Cooly Rocks On has cemented its place as the country’s favourite nostalgia festival, winding back the clock for five unforgettable days of classic cars, rock ’n’ roll and fashion by the beach.
Tens of thousands of fans and a record number of classic cars made the pilgrimage to the Gold Coast, soaking up the winter sunshine to a backdrop of rock ‘n’ roll, rockabilly and swing music.
The iconic beachside precinct of Coolangatta transformed into a vibrant celebration of the 50s, 60s, and 70s.
Experience Gold Coast CEO John Warn said Cooly Rocks On 2026 delivered one of its strongest ticketed event programs to date.
“Every year this festival brings an incredible program of free and ticketed events, but this year saw our ticket sales approach an almost complete sell-out for the first time, prompting the addition of an extra tribute show.
“The opening night ticketed event sold out completely and our Early Bird Show ‘N’ Shine was very busy, both really encouraging signs that people are extending their stays and making the most of everything Cooly Rocks On, and our destination, have on offer.”
This year’s festival featured an impressive lineup of homegrown and international headline acts including the current world number one Elvis Tribute Artist - the USA’s Jimmy Holmes - and The High Stakes all the way from the Netherlands.
The ever-popular Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest saw the best in business compete for the opportunity to represent Cooly Rocks On at Elvis Week in Memphis, with Josuel Grech taking top honours.
Festival Director Mark Duckworth said the continued growth and enduring popularity of the festival highlights its unique ability to connect generations through music, nostalgia and culture.
“We see the same Cadillacs, car enthusiasts and Elvis aficionados return to Cooly Rocks On year after year, but what’s been surprising is how much the younger generation is now embracing the festival and its fashion and music, bringing an edginess and longevity to the event,” said Mark Duckworth.
“No matter your vintage, the festival has you covered, from gritty 1950s hot rods and blasting rockabilly to Elvis’ ’68 leathers, 1970s panel vans and now a touch of 1980s Trans Ams and Space Invaders machines in our pop-up arcade.
“Whether you’re here for the cars, the music, the dancing or simply the atmosphere, there’s something incredibly special about seeing Coolangatta come alive with this energy every June, and the economic boost for the southern Gold Coast is undeniable, injecting around $28 million into local businesses.”
The renowned Show ‘N’ Shine presented by Autoglym, Kustomville and the Saturday Night Car Cruise, saw thousands of enthusiasts fill the streets to marvel at the vintage cars, hot rods, customs and muscle machines.
The annual Pin-up Pageant delighted fans once again with Bow Dacious winning the Classic style, Miss Heather Lee the Rockabilly category and the award for Most Entertaining going to Betty Rage.
“Cooly Rocks On Pin-up Pageant is the pinnacle of Pin-up in Australia. I feel like this is the highest you can go, so to win this is everything,” Bow Dacious said.
This year’s festival was delivered with thanks to the 2026 Sponsor Family: City of Gold Coast, Tourism and Events Queensland, Gold Coast Airport, Autoglym, Indian Motorcycle, Shannons Insurance, EVENTelec, TFH Hire Services and Triple M Gold 92.5.
Cooly Rocks On is produced by Experience Gold Coast and supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience 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.