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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 31 May 2026
Inside Pompeii: Origins of a European Way of Life
Inside Pompeii: Origins of a European Way of LifePhotographs by Luigi Spina. The European Union presents Inside Pompeii: Origins of a European Way of Life – a breathtaking exhibition showcasing the evocative photography of Luigi Spina, capturing the ancient city of Pompeii like never before. During the global pandemic, with the Archaeological Park of Pompeii closed to the public, Spina had the unprecedented opportunity to immerse himself in its timeless spaces. Over 1,450 photographs emerged from this unique residency, with 300 of them published in the acclaimed book Interno Pompeiano (Inside Pompeii) in 5 language editions in collaboration with 5 Continents Editions (Milan, Italy). Through the lens of a purpose-built camera which allows photos to be taken in natural light, Pompeii is brought back to life. These stunning images invite us to walk its storied streets, hear the echoes of people’s lives, and marvel at the intricate frescoes that capture both the grandeur and intimacy of an ancient European way of living. The exchange of cultural knowledge, traditions and art between the EU and international partners is key to fostering mutual respect and understanding, which creates peace and stability around the world. As a World Heritage site, Pompeii is preserved for the sake of the world, like the 20 World Heritage Sites in Australia. This shared respect for preserving and upholding cultural heritage, leads us to the understanding that we require shared solutions for challenges of the present and future. “I invite you to explore this extraordinary exhibition and experience Pompeii as it once was—vibrant, thriving, and profoundly human”. - Gabriele Visentin, EU Ambassador to Australia.
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From now until 19 Jun 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 23 May 2026
Kings of Comedy's Gold Coast Comedy Club
🎤 Kings of Comedy: Surfers Paradise Showcase at Oaks Gold Coast Resort 🌴Get ready for a night of non-stop laughs as Australia’s best underground comedy club lands in Surfers Paradise!Join us at the stunning Oaks Gold Coast Resort for a boutique comedy night packed with rising stars, seasoned headliners, and raw, unfiltered talent.Whether you’re a local legend or here on holiday, this is the Gold Coast comedy experience you’ve been craving—no gimmicks, no fluff, just side-splitting stand-up comedy at its finest.Adults-only event (18+)Intimate venue, epic atmosphereDinner & show options availablePerfect for date night, mates night, or solo missions🚗 Paid parking available on site (Crowne Plaza Underground Carpark)🚋 Tram stop right out the frontIf you're planning to have a drink or two—easy access and no need for a designated driver.🎟️ Seating: 6:45pm | Showtime: 7:00pm sharp👉 Book now – tickets move fast and laughter waits for no one!🍽️ Dinner Sessions are before the show 5:45pmFrom Melbourne to the Goldie, Kings of Comedy is bringing the laughs nationwide.Come see why we’re the underground comedy scene’s worst-kept secret—and why the other clubs keep trying to copy us.
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10 Apr 2026 (Monthly)
Kings of Comedy's Dreamworld After Dark Comedy Showcase
🎤 Kings of Comedy – Dreamworld Night Markets Showcase (18+ Adults Only)Get ready for a massive night of laughter as Kings of Comedy brings Australia’s best underground stand-up straight to Dreamworld on the Gold Coast.This high-energy showcase features a hand-picked lineup of rising comedy stars and professional headline acts delivering bold, uncensored, laugh-out-loud comedy from start to finish. It’s the perfect night out for mates, dates, or anyone needing a proper break from reality.Before the show, soak up the atmosphere at the Dreamworld Night Markets, with plenty of delicious food and drink options to kick off your night right. Then settle in for a comedy experience that’s raw, real, and guaranteed to leave your stomach hurting from laughter.✨ Adults only (18+)✨ Uncensored underground comedy✨ Perfect date night or group night out✨ Food & drinks available on site🎟 Limited seats available... book early to avoid missing out!Kings of Comedy, making date night fun again on the Gold Coast.
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Sunday (Weekly)
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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From now until 30 Jan 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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From now until 30 Mar 2026
Solo Exhibition 'Precipe' by Raymond Cheney
Raymond Cheney's hyper realistic paintings immediately draw you in through their extraordinary details and precision.In his new solo show Precipice, starting 19th March 2026 at Studio 8 Currumbin, his technical mastery becomes a way of slowing us down and asking us to really look.The exhibition poses a quietly urgent question: how do we curb our human impact on the planet before it is too late?Through meticulous detail, Cheney presents a contemporary reflection on the delicate balance between the beauty and destruction of the natural world.The title Precipice speaks to this moment of uncertainty. Rather than telling us what to think, Cheney invites visual reflection.Presented within the intimate setting of Studio 8 Currumbin, the exhibition encourages close, unhurried engagement. Precipice stays with you, leaving a simple but powerful question in its wake: can we afford to look away?
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17 Apr 2026 (Monthly)
Hops & Harmony Bar Choir Abba Night.
✨ Hops & Harmony – ABBA Themed Bar Choir Night! ✨ Live at The Sound Lounge, Currumbin Get ready to grab a drink, warm up those vocal cords, and unleash your inner Dancing Queen! Hops & Harmony returns with a full-venue singalong night dedicated to the iconic ABBA. No experience needed — just bring your voice, your mates, and your best 70s energy. Led by the fun and high-spirited Hops & Harmony crew, you’ll learn simple harmonies on the spot and belt out classics. It’s feel-good, non-judgemental, community singing at its absolute best. Whether you’re a lifelong ABBA tragic or just love a great night out, this is the perfect excuse to sing loud, laugh hard and be part of something magical. 🎶 One night only — be sure to book your spot early! Details: 7pm - Doors Open 7.30pm - Forbes 8pm - Hops & Harmony This is a general admission event (standing), with limited seating available.
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25 Mar 2026
Drag Queen Bingo | 25 March
Forget nanna bingo - this is full-blown DRAG BINGO CHAOS 💅🎉 Round up your crew and settle in for a wild night of laughs, games and outrageous fun, hosted by the iconic Beverly Kills & Lulu Lemans! Featuring epic Drag performances as well as DJ VICES dropping banging tunes throughout the night! 🎶🔥 The party comes to you with our exclusive Drag Bingo-themed cocktails delivered straight to your table, plus feast your way through the incredible street food vendors at Miami Marketta. Loud, proud and totally unforgettable - you’ve been warned 😉 MA15+ event This is a safe, inclusive and accepting space. No children or babies — strictly no exceptions.
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28 Mar 2026
Beneath the Surface
Beneath the SurfaceBeneath the Surface weaves together shifting perspectives on the presence of water within the Australian landscape. Where some artists look to natural waterways for inspiration, others create more symbolic commentary using water as a metaphor to reveal hidden histories and unseen power structures. Through painting, printmaking, photography and sculptural installation, water is examined as a channel for memory, culture and transformation. At the heart of the exhibition is the monumental painting The rainforest by William Robinson (1936-2025), a key work from the HOTA Collection. Here, the artist depicts the winding Botan Creek in Beechmont, a World Heritage-listed Gondwana Rainforest located in the Gold Coast Hinterland.The exhibition includes artworks on loan from the Jreissati Family Private Collection, alongside artworks from the HOTA Collection. HOTA wishes to thank the Jreissati family for their continued support. Image: Lin Onus, Reflections (Barmah Forest) 1995, oil on canvas, The Jreissati Family Private Collection © Lin Onus Estate/Copyright Agency, 2026. Exhibiting artists Mary Elizabeth Barron, Dorothy Mary Braund, Glennys Briggs, Rupert Bunny, Byron Coathup, Elisabeth Cummings, Mirdidingkingathi Juwarnda Sally Gabori, Jamie Holcombe, Honey Long and Prue Stent, Balang Nakurulk, Dorothy Napangardi, Judy Napangardi Watson, Paul Ogier, John Olsen, Lin Onus, Eugenia Raskopoulos, William Robinson, Mark Schaller, Tim Storrier, Brett Whiteley, Fred Williams
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From now until 16 Apr 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 04 Apr 2026
Surfers Paradise Easter on the Esplanade
Hop on down to the Surfers Paradise Beachfront Markets this Easter long weekend for a two-night Easter egg-stravaganza!On Good Friday and Easter Saturday, the Esplanade will be transformed into an Easter paradise! Soak up the vibrant atmosphere, browse over 100 market stalls, discover unique handmade gifts, enjoy live entertainment, and treat yourself to delicious sweets and goodies.The Easter Bunny will be hopping by for an egg-stra special meet and greet on both event days.
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11 Apr 2026
Ireland the Voyage
Ireland the VoyageFrom the producers of Celtic Illusion comes a powerful new theatrical experience in Ireland: The Voyage, an epic celebration of Ireland’s history, heart, and heritage brought to life through authentic voices, live music, and world-class Irish dance.Leading the vocal performances is the extraordinary Giselle O’Meara, whose soaring, soulful voice carries the emotion of Ireland’s story from ancient times to today. She is joined on stage by live musicians direct from Ireland, performing with traditional instruments and modern arrangements that honour the island’s rich musical legacy. Their sound forms the beating heart of the show - raw, real, and unmistakably Irish.The voyage spans centuries: from the mysticism of the Celts to the thunder of Viking invasions, the arrival of the Normans, and the spiritual transformation shaped by St Patrick. Each chapter erupts onto the stage through breathtaking visuals, cinematic soundscapes, and the fiery passion of Irish dance, performed by a cast of world-class dancers whose rhythm and athleticism ignite the stage.Emotional, exhilarating, and deeply immersive, Ireland: The Voyage invites audiences to feel the pulse of a nation - its triumphs, its tragedies, its music, and its unbreakable spirit, in a live experience they will never forget.
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11 Apr 2026
Autumn Markets - Summer Land Camels
Free admission – Experience the best of a boutique country market!Eat, shop, have a great time with friends, enjoy the stunning views from our property, and relax to the sounds of a local entertainer while you browse through the stalls.100+ Market stalls, Food trucks, Camel Rides (book on the day), Farm Tours (book on the website), Live Music, Vodka & Gin tasting, kids activities and much more!Plenty of on-site parking is available. Sorry, no pets are allowed.Camel rides - book on the day Sorry No Pets Allowed
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12 Apr 2026
The Next Step: Legacy World Tour 2026
The Next Step: Legacy World Tour 2026The Next Step: Legacy World Tour is a brand-new live touring dance show featuring fan-favourite cast members from the original and current seasons of the hit teen drama, The Next Step. This is a must-see event for fans of the series and dance lovers alike!VIP Uplift $120.00 VIP Uplift includes: ‣ Meet & Greet with Cast‣ Photo with Cast (taken by VIP rep using fan’s camera/phone)‣ Collectible laminate with TNS Lanyard‣ Signed Poster‣ Early entry‣ Early merch access *Accompanying parents do not need to purchase uplift *Does not include a ticket
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18 Apr 2026 - 25 Jul 2026
This Moment: Highlights from the White Rabbit Collection of Chinese Contemporary Art
This Moment: Highlights from the White Rabbit Collection of Chinese Contemporary ArtImage Credit: Peng Hung-Chih 彭弘智, The Deluge – Noah’s Ark 2014, 3D printed ABS plastic. White Rabbit Collection, Sydney. Donated through the Australian Government's Cultural Gifts Program by Judith NeilsonThis Moment: Highlights from the White Rabbit Collection of Chinese Contemporary Art is a demonstration of art’s power to document change, challenge perception and connect across cultures. Capturing the energetic spirit of 21st-century China, this extraordinary exhibition features bold, experimental artworks produced over the last 25 years that reclaim history, interrogate authority and reflect profound social change. Fearlessly engaging with complex global themes and China’s tumultuous history, the artists featured in This Moment challenge prevailing perceptions of modern China. From mesmerising light installations to powerful video art and large-scale sculpture, the experiential artworks in This Moment command attention with sheer scale and striking visual intensity, leaving their mark on your psyche and your social feed. Founded by philanthropist Judith Neilson in 2009, Sydney's White Rabbit Gallery showcases one of the world’s most significant private collections of Chinese contemporary art. Now in a Queensland exclusive, audiences can experience highlights from the collection at HOTA for free. This Moment: Highlights from the White Rabbit Collection of Chinese Contemporary Art features more than 40 works by 25 artists with artworks spanning video, photography, painting, light-based installations and monumental sculpture. The exhibition includes works by leading artists such as Geng Xue, Guo Jian, LuYang, Peng Hung-Chih, Xu Zhen, Zhang Dali and Zhang Peili.
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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.