Calendar Celebrations Sorted
GO BIG OR GO HOME (not literally please guys)! We just want you to bring your best when it comes to massive calendar celebrations we put on for free. Quality shindigs like Christmas carols, Easter shows, New Year's Eve fireworks, cool kids' concerts and community fun days. NOTE: we tend to peak in peak season.
entertainment
- Free Event
-
From now until 08 Sep 2024
SPRINGTIME
Keen for some live music with the golden sands beneath your feet and the ocean breeze in your hair? SPRINGTIME will be back in 2024. Open to all ages, the three-day non-ticketed festival is held throughout the streets, venues and beach of Surfers Paradise. The 2023 lineup was led by electronic duo Bag Raiders (DJ Set), New Zealand alt-pop artist BENEE, indie-pop icon Matt Corby and heaps more local artists like BOO SEEKA, Babe Rainbow, Eliza & The Delusionals, as well as grentperez, Sycco and more. More than just the music, SPRINGTIME 2023 also featured a massive arts program that included live murals and Quest of Chaos, a brand-new participatory performance installation that’s one part obstacle course, one part live action video game, and one part retro art installation. The Vans Skate Plaza was another festival highlight, where experienced skaters can shred it down the Surfers Paradise Esplanade or witness the talent of skaters from the Vans Skate Team in professional demos. Follow SPRINGTIME on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook to stay up to date on all the latest announcements for 2024!
-
From now until 01 Oct 2023
FLIGHT
Following hugely successful seasons in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide and Brisbane, the thrilling 360-degree multi-sensory DARKFIELD experience, FLIGHT, is preparing to land at HOTA on September 7 for a strictly limited season. Already FLIGHT has captivated more than 88,000 people across the country with its stunningly crafted interplay of technology and theatre, making it one of the most popular DARKFIELD shows to date. Unfolding inside the total darkness of a transformed shipping container, this binaural audio experience takes audiences on a deeply immersive journey that challenges their sense of what is real, and what is imagined, to spine-chilling effect. Grab your tickets here.
-
From now until 01 Oct 2023
Kids Take Over
Kids Take OverKids Take Over is HOTA’s mini fest taking place during the school holidays. With a program bursting indoors and out, Kids Take Over is designed for kids and by kids, and features a combination of free and ticketed workshops, visual arts experiences, performances, and everything in between. It's the ultimate memory-maker, boredom-buster, and creative play festival for kids on the Gold Coast. Stand back, and watch the next generation unleash their imaginations and take charge as kids take over HOTA. Explore the full program below. Presented by HOTA, Home of the Arts
-
From now until 08 Oct 2023
Spring County Fair
Spring into Dreamworld’s Spring County Fair for the ultimate celebration of all things spring, with the return of the much-loved Belinda’s Barnyard Buddies petting zoo, spring-themed entertainment, American-style eats, showbags and live music from some popular local talent, in addition to everyone’s favourite rides, slides, wildlife and entertainment.
-
From now until 01 Oct 2023
School Holiday Fun at Paradise Centre
Got nothing planned for the September school holidays? Think again, as Surfers Paradise entertainment mecca Paradise Centre has family-friendly activities bursting at the seams. You and the kids can unleash your inner lumberjack by axe throwing at MANIAX, immerse yourself in an alternate virtual reality at the FREAK VR experience or try to break out of brand-new escape room Padlockd. Paradise Centre is also home to the biggest Timezone in the world, with glow-in-the-dark golf, a laser-tag arena, bumper cars and almost 300 arcade games. Next door you’ll find Zone Bowling, where you can show off your ten-pin tricks. The school-holiday hijinks will be levelled up from Saturday September 16 to Sunday October 1, as Paradise Centre will be hosting circus-themed roving entertainment, from mind-boggling jugglers and awe-inspiring contortionists to gravity-defying acrobats and spectacular fire twirlers. Complimentary carnival snacks like popcorn and fairy floss will be on rotation, free face painting will transform kids into carnival creatures and beachside DJs will be filling the air with tunes. From September 16–24, Shop, Spin & Win returns to Paradise Centre from 12:00–4:00 pm daily on Level 1. All you have to do is spend a combined total of $70 on fashion or fun at participating retailers in centre, then spin the giant wheel of wonders for your chance to win. Goodies include everything from skateboards and gift cards to tote bags and Beau the Budgie plushies. To discover more school-holiday fun, head to the Paradise Centre website.
-
29 Sep 2023 - 30 Sep 2023
Springtime on the Mountain 2023
IT'S ON AGAIN! Come and see these spectacular Tamborine Mountain Gardens at this year's Springtime on the Mountain, 29 & 30 Sept 2023Sponsored by the Tamborine Mountain Garden Club, mountain gardeners showcase Springtime flowering favourites – Springtime on the Mountain Festival - at five (5) beautiful and diverse private gardens. These are open to public viewing over 2 days – Friday 29th Sept - 10am to 4pm & Saturday 30th Sept - 10am to 4pm 2023. Your garden trail starts at any of the 5 open gardens. Attendees with tickets pre-purchased online will present their ticket to festival representatives to access all gardens over two days. Or attendees can pay $5 at each gate (correct change requested).The open gardens will be flagged and are located:1. "POND HALL" Beacon Road, Tamborine Mountain2. "BELICIA" Beacon Road, Tamborine Mountain3. "MOUNTAIN COTTAGE" McDonnell Road, Tamborine Mountain4. "CAROUSEL" Sequoia Drive, Tamborine Mountain5. "ADELAIDE VIEWS" Adelaide Court, Tamborine MountainTICKET SALES ARE ONLINE $20 FOR ALL 5 GARDENS OVER 2 DAYS, OR $5 AT EACH GATE CASH ON THE DAY, (correct change requested)• Buy your tickets online through this portal. The cost is $20 for viewing of all 5 gardens (saving $5).• Purchase (correct cash requested) on the day at any of the gardens, $5 per garden visited.COST: A$20
-
29 Sep 2023
Rainbow Story Hour
Rainbow Story HourImaginative and immersive fun for little readers Little ones are invited to settle back and listen to a story read by a member of our LGBTQIA+ community. HOTA’s Rainbow Story Hour program champions body positivity and role models in all different shapes, sizes, diversities, and encourages the imagination and play of childhood. Featuring artists, singers, and creatives of all genre, Rainbow Story Hour is a fun way for kids to connect with their imagination, meet friends, and explore vivid realms.
-
30 Sep 2023 - 02 Oct 2023
Promiseland Festival
Get ready for Promiseland Festival 2023! Promiseland is a whole new concept bringing live music lovers a sweet line-up of fresh acts. Prepare to boogie over two days as a clutch of unmissable reggae, hip hop and alternative artists hit the stage on Saturday September 30 and Sunday October 1. The killer line-up is headlined by Lauryn Hill, Davido and Tems. They’ll be joined by acts Fireboy DML, L.A.B, Ayra Starr, Koffee, ONEFOUR and many more. So, gather your fellow reggae-hip-hop-loving pals and prepare for an unmissable weekend to kick off your summer of festivals. Single-day and full weekend tickets are on sale now!
-
30 Sep 2023
Comedy Underground | Zack Dyer
Zack Dyer - Live !Get ready for a red-hot hour of laughs with Australia’s favourite degenerate comedian Zack Dyer. Zack has been performing around the country for over a decade and his latest hour is a beautiful blend of new material mixed in with some of his most classic bits. Whether you’ve seen him perform before or not, this show is an absolute must see. A true best of the best of what Zack has to offer and a guaranteed hour of belly laughs. Presented by Based Comedy
-
30 Sep 2023 - 29 Oct 2023
Oktoberfest - Weekend Lunch Sessions at Goldie’s
Oktoberfest is back with more Bavarian brews, bratwursts and knuckles than you can yodel-ay-ee-oooo! Enjoy an authentic Bavarian sesh every Saturday and Sunday arvo throughout October on at Goldie’s, stein in one hand and a pork knuckle or bratwurst in the other. With limited release Bavarian brews crafted for the occasion, like the Valley Hops Hefeweizen, you’ll feel like a true Bavarian biermeister! Go all-in with a Bavarian share board for two featuring a mammoth slow cooked pork knuckle, smoked garlic kraut, brioche buns, fries and condiments – with two half steins included for $79. Or sink into a loaded bratwurst dog with smoked pork hock, kraut, mayo mustard, fries and half-stein for $25. Dirndl and Lederhosen friendly!
-
From now until 23 Dec 2023
Comedy Underground Saturday Showcase
A 90 minute showcase of hand-picked talentEvery Saturday night Comedy Underground in the Basement is a showcase of hand-picked talent that runs for 90 minutes. Expect big name acts, up-and-coming crushers and the wild, subversive and unique voices making waves in live comedy. Every now and then Solo acts will join the party, adding an additional show that begins when the Saturday Showcase ends. Tickets to Solo acts aren't included in the Comedy Underground Saturday Showcase ticket and must be purchased in addition. Refer to the accessibility section for minimum ages. Presented by HOTA, Home of the Arts and Based Comedy
-
01 Oct 2023
Kids Take Over | Mini Marketeers
Kids Take Over Mini Marketeers is Back!Register now to become your own boss and run your own market stall right here at HOTA. Be creative and let your talents shine, be it a lemonade stall or pop-up jewellery stall. There is no limit to the possibilities!! Markets Sun 1st Oct 9am-12pm. Register by 10th September - limited spots available.
-
01 Oct 2023
Rooftop Crown Affair - King’s Birthday Pre-Public Holiday
Tilt your tiara or bow your bearskin at the Island Rooftop this King’s Birthday long weekend – it’s a pre-public holiday Royal Crown Affair. Rise and shine on Sunday for a royal edition of the Bottomless Brunch Club. Feast your way through deliciously oozy, carb-laden goodness while vibing to infectious all-day beats and washing it all down with fruity, colourful, and totally delectable bottomless cocktails – including the Beefeater Gin Royal Cadillac Spritz. For only $75 per person, it’s a two hour package withy more snap, crackle, and pop. Choose between two sittings: 11:30am – 1:30pm or 1:30pm to 3:30pm. View the Bottomless Brunch menu and book your table here. If sharing a bite and a cocktail is your go, settle-in with a featured carafe of the Beefeater Gin Royal Cadillac Spritz + wood-fired Margherita pizza for $45. And because it’s a long weekend, our resident DJs will be vibing all day until late. Proudly supported by Beefeater Gin.
-
05 Oct 2023
Radical Reels Adventure Film Tour - Gold Coast
Designed to take you into the wilds and out of your comfort zone, this film festival features a collection of short films with daring footage of some of the most accomplished climbers, paddlers, wing-suit pilots, skiers, snowboarders and mountain-bike riders alive today. Each action-packed film has been hand-picked from more than 300 entries to the prestigious Banff Mountain Film Festival. This year, the Australian line-up showcases two-and-a-half hours of adventure films packed full of action. Filled with wild rides, long lines, steep jumps and skilful stunts, the films celebrate the camaraderie, courage and conviction of today’s most out-there adventurers. Captivating cinematography, complete with stunning vistas shot from unbelievable vantage points, pays homage to the wild and rugged playgrounds today’s thrill-seekers explore with their mountain bikes, paddles, ropes, skis, snowboards and wing-suits in tow.
-
06 Oct 2023
Fridays on the Big Lawn FEAT. Mzaza
Fridays on the Big Lawn FEAT. MzazaIn this Special edition of Friday’s on the Lawn, we take the experience to the Outdoor Stage under the lights of Borealis with the sublime sounds of MZAZA. Three-time QLD Music Award Winners MZAZA boast an impressive musicianship deftly realised with accordion, violin, percussion, double bass and flamenco guitar to embrace diversity, the old and the new, the familiar and the foreign, through timeless melodies and stories that fuel an intense musical journey. Experience the uplifting joy of MZAZA with the stunning lights of Borealis overhead, complete with food, bar and a dedicated Kids play Space, in this family friendly (and free) evening on the lawns of the Outdoor Stage. This event is in laid-back picnic mode. View laid-back picnic mode FAQs.Performance times are 5:30pm-6:15pm and 6:45pm-7:30pm
-
06 Oct 2023 - 14 Oct 2023
Kids Play Space of Wonder & Colour
Kids Play Space of Wonder & ColourLet your imagination run wild in this play space of wonder and colour as HOTA’s Lawn Bar is transformed with activities and making just for kids. Inspired by lights, play, colour, and wonder. Available during Fridays on the Big Lawn and Night Bites Under the Lights. Under Lights means there is something for everyone as your play, eat, listen, and experience the Wonder of Borealis.
Seems like you've caught us on an R&R day!
Check back again later or browse more events on the Gold Coast.
THE LATEST
News
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Destination 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.