HOTA is sending 2020 a live-entertainment lifeline with a cracking line-up of music, ballet, movies, art and more as part of the UPSPRING program. Welcome in the new season and farewell the winter blues with talented local performers and artists. more
With social distancing measures to remain in place for the foreseeable future, the way we party will look a lot different from here on out. Bush doofs, festivals and clubbing nights may be off the cards for now, however, that doesn't mean some good ol' fashion fun has been removed from the equation. Enter The Parking Lot Social, a new drive-in party series from the team behind the world’s largest jumping castle, The Big Bounce. With live tunes, food trucks, stand-up comedy and car karaoke all part of this huge program of immersive and interactive entertainment, it's safe to say you're in for one wild ride (or park, rather). more
Going to the cinemas has been quite high on our list of 'things we have missed doing during the pandemic' – right up there with hugging our mates, touching our faces and being able to sit down at our favourite local restaurants and cafes. This weekend marks a very welcome milestone for local film buffs, with HOTA officially reopening the doors to its boutique cinema. The popcorn machine is back on, the reels are ready to roll and there are 20 seats waiting to be filled. more
If you've grown weary of Netflix constantly judging your viewing habits by asking if you're still watching – it's time to switch off the television, don your glad rags (or you know, clean tracksuit, same same) and pile into the car because Yatala Drive-In is reopening its doors this Labour Day long weekend (Saturday May 2 to Monday May 4) with some strict social distancing measures in place. more
Film buffs, strap yourselves in, ditch Netflix and get those snacks ready – organisers of the annual Gold Coast Film Festival are shaking things up and have moved the major event online for 2020. Despite the unfortunate cancellation of the festival's 18th year (which was due to feature more than 300 films in 12 days across 14 Gold Coast locations this April), two of the key events will still be going ahead virtually – and it's all kicking off this weekend! Consider your Easter in isolation, sorted. more
The joy of seeing a movie in a crowded cinema will not be felt for a little while, but that doesn't mean the cinema experience is no more. After not-for-profit film society, The Melbourne Cinémathèque had to cancel its weekly film program, the team knew that they wanted to keep the spirit of cinema alive. To make this happen, they teamed up with Australia’s national museum of all things creative, The Australian Centre for the Moving Image (ACMI) to establish a dedicated weekly movie night that will be streamed right to your living room. Grab the microwave popcorn, nab yourself a blanket and get ready to watch some flicks – ACMI's Virtual Cinémathèque kicks off on Wednesday March 25. more
While HOTA – the Gold Coast's own Home of the Arts – may be temporarily closed, the team is still working tirelessly to help the city's arts industry and creative communities navigate their way through these challenging times. This week, HOTA CEO Criena Gehrke announced Rage Against The V(irus) Artist Fund – an initiative designed to turn downtime into a spark for innovation, using digital technology as the medium. more
UPDATE Tuesday March 24: Yatala Drive-In Theatre has temporarily closed until further notice. Stay up to date by following the theatre on Facebook. With many of us practising social distancing to help flatten the curve of COVID-19, finding some form of entertainment-based escape during these trying times has become somewhat of a challenge. Well fear not, leisure seekers! An evening of wholesome throwback fun in the form of a trip to the beloved Yalata Drive-In will cure your case of cabin fever. Located just off the M1 in Stapylton (between Brisbane and the Gold Coast), this well-loved theatre boasts three fields with huge outdoor screens showing everything from the latest blockbusters to retro classics – all to be enjoyed from the comfort of your cosy car. more
Those of us who aren't involved in the hands-on aspect of craft making probably rarely consider the human relationship between the maker and materials – more often than not, it's simply a process of identifying an appealing aesthetic, then making a purchase. Though, if you're interested in digging deeper into wonderful world of crafts and making, don't miss Murwillumbah's Real to Reel: The Craft Film Festival on Saturday March 21. more
Prepare to be mesmerised – the Ocean Film Festival World Tour 2020 is returning to the Gold Coast this March to showcase captivating, inspirational and educational footage from some of the world's best independent filmmakers. The iconic festival, which aims to inspire viewers to explore, respect, enjoy and ultimately protect our oceans, will set sail at HOTA for two nights only from March 11–12. more
The 13th annual Byron Bay International Film Festival (BBFF) is back this October, bringing with it a mammoth showcase of 125 films, shorts and documentaries. The popular ten-day festival, which runs from October 18–27, will roll out a spectacular program of film-centric events across various venues in Byron Shire and the Tweed. more
Film buffs, your favourite time of year is almost upon us! The 17th annual Gold Coast Film Festival is gearing up to kick off 12 days of pure cinematic goodness, shining the light on the Australian film industry with a stellar program of movie premieres, workshops, gala ceremonies, panels, family-friendly events and so much more. more
Fellow film buffs, get excited – the American Express Openair Cinema is back, baby! Starting Thursday March 14 and running through until Sunday April 14, the popular under-the-stars event will see Southport's Broadwater Parklands act as the backdrop for a thrilling month-long festival of food, fun and (of course) films. more
Two things we love – going to the flicks and sipping frothies. You too? See, that's why we like you. We also like the team at Burleigh Brewing Co. because on Thursday July 26 they are launching the Burleigh Brewing Outdoor Cinema. Yes, a cinema in a brewery. more
Film buffs, it's your time to shine! The Gold Coast Film Festival will be back in town from April 17 through to April 29, rolling out an action-packed program featuring everything from award-winning short films to virtual reality experiences. Strap yourselves in and start planning ahead – you won't want to miss a minute. more
Hold on to your hats folks, things are about to get next-level across our fine city. With the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games just around the corner (April 4–15, in case you've been living under a giant rock), excitement is buzzing, and it just went up a notch with the announcement of the Festival 2018 program, which will feature a spectacular line-up of more than 1000 arts and cultural experiences in more than 28 locations across the city for 12 action-packed days. more
A sunset cinema is popping in Mermaid Waters this January and you need to be there. Over two balmy nights on January 19 and 20, the greenspace known as The Lanes will be transformed with a glorious moon-lit food and film event. Dust of the picnic rug and bean bags – here's what you need to know. more
Movie buffs, your attention please. The third annual Sanctuary Film Festival is back in town to jam pack your weekend with cinematic magic and you won't want to miss a minute of the action. If you're in the mood for a world-class film binge, a fancy red-carpet soiree plus a bunch of imaginative outdoor events, then get your fine self to Sanctuary Cove from November 25–26. more
The sweet escape that comes with a trip to the movies is truly one of life’s greatest pleasures. What could be more appealing that kicking back with some delicious snacks and a cheeky beverage while you laugh your pants off or cry your eyes out over some Hollywood magic? Well, it just so happens that the old “sitting in a dark room with a choc top and a soft drink” formula has been given a serious shake-up – the kind that involves gourmet eats, boozy tipples and puppy cuddles. American Express Openair Cinemas is popping up at the lush Queen Elizabeth Park in Coolangatta from October 19 to November 19, taking your movie-going experience and giving it a sweet alfresco twist. Want to take this outside? Of course you do ... more
Here at The Weekend Edition, we have two obsessions – food and dogs. We get to talk about food on the daily, which is rad – but we get oh-so excited when we get to talk about dogs as well. Now, if you share our love and affection for all things canine, then make sure you get yourself tickets to the Top Dog Film Festival at the Arts Centre Gold Coast this Monday August 21. more
