sydney.
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From now until 09 Nov 2025
ENERGIES 25
ENERGIES 25Nurturing artistic talent for nearly 40 years, ENERGIES is a renowned exhibition showcasing the exceptional work of senior secondary visual art students on the Gold Coast. This well-loved platform provides a professional gallery setting for these rising stars to unveil their creativity. More than just an exhibition, ENERGIES champions artistic excellence, recognises best practices in arts education, and empowers students to pursue careers in the arts. ENERGIES fosters a thriving artistic lineage. Esteemed alumni like Michael Candy, Abbey McCulloch, Rebecca Ross, and Michael Zavros are a testament to the exhibition’s success. Continuing this tradition of excellence, ENERGIES is a collaborative effort between Gold Coast Visual Arts educators, students and HOTA Gallery. Mark your calendars! The next ENERGIES exhibition will take centre stage at the HOTA Gallery from 13 Sept. Don't miss this exciting opportunity to witness the brilliance of the Gold Coast's next generation of artists!
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30 Oct 2025
Life Drawing Session Southport (Freestyle)
FREESTYLE LIFE DRAWING Join us for an immersive Freestyle Life drawing session In a unique Art Gallery setting in Southport - open to beginners and experienced artists This is a self directed practice session, no formal instruction, Doors open 5.30pm for 6.00pm Start WHATS INCLUDED Life model Pencils, charcoal sticks,pastels erasers and sharpeners Newsprint / butchers paper rolls for warm-up sketches Drawing Cartridge Paper sheets A1 A2,Drawing boards, easels tables and chairs WHAT TO BRING Any specialty media or paper you want to use This is a self-directed practice session , there’s no formal instruction, but a supportive environment encourages you to create at your own pace. Important Information Sessions are strictly 18+ Life drawing involves nude and partially nude poses. Gallery 8 is a licensed venue, no BYO Q & A Do I need to have drawing experience to attend? Not at all! Our sessions are open to beginners and experienced artists alike. this is a self directed practice session, no formal instruction, Do I need to bring my own art supplies? We provide charcoal, paper, and boards. You’re welcome to bring your favourite pencils, sketchbooks, or paints if you’d like to use your own. Is food and drink available during the event? Yes, our Gallery 8 café bar is open with coffee, wine, and light bites available for purchase. Can I bring my own drinks? No BYO – Gallery 8 is a licensed venue, but we have a full bar available. Doors open from 5.30pm. Can under-18s attend? These sessions are for adults (18+) due to the nature of life drawing with nude models.
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31 Oct 2025
Drag Queen Bingo | Halloween Queens
This ain't no nanna bingo! We're celebrating a super special Xmas in July edition of Drag Queen Bingo, hosted by a superstar lineup to be announced soon! You won't want to the epic tunes from DJ VICES! Enjoy dinner & drinks from the yummy food vendors at Miami Marketta, and get ready for an unforgettable evening! This is a MA15+ event and a safe and accepting space! No children or babies - no exceptions.
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31 Oct 2025 - 23 Nov 2025
Lassu Cosmic Cabaret
Step into LASSÙ Cosmic Cabaret Saloon perched on the galaxy's edge, where space cowboys, alien drifters, and the legendary Rodeo Sisters dazzle with out-of-this-world acts. Join Rodeo Clown Rusty as he journeys through the golden days of LASSÙ, determined to revive the magic that once filled the saloon. Immerse yourself in a story where past and future collide in a spectacular, Adults Only risqué circus experience.
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From now until 01 Nov 2025 (Annual)
Christmas Markets - Summer Land Camels
Experience the best of a boutique country market and get a start on your Christmas shopping! With free admission, come and support local Scenic Rim producers and businesses, as well as others from around Southeast Queensland. Eat and shop for Christmas gifts, have a great time with friends, enjoy the stunning views from the property, and relax to the sounds of a local entertainer while you browse through the stalls. There will also be a very special guest appearance by Santa! Camel rides can be booked on the day. Plenty of on-site parking available. Sorry, no pets allowed.
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06 Nov 2025 - 08 Nov 2025
Elastic Hearts featuring the music of Sia
Elastic Hearts featuring the music of SiaRaw, radiant and unrelentingly human. Step into a powerful new dance experience with Elastic Hearts — a bold fusion of contemporary ballet and the chart-topping music of pop icon Sia, brought to life with a cinematic score specially recorded by Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Choreographed and directed by Garry Stewart, the visually stunning production is a sensory journey through nature, creativity and resilience. At its heart is a commanding ‘Gaia’ figure – a matriarchal force who invokes the cycles of life and the creative spirit through movement, music and light. Presented as the first of three music-led world premieres exclusive to HOTA, Elastic Hearts marks the beginning of an exciting partnership between Experience Gold Coast and Queensland Ballet. With creative staging, evocative design and the unmissable voice of Sia, Elastic Hearts promises to leave you humming, moved and utterly spellbound. Image Credit: Collider
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From now until 01 Feb 2026
Cloudy with a Chance of Art
Cloudy with a Chance of ArtEyes to the sky! HOTA’s Children’s Gallery is a place for daydreaming and creativity. The sky is the limit to your imagination, so we encourage families to look up and see some amazing artworks by Australian artists - historical and contemporary - that also look to the sky for inspiration. A curated display of cloud artworks will set the scene for play and creativity ‘beneath the clouds’ in the Children’s Gallery. Proudly supported by Experience Gold Coast Image: Guan Wei Sky 1999, synthetic polymer paint on canvas. Collection, HOTA Gallery. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Guan Wei 2013 © Guan Wei
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12 Nov 2025
Drag Queen Bingo | 12 November
This ain't no nanna bingo! Grab your friends and get ready for an exciting evening of Drag Queen Bingo, games and fun hosted by Tina Bikkie & Beverly Kills! You won't want to the epic tunes from DJ VICES! Enjoy dinner & drinks from the yummy food vendors at Miami Marketta, and get ready for an unforgettable evening! This is a MA15+ event and a safe and accepting space! No children or babies - no exceptions.
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15 Nov 2025
Miami Marketta Gold Coast Market - Saturday 15 November, 2025
Love Me Again Market is heading to Miami Marketta!Join us for a morning of pre-loved fashion, good food and coffee, music and great times at this iconic Gold Coast venue!Make your plans to shop from an incredible range of pre-loved designer and on-trend women’s fashion and accessories OR book a stall to earn some cash and find your pre-loved outfits a new home!This is a 100% indoor and accessible venue. It is also FREE ENTRY for shoppers! Don’t forget to BYO market bag to carry all of your goodies. We are SO excited - we can't wait to see you there!EVENT DETAILSThis market runs from 8am-12pm. Upon booking you will receive an extensive stallholder info pack with all the information you need for market day including bump in times and parking details!STALL COST$80 + booking fee (Split a stall with a friend and pay only $40 each! Strictly maximum 2 people per stall) WHAT'S INCLUDED IN YOUR STALLA 2m x 1.5m market space1 x 1.2m table included in stallEach stall will have access to a chairStallholders to bring up to 2 clothing hanging racks (highly recommended)PLUS!Changerooms and mirrors provided on-siteStreet parking for stallholders and customers available in surrounding streetsDownloadable signage and pricing posters to print at homeFull insurance coverCoffee van on-siteLove Me Again Markets are a welcoming and fun environment for all people, all ages and all sizes. Our markets are focused on customer experience - try clothes on in our change rooms, enjoy easy access with heaps of car parking for customers and meet likeminded women at this fun event.We have an amazing community of customers at every market and our staff are always on hand if you have any questions. We can’t wait to have you join us!
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15 Nov 2025
NATYAM
NATYAMNATYAM is the annual dance concert of Rhythm India School of Dance, celebrating a vibrant blend of tradition and creativity. This exciting showcase features captivating performances in Bharatanatyam, Bollywood, and Semi-Classical styles by students of all ages. Rooted in cultural richness and artistic expression, NATYAM highlights the growth, confidence, and passion of every dancer. From the graceful storytelling of Bharatanatyam to the high-energy flair of Bollywood and the expressive beauty of Semi-Classical, the concert is a colourful tribute to Indian dance.
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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.