Australia’s largest nostalgia festival, Cooly Rocks On, returns to the Gold Coast this June, celebrating everything yesteryear – from the motors to the music and the lifestyle.
Festival goers can secure their tickets from today for some of the most eagerly awaited ticketed shows of the festival, including the renowned Show ‘N’ Shine – one of the country’s biggest showcases of classic cars - proudly presented by Autoglym.
The incredible display of classic cars, hot rods, muscle cars and more will be featured across four of the five days of the festival in the iconic beachside precinct of Coolangatta. Ticketing options include the Early Bird Show ‘N’ Shine tickets on Thursday 5 and Friday 6 June and the Weekend Show ‘N’ Shine tickets available for Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 June.
In a first for the festival, single day tickets will also be available for purchase, making the Early Bird Show ‘N’ Shine and the Show ‘N’ Shine more flexible than ever with ticket options to suit every motor enthusiast. A Show ‘N’ Shine + Night Cruise Weekend Pass is also available as a new ticket bundle.
Car enthusiasts from across the country are expected to make the pilgrimage to the Gold Coast for the showcase which will span across seven zones, giving spectators the chance to see more than 1000 cars manufactured on or before 1979 on display for free.
A new curated 80s zone specifically for cars manufactured between 1980 – 1985, will continue Cooly Rocks On's snapshot of automotive history in a fresh way. Think vibrant designs, innovative tech and some of the slickest rides from the decade! Expressions of interest are open for car owners eager to show off their prized 80s possession.
Those looking to get their dancing shoes on in the Elvis Marquee will have the chance to secure tickets to the ever-popular Moonlight Swing Dance on the Thursday evening. On the Sunday evening you can finish the festival with the ultimate farewell party at the Beachside Rock ‘N’ Roll Dance.
Adding to the entertainment on offer at Cooly Rocks On 2025 is a spectacular lineup of ticketed feature shows across the five days. Opening night will see international stars Ted Torres Martin (USA), Toki Toyokazu (JPN) and Che Orton (NZ) taking to the stage to pay tribute to, and take audiences on a journey through, Elvis’ timeless catalogue in Heart of the King.
The entertainment doesn’t stop there. Friday night will welcome internationally-renowned Elvis Tribute Artist Jay Dupuis to the Elvis Marquee bringing his electrifying high energy performance Any Given Night in Las Vegas – 1972 to festival fans.
The feast of musical nostalgia continues all weekend with The Australian Rolling Stones Show, SOS:The Australian ABBA Tribute Show and The Dusty Springfield Show.
The highly anticipated Cooly Rocks On Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist (UETA) Contest is back again in 2025 with tickets on sale for all three rounds of the competition. The annual contest attracts some of the best Elvis tribute artists throughout the country and overseas and is one of only three in Australia sanctioned by Elvis Presley Enterprises. The 2025 winner will go on to represent Cooly Rocks On in Memphis later this year to compete for the Ultimate top prize of best in the world at Elvis Week.
"Each year the Cooly Rocks On team works hard to put together a program that offers fans of nostalgia, a unique and different experience celebrating everything about these iconic eras,” said Festival Director Mark Duckworth.
“This year’s festival promises to be huge, with the renowned Show ‘N’ Shine, incredible tribute shows celebrating the music and legends we love, and the highly anticipated Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest.
“Whether you’re a die-hard fan or new to the nostalgia, there’s something for everyone. Don’t miss your chance to be part of Australia’s biggest celebration of the past!”
Produced by Experience Gold Coast, Cooly Rocks On turns back the clock from 4-8 June transforming Coolangatta into a nostalgic wonderland over the five-day festival giving visitors the opportunity to take a trip down memory lane and see the best of rock ‘n’ roll, rockabilly and swing.
Visitors can immerse themselves in a stellar program of free live music across the outdoor and indoor stages throughout the precinct, wander through the nostalgia markets and meet this year’s Cooly Rocks On Pin-up Pageant Finalists.
For more information visit: coolyrockson.com
Cooly Rocks On is produced by Experience Gold Coast and supported by the Queensland Government, via Tourism and Events Queensland.
ENDS
Important links and assets
www.Coolyrockson.com
https://www.facebook.com/coolyrockson
https://www.instagram.com/coolyrockson
THE LATEST
News
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.