Featuring a diverse line-up of international artists, local luminaries and one-off experiences, OUT LOUD Festival presents a multi-layered line-up that promises to please. The jam-packed program kicks off on Friday March 6 with an outdoor dance party featuring Brazilian music royalty Jorge Ben Jor and breakout star Liniker e os Caramelows in a wild celebration of samba, jazz, bossa nova and soul. Thinkers and curious folk, the Talks & Ideas sessions are right up your alley – held over three consecutive nights, the events will feature leading authors and idea makers including Dr Hannah Critchlow, Dr Robert Elliot Smith and former U.N. Secretary Christiana Figueres discussing topics including fate, artificial intelligence and climate change.

If you’re an ASMR convert or you’re in need of a little relaxation, take part in the Australian-first ASMR Live event with London-based Emma Smith (aka WhispersRed) or for a more intimate experience, treat yourself to the ASMR Workshop. Little ones will love getting hands-on in the Little Artlab sessions and if you’re guilty of singing along in movies, you are invited (in fact encouraged) to do just that at The Greatest Showman Sing-a-long Experience. Bringing OUT LOUD to a spectacular conclusion is Pop & Play, which brings together the worlds of Asia POP and eGames for a supercharged day of fun for the whole family. Folks, this is just the tip of the OUT LOUD iceberg – jump over to the HOTA website for a full run down of dates and deets. Let’s get loud, Gold Coast!

Image 3 credit: Leila Penteado