18 June 2026
SEE YOU IN COOLY NEXT JUNE
Huge crowds. Sold-out shows. More than 1,000 classic cars.
Cooly Rocks On has once again cemented its place as Australia's favourite nostalgia festival.
Over five unforgettable days, Coolangatta came alive with music, classic cars, vintage fashion and rock 'n' roll culture, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors to the southern Gold Coast.
From sold-out tribute shows and the iconic Show 'N' Shine presented by Autoglym, to Kustomville, the Saturday Night Cruise and the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, the energy across the precinct was incredible.
Congratulations to Josuel Grech, who earned the opportunity to represent Cooly Rocks On at Elvis Week in Memphis, and to our 2026 Pin-up Pageant winners: Bow Dacious (Classic), Miss Heather Lee (Rockabilly) and Betty Rage (Most Entertaining).
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 Company, Shannons Insurance, EVENTelec, TFH Hire Services Pty Ltd 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.
Relive the highlights in the official wrap-up video HERE
Save the date: Cooly Rocks On returns from 9 – 13 June 2027
For event updates, accommodation offers and ticket information, visit HERE
SESSIONS SURF FESTIVAL WRAPS UP ANOTHER UNFORGETTABLE WEEK ON THE GOLD COAST
The Gold Coast has once again proven its place at the heart of global surf culture, with Sessions Surf Festival returning for its second Australian edition from 23–30 May 2026. Curated by celebrated surf filmmaker Taylor Steele, the event brought together surf, film, art and live music in a week-long festival across some of the city’s most iconic locations.
From a sold-out opening night featuring Dope Lemon at Miami Marketta, to surf film screenings at Balter Taproom, HOTA, Home of the Arts and Mondrian Gold Coast, and the festival finale at Burleigh Heads, Sessions delivered a program that captured the true spirit of the Gold Coast.
The closing beach session saw surf legends Kelly Slater and Dylan Graves line up for Team USA against Australia’s Joel Parkinson and Nathan Hedge, alongside live music and a spectacular Burleigh sunset.
Sessions continues to showcase the Gold Coast’s ability to host authentic, experience-led events that connect with the local community, attract visitors and celebrate our coastal lifestyle.
WORLD-CLASS TAEKWONDO RETURNS TO THE GOLD COAST IN OLYMPIC PATHWAY EVENTS
The Gold Coast will once again host elite international Taekwondo with the World Taekwondo President’s Cup - Oceania on 18–19 June and the Australian Open on 20–21 June at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre.
Across four days, the events will bring together elite black belt athletes from World Taekwondo’s 212 Member National Associations, competing for valuable G2 and G3 world ranking points. Previous editions have attracted competitors from around 45 countries, including top-10 ranked athletes, reinforcing their strong international standing.
Both events sit firmly within the Olympic and Paralympic qualification pathway and long-term Brisbane 2032 sporting legacy, providing critical ranking opportunities and international competition experience for athletes building toward future Games cycles.
Supported by World Taekwondo, the Oceania Taekwondo Union and Australian Taekwondo, the events further strengthen the Gold Coast’s position as a leading global hub for combat sport and a key destination on the road to Brisbane 2032.
VIEW THE 4 JUNE 2026 EVENTS UPDATE
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.