Tens of thousands of people are descending on the Gold Coast as Australia’s largest nostalgia festival, Cooly Rocks On, returns to Coolangatta transforming the iconic beachside precinct into a retro playground packed with rock ‘n’ roll, classic cars, dancing and fashion.
Celebrating the motors, music and lifestyle of yesteryear, the five-day festival from Wednesday 3 to Sunday 7 June, will bring together Elvis Tribute Artists, pin-ups, hot rods, swing dancers and rockabilly and rock ‘n’ roll music lovers from across Australia and around the globe.
Experience Gold Coast Festival Director Mark Duckworth said this year’s event was set to deliver an unforgettable celebration of music, nostalgia and coastal culture.
“There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere of Cooly Rocks On when the streets of Coolangatta come alive with great live music, dancing, and some amazing attention to detail on the fashion, style and classic cars,” Mr Duckworth said.
“People travel from all over Australia to experience the energy and nostalgia of this festival, against our iconic beachfront backdrop, whether you’re passionate about rock ‘n’ roll, retro culture or simply looking for a fantastic event to enjoy with family and friends, there really is something here for everyone.”
One of the festival’s biggest drawcards, the renowned Show ‘N’ Shine proudly presented by Autoglym, will this year showcase more than 1000 classic vehicles across seven precincts with gleaming muscle cars, hot rods, custom classics and vintage cruisers spanning almost two kilometres throughout Coolangatta.
The Cooly Rocks On Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises will once again take centre stage with the winner to go on to compete in Memphis later this year.
The 2026 lineup also features some of the world’s top Elvis Tribute Artists, including reigning Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist 2026 Jimmy Holmes (USA) and 2019 world champion Taylor Rodriguez (USA). Australia’s Jack Gatto, teen sensation Charlie Gaylard, and Gold Coast favourite Brendon Chase also joins the star-studded line up.
Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate said “It’s time for a little less conversation and a little more action.
“The King of rock ‘n roll is back and it’s time to celebrate some sweet rock-a-billy as well as a horde of free attractions for families and visitors at Cooly Rocks On.
“For 15 years, this festival has set the bar high with incredible energy the length of the Coolangatta foreshore and I know this year will be the biggest and best yet.
“As The King himself said: tomorrow will be too late. It’s now or never.’’
Kustomville will feature an impressive live three-day hot rod build, giving festivalgoers a front row seat to the action.
The highly anticipated Saturday Night Car Cruise will see the streets lined with spectators as the clock is turned back to celebrate classic cars cruising through Coolangatta in a dazzling display of nostalgia and horsepower.
Music lovers will be treated to an enormous lineup of free and ticketed entertainment across the festival, including crowd-favourite tribute shows and international rock ‘n’ roll acts.
The lineup includes powerhouse performances from international acts and fan favourites including Atomic Hi-Tones, Ezra Lee, The Detonators, The Hi-Stakes and The Koffin Rockers, alongside an exciting program of tribute productions celebrating icons including Queen, Fleetwood Mac, the Bee Gees and Joe Cocker.
The festival’s ever-popular Pin-Up Pageant will showcase vintage glamour, victory rolls and timeless fashion, while dance floors across the precinct will come alive with swing dancing, rock ‘n’ roll and retro-inspired celebrations day and night.
Last year the festival attracted more than 160,000 attendees across the five days, while delivering a record economic boost to the region.
Minister for Tourism and the Environment, Andrew Powell MP said Cooly Rocks On was exactly the kind of event helping cement Queensland as the events capital of the country.
“Cooly Rocks On brings people to Queensland, backs local businesses and showcases the Gold Coast at its very best,” Minister Powell said.
“With an estimated $32.5 million boost to the Queensland economy, this is an event that delivers real benefits for the state.
“As we deliver Destination 2045, we are backing events that grow tourism, support jobs and keep Queensland as the home of the holiday.”
Produced by Experience Gold Coast, Cooly Rocks On turns back the clock from June 3-7, giving visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the music, motors and lifestyle of yesteryear in one of Australia’s most iconic coastal destinations.
Cooly Rocks On is produced by Experience Gold Coast and supported by the Queensland Government, through Tourism and Events Queensland.
Cooly Rocks On
3-7 June 2026 | Coolangatta, Gold Coast
Tickets available HERE
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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.