Red Hot Summer, AACTA Festival and Paul Kelly live – what’s on across the Gold Coast this weekend
It feels like the year has only just started and we’re already writing the F word. How are we already in February? It seems someone has hit the fast-forward button and we’re in the final weeks of summer – but don’t worry, things are just heating up. From live rock at Red Hot Summer to the AACTA Festival, here’s a handy list of what’s on across the Gold Coast from Thursday February 6 to Sunday February 9.
Catch up with the stars and take your pick from 100-plus free and ticketed events at the AACTA Festival at HOTA. It all kicks off with red-carpet action at the star-studded AACTA Awards ceremony on Friday night, before festival’s stacked program of free and ticketed events rolls out across the weekend. Meet the creators of Boy Swallows Universe, see artist and tinsel queen Rachel Burke’s costume installation and head along her show and tell, then hear from Dami Im at her live in-conversation event. You can also learn how to start a podcast, see Trent Dalton moderate a chat with author Alice Hart and so much more. The program is chock-full of things to do, check it out here.
Rock out to an all-Aussie line-up at Red Hot Summer this Saturday February 8. Headlined by ICEHOUSE, the huge summer festival will see the likes of Noiseworks, Wolfmother, Eskimo Joe, Baby Animals, Killing Heidi and Bachelor Girl take to the stage at Southport’s Broadwater Parklands. Keen? Tickets are still available.
Catch Paul Kelly’s special appearance in How to Make Gravy live in concert on Saturday night. As part of the AACTA Festival, enjoy an evening under the stars at HOTA’s Outdoor Stage and soak up the sounds of the new BINGE film How to Make Gravy. Hosted by Richard Wilkins, the one-of-a-kind performance will feature Meg Washington, Brendan Maclean and Paul Kelly himself who will hit the stage to perform the song that inspired it all. Grab your tickets here.
Go on a nostalgic hit-filled journey through the 80s with Pseudo Echo at Miami Marketta on Friday night. The new-wave icons are in (funky) town for one night only, promising a dynamic performance true to the original sound, all to a backdrop of stunning visuals. Head in early and a grab a sip at the gin bar and a bite at the markets, then get ready to dance.
You might like
Get a solid dose of indie-rock goodness at Summer’s Here Festival at Mo’s Desert Clubhouse on Friday night. Head in early for pre-show sips and snacks at the El Ranchero bar before funk-surf band Loose Goose, Byron Bay’s Mid Drift and Brisbane’s Vlads hit the stage for a huge night of indie rock.
Enjoy street eats and live beats at the Sanctuary Markets on Friday night. This week, Simon Anau will set the scene with smooth tunes as locals wander through the mouth-watering series of street-food stalls to pick their Friday night bite. Pro tip – try the wagyu quesadillas from Okinawa Taco.
Gather the kids and head to Movies Under the Stars for a free flick this Saturday night. Pack the popcorn and picnic rug and make tracks to Parkwood Sharks Rugby League Club to catch the City of Gold Coast’s free screening of Despicable Me 4. The event kicks off at 5:00 pm with free interactive kids’ activities, live music and food trucks – no tickets required, just show up!
Discover the best of contemporary Australian photography with The Josephine Ulrick and Win Schubert Photography Award 2024 at HOTA Gallery: With a $25,000 acquisitive prize, the award is the most prestigious photography prize in Queensland, open to all Australian artists working in contemporary photography. This exhibition is free to visit and open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm until May 11, 2025.
Celebrate local creativity at the Gold Coast Triennial: The Gold Coast Triennial at HOTA Gallery showcases 43 local artists through diverse works, including installations, video art, sculpture and 2D pieces. The dynamic exhibition has transformed seven interconnected spaces, highlighting the region’s artistic diversity. Spanning generations and personal histories, it celebrates emerging talent and seasoned professionals alike. With free entry, the Triennial is a must-see cultural event on the Gold Coast.