29 January 2026
ONE MONTH TO GO TO AFC WOMEN’S ASIAN CUP 2026™
In the lead-up to kick-off, Gold Coast host city branding will roll out across key precinct as excitement builds citywide. The Gold Coast will proudly host Group A matches, featuring the Matildas alongside Korea Republic, IR Iran and the Philippines, as well as the tournament’s Play-Off matches, delivering high-stakes football deep into the competition.
From heavyweight clashes to inspiring underdog stories, don’t miss your chance to experience Asia’s best competing for continental glory.
IT’S A WRAP ON THE 2026 TAB MAGIC MILLIONS CARNIVAL
The 2026 TAB Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival once again delivered a world-class celebration of racing, sport, lifestyle and culture on the Gold Coast.
Held from 7–19 January, the Carnival reinforced its global standing, with more than $212.8 million invested in the Magic Millions Yearling Sales, cementing its position as one of the world’s premier thoroughbred auctions. On the track, Magic Millions Gold Raceday captivated crowds with its iconic twilight racing format, elevated by live entertainment from Sneaky Sound System. The $13.25 million TAB Magic Millions Raceday showcased elite racing talent surrounded by a vibrant social scene where glamour, colour and world-class entertainment combined to create an unforgettable showcase of sport and style.
Beyond the track, the Carnival’s lifestyle events continued to grow in scale and prestige. Highlights included the Pacific Fair Magic Millions Polo & Showjumping at Doug Jennings Park, featuring international polo star Nacho Figueras alongside a host of high-profile guests, and the uniquely Gold Coast TAB Magic Millions Barrier Draw staged on the sands of Broadbeach.
The Carnival also extended into arts and culture, with HOTA, Home of the Arts, hosting the Rose Gold exhibition by Nicole Slater and the Magic Millions Racing Women Achievement Awards.
Together, these moments underscored the 2026 TAB Gold Coast Magic Millions Carnival as a multi-faceted festival that celebrates elite racing and showcases the Gold Coast as a premier destination for world-class events, lifestyle and culture.
WSL CONFIRMS MUSIC FESTIVAL PARTNERSHIP FOR BONSOY GOLD COAST PRO
The Gold Coast will take centre stage in a new national surf and music collaboration. The World Surf League (WSL) has confirmed a partnership with one of Australia’s most progressive music festivals, Here Comes The Sun, as part of its expanded 2026 Australian leg of the Championship Tour.
The Gold Coast edition on Saturday 2 May will coincide with the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro at Snapper Rocks, transforming Queen Elizabeth Park into a celebration of surfing, music and coastal culture. The festival will showcase a standout all-Australian line-up including Lime Cordiale, The Jungle Giants, Young Franco, Sycco, Eliza & The Delusionals and Mariae Cassandra, with more artists to be announced.
The initiative reflects WSL’s strategy to deepen fan engagement by pairing elite sport with live entertainment, while reinforcing the Gold Coast’s reputation as a premier destination for major sporting and cultural events that drive visitation.
FROM STRANGER THINGS TO THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR: DACRE MONTGOMERY IN CONVERSATION
Actor and creative force Dacre Montgomery joins the AACTA Festival for a must-see In Conversation event on Saturday 7 February. Rising to global prominence through Stranger Things, Montgomery has built a career defined by bold creative choices, moving seamlessly between blockbuster productions and nuanced, character-driven performances.
An AACTA International Award nominee for Dead Man’s Wire, with acclaimed roles in Elvis and beyond, he continues to establish himself as one of Australia’s most compelling screen talents. In this exclusive session, Montgomery reflects on his career to date and looks ahead to his next chapter, including his upcoming directorial debut, The Engagement Party, offering audiences a rare insight into his creative process and future ambitions.
VIEW THE 15 JAN 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.