Work is Play
You're growing when you're learning. You're growing even more when there's fun to be had. Join a local class or workshop, meet new friends, enjoy a laugh or two and learn something new.
classes & workshops
- Free Event
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From now until 24 Aug 2025
Elevate Your Spirits – Liqueur Making Class
Embark on an immersive journey into the world of liqueur crafting at Tamborine Mountain Distillery. Sip on an inviting welcome drink, share a delectable cheese board, and explore a variety of their liqueurs during an engaging tasting session. With expert guidance, create your personalised 200ml Flavoured Liqueur from a selection of over 100 tinctures and flavours making it uniquely yours. Complete the experience by naming and hand-labelling your bottle. Take home not just a bottle of liqueur, but a crafted masterpiece with a personal label—a tangible memory to cherish and share. What's Included: Welcome beverage upon your arrival Tasting experience with four 10ml tastings Professional blending advice from their expert guide Exclusive access to our selection of tinctures and flavours from their apothecary A 200ml bottle of your personally infused liqueur Drinks provided during the class. 10 percent discount on any purchase made from their shop on the same day All equipment provided for a seamless experience.
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From now until 23 Apr 2025 (Annual)
Movie Review Club
Movie Review ClubOn the fourth Wednesday of each month, HOTA Cinema hosts a Movie Review Club. Meet like-minded people and discuss the selected film* with a forum of academics. Simply see the listed film ahead of time and join us on the day for an interactive discussion. It’s FREE to join the club! *To view film cinema ticket prices apply. Film to be reviewed: Small Things Like These (M)When: Wed 23 April 2025, 10.30amWhere: Panorama RoomCost: Free!
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25 Apr 2025
Currumbin RSL - ANZAC Day Dawn Service at Elephant Rock Currumbin
Currumbin RSL Dawn Service will return to Elephant Rock on Currumbin Beach on Friday April 25, 2025. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Elephant Rock on Currumbin Beach, the Currumbin RSL Dawn Service, considered the largest regional dawn service in Australia, returns on Friday April 25, 2025. This annual commemoration is a heartfelt tribute to the ANZACs, as well as a solemn acknowledgment of the valiant men and women who have served in all wars, conflicts, peacekeeping missions and those still serving today. Beyond honouring the collective sacrifices, this day unfolds as a poignant narrative, delving into the personal stories of service personnel across the spectrum of past and modern conflicts. Thousands will be in attendance, standing side by side, as we join together in this reverent observance to pay respects and intimately explore the experiences that shape the legacy of our brave servicemen and women. The march will commence at 4:35am, leading the way to the solemn dawn service at 5am. Alternatively, for a more intimate connection, we extend a heartfelt invitation to attend our mid-morning service by the club's cenotaph. Your presence at either event would be a cherished addition to this day of reflection and commemoration.
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From now until 26 Jul 2025
Latin Dancing Under the Sails
Social Latin dancing with the best Latin music DJs on the Gold Coast playing a variety of Latin music to get everyone dancing. Open air, outdoors, beautiful venue outside the Oasis shopping centre and surrounded by many restaurants. Open to everyone and it's free. This event is held once a month, usually the last Saturday of the month but this is subject to change. They look forward to seeing you.
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27 Apr 2025
von Bibra Mitsubishi Gold Coast Running Festival
Join in the fun for the 14th anniversary of the von Bibra Mitsubishi Gold Coast Running Festival. Bring your whole crew along or simply come and run in the Gold Coast sunshine and take in the family friendly atmosphere this event is so well known for. Distances available for all running (and walking) abilities. 3/4 Marathon! Half Marathon, 10km, 5km, 2.5km & 1km Kids Dash. See you there!
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From now until 30 Nov 2025
Harrisville Sunday Farm Day
Looking for a fun family morning out surrounded by animals? Heritage Poultry's Farm Day’s are perfect for you! Sunday Farm Days are a great opportunity to escape the city for a genuine farm experience. These events occur on the last Sunday of every month in Harrisville, a small suburb in the beautiful Scenic Rim - and less than an hour from Brisbane! Sunday Farm Days give kids the chance to have some fun with the animals on a working farm. There is an animal nursery full of baby lambs and goats to feed and play with - and everyone's favourite alpaca George! They also have plenty of piglets to say hello to. There is a designated chick & duckling holding area and some silkie chickens who love a cuddle! Then there is face painting and pony rides for some extra fun! In case you get hungry, coffee and a sausage sizzle is available, and an ice cream van - perfect for the warm weather. All regular poultry and produce is available as well. With plenty of beautiful green space to enjoy, gather your friends and family, bring your picnic blankets and enjoy a beautiful morning out in the picturesque Scenic Rim!
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02 May 2025
Alexis Fernandez
Lost, But Make it Look IntentionalDo You F*cking Mind podcast host Alexis Fernandez is bring her debut Australia-wide tour to Gold Coast.Prepare for an educational experience like no other in "Lost, But Make It Look Intentional", where life’s inevitable detours become the most valuable lessons.In this journey of misadventure, you’ll receive 10 life-changing lessons that promise to transform your approach to uncertainty, mostly by embracing it.With a straight-faced delivery and a touch of dry wit, Alexis will cover crucial topics such as "Navigating the Unknown with Spontaneous Confidence", “How to continuously lose sleep worrying about things you cannot control”, and "Turning Everyday misfortunes into Strategic Masterstrokes."By the end, you'll not only feel equipped to handle life’s unpredictability but might even find yourself actively seeking it out. After all, when you make being lost look intentional, you’ll never be without direction.
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02 May 2025
Tennis Plus Movies under the Stars
About Join us for a magical evening of movies under the stars! Bring your picnic blanket and pillows and settle in on our center court for a relaxing movie night.Event Details:Date: 2nd of MayTime: 7:00 PMCost: $12 (includes 1 popcorn)Movie Rating: PGEnjoy a family-friendly movie under the night sky. It’s the perfect way to unwind with friends and loved ones. Don’t forget to pack your cozy blankets and pillows for the ultimate outdoor movie experience! (Please no picnic/camping chairs)🌟🍿🎬 Date Friday 2 May 2025 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM (UTC+10) Tennis Plus at Queens Park19 Queens Street, Southport QLD 4215 Cost: $12.00
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03 May 2025 - 05 May 2025
Tamborine Mountain Arts Trail
Discover the Creative Heart of Tamborine Mountain – Arts Trail Returns This May This Labour Day Long Weekend, Saturday, May 3 – Monday, May 5, 2025, visitors are invited to embark on an immersive journey through the vibrant arts scene of Tamborine Mountain. The Tamborine Mountain Arts Trail offers a rare opportunity to engage with artists in their studios, experience dynamic exhibitions, and explore a region rich in creativity and natural beauty. With over 20 open artist studios, four central art hubs, and more than 100 participating artists, this free, self-guided event highlights the incredible depth of artistic talent in the Scenic Rim. Open Artist Studios & Art Hubs – Step inside the creative spaces of painters, sculptors, ceramicists, textile artists, and printmakers. Meet the makers, hear their stories, and see firsthand how their work comes to life. Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition – Large-scale and site-specific sculptures set against the stunning natural backdrop of Tamborine Mountain, creating a striking fusion of art and landscape. 5° Cooler Exhibition – A curated collection of works that capture the unique essence of the mountain’s environment, lifestyle, and artistic spirit. Regional Students Arts Showcase – A celebration of emerging talent, featuring the next generation of artists from across the Scenic Rim.
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From now until 03 May 2025
Lecture: Mountains and the Quest for the Sublime – Dr Andrea Bubenik
Lecture: Mountains and the Quest for the Sublime – Dr Andrea BubenikInvoking fear and awe, inspiring us to ascend and transcend, mountains are crucial to the idea of the sublime. From the magic and holy mountains portrayed by novelist Thomas Mann and filmmaker Alejandor Jodorowsky, to the role of mountaineering in the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche, these sites of elevation have long been catalysts for some of the most dramatic scenes of human contemplation and endeavour. In this lecture I will focus on the special role of mountains to a history of art and the sublime, and especially the fascinating dialogue between Eugene von Guerard’s Mount Kosciusko (1883) and Imant Tillers’ Mount Analogue (1985), shown together for the first time at HOTA. Image credit: Installation view of Mount Analogue by Imants Tillers photographed by Charlie Hillhouse.
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07 May 2025 - 22 Oct 2025
Ballun Gawrehma: River Stories
Ballun Gawrehma: River StoriesJoin local Kombumerri man Lann Levinge—a multi-talented artist who is a singer, songwriter, producer, director, and creative designer—for a unique journey into the heart of Kombumerri culture. Lann will guide students through culturally significant sites, sharing local history passed down by elders. Begin your exploration at Wulabora, a dedicated space for sharing and gathering that celebrates Kombumerri heritage. Lann will weave together family stories, local history, the legacy of Jenny Graham and the Keeper of the Light, as well as Dreamtime tales and environmental wisdom. This sensory-rich experience includes hands-on interaction with authentic indigenous artefacts—such as clothing, weapons, and tools—alongside immersive soundscapes composed by Lann himself. As Lann expresses, "I’m passionate about discovering new ways to nurture and inspire a new generation of language and cultural warriors. My goal is to raise awareness and foster connections with indigenous culture, particularly the Kombumerri ways and the Yugambeh Language, through visual art, music, and dance." Don’t miss this opportunity for your students to engage deeply with local indigenous culture. Contact education@hota.com.au to arrange your education perspectives experience. This tour is open to school groups only.
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From now until 10 Dec 2025
Distracted
ADHD Expert Panel Discussions and Q&A'sJoin us on the 1st Wednesday of each month at HOTA to mingle with our ADHD community. Listen to ADHD topics presented by industry experts along with time for Q&A's. Bring your coach, teacher, friend, boss, relative, partner or just yourselves. We are always implementing ways to make our events neurodiversity and sensory-friendly.
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12 May 2025 - 15 Oct 2025
Songcraft Studio
Songcraft StudioExperience a special season of the Songcraft Studio workshops with Gold Coast's HaydenGoSeek (aka Hayden Andrews of Cheap Fakes). As a collaborative artist with HOTA’s Those Who Rock, Hayden brings a wealth of experience and a unique flair for crafting pop hits with undeniable appeal. Since debuting as a Triple j Unearthed artist in 2007, Hayden has earned a reputation for his versatility across genres and creative mediums. His work has been featured in national campaigns (Pillowtalk, Lexus, HOTA, Central Queensland Tourism), the Netflix series Umbrella Academy, the Hollywood film Move Me No Mountain and more showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend styles while continually pushing the boundaries of his artistry. Hayden’s musical journey has taken him across the globe, performing at iconic music festivals such as Big Day Out, Splendour in the Grass, and many more with his band, Cheap Fakes. A passionate mentor, Hayden is dedicated to helping the next generation of artists thrive. Through his songwriting workshops and collaborations, he guides emerging musicians in finding their unique sound and navigating their artistic journeys. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to learn from one of the best and take your skills—and your music—to the next level!
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17 May 2025
In Conversation: Lystra Rose and David Burton on Young Adult novels
In Conversation: Lystra Rose and David Burton on Young Adult novelsJoin us for an exciting conversation with emerging Indigenous writer Lystra Rose and acclaimed Brisbane author David Burton on their respective Young Adult novels and writing for this audience. This event will explore the unique voices and storytelling techniques shaping the future of Young Adult literature. Don’t miss this inspiring discussion about creativity, culture and the power of storytelling.
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24 May 2025 - 25 May 2025
AASCF x NFL LA RAMS Cheerleaders Dance Experience Gold Coast
AASCF is excited about our collaboration with the LA Rams Cheerleaders, creating an elite dance pathway for Australian dancers to achieve their professional dreams. This is a first-class pathway for our Australian athletes to perform with the Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders one of the most iconic professional sideline teams in the NFL. Led by Keely Fimbres, the Director of Cheerleaders for the Los Angeles Rams, these workshops are expertly designed to inspire and empower dancers aged 14 years+. You'll receive invaluable guidance, learn professional routines, and develop techniques that are showcased on game day by the world-class Rams Cheerleaders. Keeley's aim from these workshops is to identify Australian dancers with the skills and talent to one day be invited to the LA Rams Cheerleaders auditions to become an NFL LA Rams Game Day Cheerleader. Don't miss out!
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Saturday (Weekly)
Edible Flower Picking and Cupcake Decorating
Enjoy a guided stroll through the beautiful flower fields, learning all about edible flowers while handpicking your favourites. Then, unleash your creativity by icing and decorating gluten-free cupcakes with your blooms, ready to take home or enjoy on the day. This event is deliciously presented as part of the 2025 Scenic Rim Eat Local Month.
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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.