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Calendar Celebrations Sorted
entertainment
- Free Event
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31 Dec 2025 (Monthly)
New Year's Eve Fireworks Cruise
The Gold Coast New Year’s Eve Cruise is the perfect way to ring in 2025! Sail along the Gold Coast waterways and enjoy the fireworks aboard the Spirit of Elston. The cruise begins along the canals, taking in the stunning Surfers Paradise skyline, before heading out to the Gold Coast Broadwater for the City of Gold Coast midnight fireworks from open-top decks. Enjoy a glass of Chandon on arrival along with gourmet canapés and a great selection of beverages including local wines, premium beers, and cider throughout the evening.
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03 Jan 2026
Dave Hughes - Cooked
There is no one else that comes close to the phenomenon that is Dave Hughes. Behind that cooked looking facade is a mind that works like no other. Dave has carved out a large place in the Australian cultural landscape for good reason. His take on the world around him is unique, ever changing, and not to be missed. His shows are events that live long in the memory. Now more brutally honest than ever, not only is he Australia’s best stand-up comedian, he is as good as it gets anywhere on the planet. Book today. DETAILS: Date: Saturday, 3 January Doors: 7.30pm Dave: 8.00pm Tickets: $49 18+
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14 Jan 2026
Gold Coast Community Beach Cleans for Conservation - Main Beach
Join Watergum for a community beach clean and learn about the incredible marine life that calls the Gold Coast home.Join Watergum for a community beach clean and learn about the incredible marine life that calls the Gold Coast home.Join Watergum for a Gold Coast Community Beach Clean for Conservation and learn about the incredible marine life that calls the Gold Coast home. From dugongs to whales, seagrass meadows to rocky reefs, and of course our much-loved marine turtles, our coastline is teeming with life worth protecting.As we clean up the beach together, you’ll learn about:The different marine species found along our shores and reefsHow to spot and report sightings of these speciesThe important role of these habitats in supporting marine ecosystemsWhy the Gold Coast is such an important nesting and feeding area for marine turtlesHow to get involved and connect with organisations making a difference for our marine environmentTo maximise our impact, we also complete a Beach Clean audit and submit the data to the Tangaroa Blue Australian Marine Debris Initiative, contributing to national efforts to reduce ocean pollution.This event is the perfect opportunity to give back to nature, expand your marine knowledge, and take part in hands-on conservation. Families, friends, community groups, and ocean lovers of all kinds are welcome!🗓️ Date: 14th January 2025⏰ Time: 8am - 10am📍 Location: Philip Park, Main BeachPlease register to receive event details. If you’re unable to attend, kindly cancel your ticket so we can offer your spot to someone else.Gold Coast Community Beach Cleans for Conservation is proudly funded through the Queensland Government’s Community Sustainability Action grant program.COST: On Sale 08/12/2025 at 12:30 am
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30 Jan 2026 - 24 Apr 2026
Accessible Beaches - Fresh Sites
Join us for an immersive and inclusive experience this summer . Create memories, enjoy sun, sand & surf, meet new people & have fun.Join us for an immersive and inclusive experience this summer . Create memories, enjoy sun, sand & surf, meet new people & have fun.What’s Happening?This summer we’re making Gold Coast beaches more accessible than ever! In partnership with the community providers, and volunteers, we’re opening the beach for everyone.Try beach wheelchairs and mobility mattingEnjoy a BBQ by the beachMy Aged Care and NDIS funding may be used for transport or supports🕘 Time: 10.00am to 2pmFresh Locations: open to suggestions and will be confirmed ahead of time.14th November: Burleigh Heads with ParaSurfing Crew5th Dec: Shall we try Currumbin Vikings?30th Jan: Back to Greenmount?13th Mar: Where do you want to try?Everyone is welcome!As a registered charity, Volunteering Gold Coast is grateful for the support from our Sponsors and Partners which enables us to continue this important work.Please consider making a small donation.COST: Free
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04 Feb 2026 - 08 Feb 2026
AACTA Festival
The 2025 AACTA Festival brought together Australia's top creatives for five unforgettable days of film, television, and storytelling.In 2026, they're back and ready to celebrate Australia's unique stories and the people who make them through connection, creativity, and community.Set against the stunning backdrop of the Gold Coast, the 2026 AACTA Festival will return to HOTA, Home of the Arts and unite screen lovers, filmmakers and industry leaders, for an unmissable celebration of Australian screen culture and excellence.
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04 Feb 2026
AACTA Awards Industry Gala
AACTA is kicking off 2026 with a night of connection, celebration, and industry excellence at the annual AACTA Awards Industry Gala!This exclusive evening honours the extraordinary talent working behind the screen, from cinematographers and editors to writers, producers, and sound designers, recognising the creative minds who bring Australia's stories to life in film, television, documentary, online, and short films.The AACTA Awards Industry Gala it's a chance for screen professionals to come together, make new connections, and celebrate the best in craft with peers and collaborators from across the country.
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06 Feb 2026
AACTA Awards Ceremony
The AACTA Awards Ceremony, presented by the Foxtel Group honours Australia's most talented filmmakers and storytellers, celebrating exceptional achievements in film and television and spotlighting the creativity that defines our industry.
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07 Feb 2026
Laneway Festival
Laneway Festival began in 2004 at St. Jerome's Bar — a tiny, ex-Swedish meatball shop turned speakeasy hidden down Melbourne's Caledonian Lane.By February 2005, the Summer Series had spilled into the laneway itself. Posters were printed, restaurants sold food out their back doors, and a makeshift stage was thrown up at one end of the alley. The sold-out street party had no production manager, few rules, and an entire community behind it. A festival was born.Twenty-one years later, Laneway Festival is one of the most loved and respected live music events across Australia and New Zealand — a tastemaker festival renowned for discovery, community, and championing the most exciting artists from around the world.This year, Laneway Festival will make its Gold Coast debut at Southport Sharks — a fresh backdrop and the perfect chance to connect with fans in a region that's always shown enormous love for live music. The new site offers a unique setting with an easy-to-navigate layout, seamless movement between stages, and excellent transport connections. Intimate yet expansive, it's set to deliver a world-class festival experience.
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07 Feb 2026
Screen Careers Expo
The AACTA Screen Careers Expo, is your ultimate guide to building a career in the Australian screen industry.An invaluable opportunity for students, graduates, and career changers, the Expo offers insights into every corner of the screen industry — from production and post-production to creative and technical roles.Attendees can explore the diverse career pathways available and discover the education and training opportunities that can help them get there.
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From now until 19 Apr 2026
La Clique
La CliqueCircus. Cabaret. Comedy. After a sold-out debut season in 2025, La Clique is returning to the Gold Coast for another outrageous romp at HOTA, Home of the Arts. Experience the jaw-dropping, spectacular show that has thrilled audiences around the world. Sexy, funny, dangerous and deliciously risqué, this multi-award-winning production has captivated more than a million people across the globe since its ground-breaking debut in 2004. Blending daring acrobatics, eye-popping stunts, scandalous burlesque and raucous comedy, La Clique delivers an exhilarating mix of artistry and mischief designed to captivate from the very first moment to the final bow. Audiences from New York to Paris have loved this show - now it’s your turn. Join us for a night of intoxicating escapism. Sip on scintillating pre-show cocktails on the Lakeside Terrace and lose yourself in the world-famous wonder that is La Clique. Pictured: 2024 London and Sydney Cast Shown. Acts and Artists may differ and will be confirmed closer to event.
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28 Mar 2026 - 17 Oct 2026
Wild West Public Murder Mystery
Join in on a gravestone for a night of murder, come dressed in your best western gear, welcome drink and canapes on arrival followed by mains and dessert, everyone will be given a character to play along with.
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From now until 01 Apr 2026
Somerset Storyfest Writers' Festival
Book lovers and storytellers, get ready for an exciting celebration! The annual Somerset Storyfest Writers' Festival is returning to the Gold Coast.This highly anticipated event will bring together over 30 of the country's most renowned authors, illustrators, and artists, aiming to inspire both aspiring writers and passionate readers. Throughout the festival, attendees can enjoy daily interactive sessions with talented authors, as well as book signings at the Book Shop. But the excitement doesn't stop there – a series of exclusive public events is also designed to captivate and entertain. Our standout events include the annual Prologue Party, Literary Lunch and Long Table Dinner. Whether you're looking to meet your favourite author, engage in thought-provoking discussions, or simply soak up the festive atmosphere, Somerset Storyfest offers something for everyone!
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22 Apr 2026 - 03 May 2026
Gold Coast Film Festival
The Gold Coast Film Festival (GCFF) is a celebration of film and filmmaking hosted in Queensland's most dynamic screen destination, the Gold Coast. GCFF2026 will showcase amazing local and international films, exploring diverse stories and unique perspectives on-screen through its short and feature film programme. Across the incredible 12 days, the festival includes inspirational panels, outdoor screenings, and special events at HOTA (Home of the Arts), including the crowd favourite event, SIPFest (Shorts in Paradise), that sees thousands gather under the stars. The festival program proudly offers industry education events that will inspire and create incredible opportunities for emerging and established screen creatives to learn, connect and grow. The Gold Coast Film Festival is supported by the Queensland State Government through Screen Queensland, Australia's Gold Coast, Tourism and Events Queensland along with Experience Gold Coast and venue partner HOTA (Home of the Arts). Festival Dates: Wednesday 22 April to Sunday 3 May 2026.
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04 May 2026
Ciderfest with Morris Dancing & May the Fourth Be With You!
Witness the last apple of the crop to drop! With an explosive shot, then the real party begins, and the cider begins to flow. Morris dancers celebrating and a feast for all to enjoyJoin them on a day of dance and music as they celebrate old traditions of historic England.Morris Dancers will be performing on May Day long weekend holiday Monday from 1pm.Dont forget it will be May 4, so get in your best Star Wars outfits and celebrate too.
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14 May 2026 - 17 May 2026
Blues on Broadbeach
Get ready to celebrate a major milestone—Blues on Broadbeach is marking its 25th Anniversary in 2026, transforming the Gold Coast into a rhythm and blues mecca!For a quarter of a century, this iconic festival has delivered electrifying live music experiences and the 25th anniversary promises to be another truly unforgettable celebration. Blues on Broadbeach 2026 lineup has been announced with an incredible list of international and homegrown artists playing over four spectacular days of soul-stirring entertainment.Spanning parks, streets, and venues throughout Broadbeach, the 2026 lineup features legendary artists Charlie Musselwhite, Ruthie Foster, Robert Finley, The Lachy Doley Trio, Kevin Borich Express, Daddy Long Legs, WILSN and many more!The Sunday Ticket, returning for its third year brings an incredible lineup with Australian born blues juggernauts The Teskey Brothers making their Blues on Broadbeach festival debut! They'll be joined by special guests including international Grammy-winning artist Judith Hill and Australia's dynamic string bender Ash Grunwald, making this Sunday Ticket event one not to be missed!Get your Sunday Ticket now via the Blues on Broadbeach website and make sure you secure your accommodation to stay in the heart of all the action!Don't miss your chance to be a part of it in 2026!
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03 Jun 2026 - 07 Jun 2026
Cooly Rocks On
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the iconic motors, music, and lifestyle of yesteryear when Cooly Rocks On returns 3-7 June 2026!Renowned as one of Australia's best Show 'N' Shine displays, Coolangatta will be transported back in time as the streets are lined with over 900 cars, hot rods, kustom classics, lowbrow art, and more — all lining the vibrant streets of Coolangatta in a dazzling tribute to automotive culture.When it comes to music, prepare to be swept away by some of the finest rock 'n' roll, swing, rockabilly, and tribute acts from across the globe. Cooly Rocks On holds the distinguished honour of being one of only three Australian festivals to host an official preliminary round of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, where the winner earns a coveted spot at Elvis Week in Memphis, USA.Festival favourites don't stop there: the iconic Cooly Rocks On Pin-up Pageant is a celebration of vintage glamour and charm, while the Nostalgia Markets along the Coolangatta beachfront offer a treasure trove of retro goods, memorabilia, and collectibles.With a captivating mix of free and ticketed entertainment spanning five unforgettable days, Cooly Rocks On 2026 promises to be an exhilarating journey back in time — and they can't wait to relive the magic with you in Coolangatta!
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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.