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
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From now until 17 Nov 2024
Desert Digs Vintage Fashion & Art Market
Desert Digs Markets is Burleigh Heads favourite vintage, seconds and art market. Held at Mo's Desert Clubhouse, enjoy their Southern American food truck, and cocktail bar while you rummage through over 25 clothing & art stalls Every 6th Sunday, 12-3PM. Have a label, or just too many clothes in your wardrobe? Book your stall via the Mo's Desert Clubhouse website.
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From now until 25 Oct 2024
Dreamworld Night Market
The northern Gold Coast’s newest night market is here, and it is all about serving up good food and even better times! The Dreamworld Night Market is Serving up good food & good times from 5:00–9:00 pm every Friday and Saturday. Entry is $2 or FREE for kids under 13 and Passholders. With food trucks, live tunes, Friday markets, family entertainment & ticketed events … We’re serving up the good times the Northern Gold Coast deserves every weekend! Whether you’re heading for after-work drinks or taking the kids out for dinner, there’s something for everyone to enjoy eating, drinking, and listening to at Dreamworld Night Market!
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From now until 06 Jul 2024
Italian Renaissance Alive
Italian Renaissance Alive | Grande Experiences Experience the beauty and brilliance of the Italian masters in Italian Renaissance Alive, an immersive journey celebrating Europe's cultural rebirth. From the creators of Van Gogh Alive, this mesmerising experience covers the 14th to 17th centuries, showcasing masterpieces by Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Caravaggio and more. You'll be immersed in the era's explosion of art, culture, architecture, sculpture and literature. Witness iconic works like the Sistine Chapel, Mona Lisa, and Birth of Venus in a stunning digital multi-sensory gallery, accompanied by a powerful operatic musical score. Don't miss the chance to be transported through history's most influential artistic period. Exhibition Major Partners Gold Coast Airport, Minter Ellison Gold Coast Exhibition Corporate Partners Bond University, JW Marriott Gold Coast Resort & Spa Presented by HOTA, Home of the Arts
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From now until 01 May 2024
La Chimera
La ChimeraAn enchanting romantic adventure, an ethereal spiritual journey and a ripping heist movie like no other, the captivating new fable of lost love from Alice Rohrwacher (Happy As Lazzaro, The Wonders) – the best received of her career to date - follows a young British archaeologist who gets caught up in an international network dealing in stolen Italian artefacts. Tuscany, early 1980s. Arthur (a revelatory Josh O’Connor, The Crown, Challengers) has just been released from a short stint in prison. During his earlier studies in the region, he fell in love with Beniamina, the daughter of a local aristocrat Flora (Isabella Rossellini), but now she’s gone. Arthur has fallen in with the Tombaroli, a rowdy crew of twenty-somethings who pretend to make their living as farmers and entertainers, but instead pilfer the area’s ancient Etruscan tombs for earthenware and ornaments to sell on the black market, hoping to one day strike it rich… Meanwhile Flora’s live-in maid and tone-deaf music student, Italia (Carol Duarte), catches Arthur’s eye but she has her own secrets. Premiering to major success at the 2023 Cannes Film Festival, Rohrwacher’s rule-breaking, magical film uncovers a world of wonders just below the surface. LA CHIMERA is a mesmerising ode to the fragility of the beautiful things in life, and a cautionary tale about how easily they can be lost. Utterly captivating. A beguiling fantasy-comedy of lost love: garrulous, uproarious and celebratory in Rohrwacher's absolutely distinctive style. It’s a movie bustling and teeming with life. Peter Bradshaw - THE GUARDIAN
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From now until 01 May 2024
Wicked Little Letters
Wicked Little LettersBe Careful What You Post A 1920s English seaside town bears witness to a farcical and occasionally sinister scandal in this riotous mystery comedy. Based on a stranger than fiction true story, WICKED LITTLE LETTERS follows two neighbours: deeply conservative local Edith Swan (Olivia Colman) and rowdy Irish migrant Rose Gooding (Jessie Buckley). When Edith and fellow residents begin to receive wicked letters full of unintentionally hilarious profanities, foul-mouthed Rose is charged with the crime. The anonymous letters prompt a national uproar, and a trial ensues. However, as the town’s women - led by Police Officer Gladys Moss (Anjana Vasan) - begin to investigate the crime themselves, they suspect that something is amiss, and Rose may not be the culprit after all.
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02 May 2024 - 19 May 2024
Flotsam Festival
Catch the Flotsam Festival as it rolls across the Gold Coast with surf film and photo pop up events spanning beachside towns from Burleigh to Coolangatta. Flotsam's two week pixel party hosts free and ticketed events including photo exhibitions staged indoor and out, beachside surf cinema nights, live music and more. Don't miss the Flotsam Festival party wave – only on the Gold Coast, only in May.
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From now until 29 Jun 2024
Illusions Magic Show
Get ready to see some of the world’s most impressive Las Vegas style magic and illusions with three time International Merlin Award winner for ‘Illusionist of the Year’ and ‘Australian Entertainer of the Year’, master illusionist Matt Hollywood. Whether it’s a date night, family night or a fun night out, an unforgettable magical evening awaits you in a brand-new showroom located at Cavill Lane Surfers Paradise. Now open! This amazing performance at the brand-new Surfers Paradise Theatre of Magic features an electrifying fusion of mind-blowing close-up magic, award winning showmanship, amazing grand illusions that will shock, stun, and amaze you, death defying escapes, mesmerising visuals and Matt Hollywood’s very own tone of magic that must be seen to be believed. It’s the perfect night out with friends or family, plus you’ll be in the heart of Surfers Paradise Cavill Lane beneath the Hilton, one of the Gold Coast’s most iconic tourist destinations. Cavill Lane Surfers Paradise dining and entertainment precinct is the new home of Illusions Magic Show and offers a variety of international cuisine, everyday conveniences, and services all within 60 seconds walk from the show. For entry and seating, please visit www.illusionshow.com.au
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04 May 2024 - 12 May 2024
Queensland Arts & Fashion Festival
Get ready for an electrifying celebration of style and creativity at the Queensland Arts & Fashion Festival (QLDAFF)! Embark on a fashion journey that transcends boundaries, embracing diversity, inclusivity, and sustainability in every glamorous stride. In its spectacular fifth year, QLDAFF has transformed into a pulsating powerhouse, revolutionising the fashion scene in Queensland. Partnering with Indigenous, local, and national creatives, QAFF is not just a festival – it's a movement that redefines the very essence of style. Brought to you by the dynamic trio – Gold Coast Fashion Project, a trailblazing non-profit First Nations-led organisation; The Bella Styling Co; and Rise to the Runway – QLDAFF promises a spectacle that marries tradition with trendsetting innovation. Join us as we weave together a tapestry of fashion that echoes with cultural richness and contemporary flair. Experience the fusion of creativity, community, and couture at QLDAFF, where fashion takes centre stage, and inclusivity is the headline act. Don't miss your chance to be part of this groundbreaking event that is shaping the future of fashion in Queensland!
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04 May 2024 - 12 May 2024
Waylene Currie Exhibition
Waylene Currie, a Mununjali and Wangerriburra woman, will be exhibiting her work at The Artpost as part of the highly anticipated 2024 Tamborine Mountain Arts Trail. Residing, creating, and connecting within Mununjali country, Waylene draws inspiration from her culture, family, connections, and community. Guided by the footsteps of her ancestors, she carries their legacy on her journey as an artist, aspiring to unite people from diverse backgrounds into a cohesive whole, celebrating individual strengths, connections, and visions. At the heart of Waylene's artistic expression lies a deep commitment to storytelling, a vital means of sharing her connection and dreaming with the world. In recent years, Waylene has expanded her artistic repertoire to include Mununjali Ngari (Mununjali Dance), further enriching her storytelling and expressive abilities. Engaging in traditional dance forms fills her with an overwhelming sense of joy and fulfillment, as she delves deeper into her Mununjali Wangerriburra heritage. Her participation in The Artpost exhibition not only highlights her talent as an artist but also serves as a testament to the vibrant Indigenous artistic community contributing to the cultural landscape of Tamborine Mountain. With her deeply rooted connection to Mununjali and Wangerriburra cultures, Waylene's artwork promises to captivate viewers, offering them a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Indigenous heritage.
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Saturday (Weekly)
Grand Chameleon Kids Art Extravaganza!
Experience the magic of art at the Grand Chameleon Kids Art Extravaganza! Join them on Saturdays, May 4th & 11th, from 9:30am to 11:30am, at Memory Lane Vintage and Old Wares, nestled behind Grand Chameleon. The event, in collaboration with the Tamborine Mountain Arts Trail, offers a whimsical journey into creativity for young artists. At this dedicated space, children will dive into a world of artistic possibilities. From decorating wooden words to creating leaf rubbings and crafting pine cone bird feeders and paintings, the adventure knows no bounds. They supply all the necessary art materials; just bring your boundless imagination! As an artists hub featuring more than 10 exhibitors within the Tamborine Mountain Arts Trail, they're dedicated to fostering artistic expression in the community. Dress your little ones for the delightful messiness of creativity, and ensure adult supervision at all times. After the art session, continue your exploration with the Tamborine Mountain Arts Trail. Treat yourselves to delicious offerings from the Café and uncover hidden treasures at Memory Lane Vintage & Old Wares. Like, follow and share a photo of your child's masterpiece on socials using #grandchameleonkidsart for a chance to win a $50 voucher to spend at Memory Lane Vintage and Old Wares! They can't wait to welcome you!
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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. From 6 am to 11:30 am 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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06 May 2024
Michelle Le Plastrier: Dopamine Days
Michelle Le Plastrier: Dopamine DaysInfused with the spirit of the 1980s, Michelle Le Plastrier’s Dopamine Days is the artist’s own unique vision of the Gold Coast. Join us as this local artist takes us to a bright, bold world of contemporary ceramics. Using precariously balanced geometric shapes, Michelle creates everything from a phone-gazing self-portrait to a riotous palm tree; from a perfectly poised kitty-kat to an abstract view of the Gold Coast Skyline from rolling ocean to mountainous hinterland. Displayed on Level 5 of HOTA Gallery these spectacular works embrace the city around us with a new and fresh take on the Gold Coast and the artists that call it home. ARTIST BIOMichelle Le Plastrier is a multidisciplinary artist with a focus on hand built ceramics exploring identity, socio-political and environmental issues all in her signature candy coloured style. Michelle teaches introductory ceramics across South-East Queensland. She has completed residencies, produced workshops and exhibited across Australia for businesses, galleries and councils such as Gold Coast Arts and Culture, Pacific Fair, HOTA, Side Gallery and Honey Bones Gallery. She was recently a finalist in the 2022 North QLD Ceramic Awards at Perc Tucker Regional Gallery.Image credit: Ellamay Fitzgerald
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10 May 2024
The Dream Dance Company | A New Era
The Dream Dance Company | A New Era'A NEW ERA' explores and exposes the next generation of professional dancers. With the company having produced eight professional productions by leading and iconic choreographers, who have since gone on to create global names for themselves and seen by audiences of over 200,000 this production is putting the focus back on the dancers and their individual style. Their breakout production 'GENESIS' featured individual talent, brought together for one massive show. Those Dancers have since become household names not only here in Australia, but across the globe. We are going back to where it all began and introducing YOU to the next waves of stars. Be in THE room where we discover some of the world's greatest dance talent.
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14 May 2024
MySmallBiz Expo - Gold Coast
Event designed to showcase the best small businesses, self-employed individuals, and budding entrepreneurs. The MySmallBiz Expos are perfect for anyone looking to explore and support local small businesses while enjoying a day filled with engaging activities that highlight the diverse local community. During the expos, you'll have the opportunity to participate in Q&A sessions and presentations with various experts from ETC’s Business team, Self-Employment Ambassadors, and Subject Matter Experts, where you can gain valuable insights and advice tailored to small businesses and self-employment. But that’s not all – these expos are all about networking and fostering meaningful connections. You'll get the chance to meet and interact with other small business owners and industry professionals, building relationships that could open up new opportunities and collaborations. It’s a great place to learn and discover new things on your leisurely journey. By attending, you’ll support small businesses in the local community, allowing small business stall holders to showcase their products and services and practice their elevator pitches. This event is about learning and encouraging people to support the businesses exhibiting at the expo. So whether you're a seasoned traveller or just starting out, mark your calendars and join in promoting self-employment, small business, and entrepreneurship in the local community! Please visit the website for more info.
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23 May 2024 - 26 May 2024
2024 Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show
Welcome to Australia’s must-see boating blockbuster! The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show is the greatest show afloat! The Southern Hemisphere’s marquee marine event with a superstar lineup of more than 330 exhibitors across everything from the latest marine gadgets and must-have technology to a massive display of trailer boats, sail boats, motor yachts and superyachts plus a raft of exciting new product launches. The Sanctuary Cove International Boat Show promises plenty of showstopping moments from exclusive VIP experiences in The Lagoon Lounge to boatloads of activities, including live entertainment stages, fishing demonstrations, street performers and a fun-filled kids activities. Get along to the biggest and best boating lifestyle show with over 600 boats and thousands of marine products. Don’t miss this full-on, four-day, action-packed event of all things aquatic. Save the Date - May 23-26, 2024
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05 Jun 2024 - 09 Jun 2024
Cooly Rocks On
Cooly Rocks On returns to Coolangatta on the Gold Coast to celebrate the motors, music and lifestyle of yesteryear. Featuring one of Australia’s best Show ‘N’ Shine displays, the festival showcases an impressive collection of hot rods, kustom vehicles, lowbrow art and more, with more than 900 vehicles lining the streets of Coolangatta. As for the music, some of the best rock ‘n’ roll, swing, rockabilly and tribute artists from around Australia and beyond will take to the stage throughout the festival, including international Elvis Tribute Artists Dwight Icenhower (USA), Louis Brown (UK) and Che Orton (NZ). Cooly Rocks On is also one of two festivals held in Australia to host an official preliminary round of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, with the winner heading straight to Elvis Week in Memphis, USA. The annual Cooly Rocks Pin-up Pageant is another festival favourite and if you’re in need of some retro goods and memorabilia, make sure to check out the Nostalgia Markets on the Coolangatta beachfront. With many free and ticketed entertainment options across the action-packed five-day festival, we can’t wait to turn back the clock on Coolangatta!
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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.