Brisbane Kids

WONDER: Cloud Play @ HOTA
2025-05-31 - 2025-07-13 | HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise, Qld, 4217, Australia
WONDER: Cloud Play @ HOTA
WONDER 2025 delivers its biggest and boldest artwork to date with CLOUD PLAY by internationally renowned artist Patrick Shearn of Poetic Kinetics. Presented exclusively in Australia, this breathtaking kinetic sculpture is the centrepiece of this year’s festival and is on display at HOTA’s Outdoor Stage from 31st May to 13th July.
Spanning 530 square metres, CLOUD PLAY floats gracefully in the air, evoking the fluid formations of a murmuration of birds or a school of fish. The sculpture moves with the wind, serving as a mesmerising reminder of nature’s presence. Crafted from tens of thousands of shimmering ribbons, the artwork incorporates personal reflections gathered from the Gold Coast community during the Sky Ribbons project in March. Each ribbon carries a message completing the sentence, “I’m grateful to call the Gold Coast home because…”, creating a dynamic expression of local gratitude and identity.
Accompanying the visual experience is an original soundscape blending natural sounds with music and cultural knowledge. Created by Saltwater man Lann Levinge, operatic baritone Jose Carbo, and celebrated didgeridoo artist William Barton, the soundscape adds depth and atmosphere to the installation.
After dark, CLOUD PLAY transforms as IKONIX illuminates the sculpture with light displays that respond to real-time wind data, bringing the ribbons to life in a symphony of movement and colour.
This captivating installation is part of a broader program of free and ticketed events under WONDER, running from Saturday 31st May to Saturday 21st June. With its scale, beauty, and community spirit, CLOUD PLAY is a must-see experience for both locals and visitors this winter.
WONDER: Cloud Play @ HOTA event details
When: Saturday 31st May – Sunday 13th July, Exhibiting daily 9am-9pm*
*Exhibition may be closed to the public for the setup and presentation of ticketed events.
Where: HOTA Outdoor Stage, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise 4217
Cost: Free
More information: WONDER: CLOUD PLAY @ HOTA

Carrara Markets
2025-06-28 - 2025-06-29 | Carrara Markets, Corner Gooding Drive and Manchester Road, Carrara, Qld, 4211, Australia
Carrara Markets
Centrally located at Carrara on the beautiful Gold Coast, only a stone’s throw from Surfers Paradise and Broadbeach, Carrara Markets is the biggest permanent weekend marketplace in Australia. With over 300 stalls covering 24 acres it’s a treasure trove of the curious and the unusual. It’s also the original home of discount shopping when it comes to fresh produce, fashion, homewares, pots, plants, bric a brac, souvenirs, arts and crafts and just about everything else.
Carrara Markets is a popular family day out, with pony rides, baby animal farm, bungy trampolines and face painters.
A popular attraction for the family is a visit is Carrara Mini Golf. With two amazingly themed 18 hole mini golf courses. Play outdoor amongst the ancient ruins of Asia. Play indoor with animated dinosaurs, swashbuckling pirates and mediaeval dragons. Simply anyone can play putt putt from age 4 to 84!
Carrara Markets
When: every Saturday & Sunday 8am to 3pm.
Where: Corner Gooding Drive & Manchester Road, Carrara, Gold Coast, 4211
Cost: Free entry
More information: Carrara Markets

HOTA Farmers & Artisan Markets
2025-06-29 | HOTA, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise, Qld, 4217, Australia
HOTA Farmers and Artisan Markets
The HOTA Farmers and Artisan Markets are one of the Gold Coast’s most vibrant community markets, held every Sunday morning, in the iconic HOTA precinct.
Every Sunday from 6 am to 11:30 am, HOTA buzzes with fresh farm produce, including organic options, artisanal foods, boutique fashion, and handcrafted goods.
Like the Gold Coast itself, HOTA embodies a celebration of independence and lifestyle. Passionate about supporting local farmers, makers, bakers, and growers, they prioritize knowing the origins of their goods and championing new and emerging small businesses. These markets are integral to the Gold Coast community, proudly nurturing local artists, hosting live music, and advocating for social causes that reflect the community’s values.
The markets are easily accessed via public transport, bike and car.
HOTA Farmers and Artisan Markets
When: Every Sunday, 6am – 11:30am
Where: HOTA Precinct, 135 Bundall Rd, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
Cost: Free
More information: HOTA Farmers & Artisan Markets

Bubble Play - Broadwater Parklands
2025-06-29 | Broadwater Parklands, Marine Parade, Southport, QLD, 4215, Australia
Bubble Play – Broadwater Parklands
Step into Bubble Play – a mesmerising bubble adventure like no other! Create giant, shimmering bubbles and experience the joy of bubble magic in this fun-filled extravaganza.
It’s bubble-tastic fun for all ages!
Limited paid parking available on site or catch the G:Link to Southport Station.
Bubble Play – Broadwater Parklands
When: Sunday 29th June, 9am -12pm
Where: Beside the bouncy pillow, Broadwater Parklands, Marine Parade, Southport.
Cost: Free
More information: Bubble Play Broadwater Parklands

Winter Time Eats - Varsity Lakes
2025-06-29 | Varsity Foreshore Parklands, 79 Varsity Parade, Varsity Lakes, Queensland, 4227, Australia
Winter Time Eats – Varsity Lakes
Live Music in the Park returns for a laid-back evening of fantastic tunes and community vibes, headlined by the dynamic Halsie Minor Band. This 7-piece show band from the Gold Coast will bring the park to life with a lively mix of soul, funk and rock classics.
It’s a free, family-friendly event perfect for relaxing under the stars. Guests are encouraged to bring a picnic rug or camp chair, kick back and enjoy great music in a welcoming outdoor setting.
Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a night of live music, good food and great company.
Winter Time Eats – Varsity Lakes event details
When: Sunday 29th June, 4pm – 8pm
Where: Varsity Foreshore Parklands, 79 Varsity Pde, Varsity Lakes QLD 4227
Cost: Free entry
More information: Winter Time Eats Varsity Lakes

Surface - The Miami Street Art Festival
2025-06-29 - 2025-07-13 | Miami Marketta, 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami, Queensland, 4220, Australia
Surface – The Miami Street Art Festival
Returning for its fifth year, Surface Festival will once again transform more than 1000sqm of Gold Coast’s beige brick walls into vibrant works of art over two creative weeks during the winter school holidays.
Set across a 4km art trail and 20 suburban blocks, the streets of Miami will come alive with colour as over 250 visual artists showcase their talents. Visitors are encouraged to ride, roll, or stroll through the neighbourhood to experience this unique celebration of street art and local culture.
Surrounded by surf breaks and sports parks, the festival champions creativity at the heart of the Miami community, spotlighting local artisans, cultural voices, and independent hospitality venues.
Surface Festival welcomes artists from across the country and beyond, each leaving their mark on the city’s ever-evolving urban landscape. A highlight not to miss is the award-winning First Nations mural by Adnate and Luther Cora, which took out Best External Mural at the 2023 Australian Street Art Awards.
Visitors are encouraged to use public transport or active travel to enjoy the trail and reduce congestion.
Surface – The Miami Street Art Festival event details
When: Sunday, 29th June – Sunday 13th July, 6am – 10pm.
Where: Surface Hub – Miami Marketta, 23 Hillcrest Parade, Miami, 4220
Cost: Free and paid events
More information: Surface Festival Miami
