🎬 2026 AACTA Festival Gold Coast: The Ultimate Guide for Film & TV Fans
✨The AACTA Festival 2026 is officially taking over HOTA (Home of the Arts) on the Gold Coast from February 4–8 for five days of cinematic magic 🌴🎥. As a fan of great storytelling, I can tell you that this Australian film and TV festival is the place to be if you want to see the stars, walk the red carpet, and soak up the creative energy of Queensland ☀️✨.
🎭 Top Highlights of the 2026 AACTA Festival Program
The schedule this year is packed with over 100 events. As someone who lives for “behind the scenes” stories, here is what I’m making sure not to miss in the 2026 AACTA program:
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Sarah Snook “In Conversation” 🎤: On Saturday, Feb 7, the Emmy and Golden Globe winner will be joined by Shane Jacobson. This is a rare chance to hear from a true “Succession” icon right here on the Gold Coast.
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Baz Luhrmann’s EPiC Premiere 🎸: Catching the Australian premiere of EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert is a massive win for the festival.
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Reunion Specials: I’m personally stoked for the 30th Anniversary of Shine and the 20th Anniversary of Kenny. There’s nothing like celebrating Aussie classics with the original creators.
🔴 How to Experience the AACTA Awards 2026 Red Carpet
You don’t have to be a movie star to feel like one! If you want to experience the Australian film awards up close, the “Live! By The Lake” tickets are the best-kept secret.
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The Vibe: You get to walk the same red carpet as the nominees.
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The Food: The ticket includes a main meal and drinks throughout the evening. 🍽️🍷
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The Party: You’ll get access to the Official After Party, which is where the real networking (and celebrating) happens!
🎨 Free Entry to the Ken Done HOTA Exhibition for Ticket Holders
One of the best “bonus perks” this year is the collaboration with HOTA Gallery. If you have a 2026 AACTA Festival ticket, you get free entry to Ken Done: No Rules.
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Why see it? It’s a riot of bold Australian color—perfect for those Instagram shots between screenings. 📸
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Last Chance: The exhibition closes on February 15, so the festival weekend is one of your final opportunities to see it!
📍 Navigating the Gold Coast Screen Festival at HOTA
HOTA (Home of the Arts) is the perfect “hub” for this event. 🌴 Between the AACTA Screen Careers Expo (great for aspiring filmmakers!) and the outdoor cinema screenings, the riverside setting makes the whole experience feel like a creative retreat.
🎟️ Book your tickets now:
👉 https://www.aactafestival.com/
📅 View the full 2026 AACTA Festival program (including event times and dates):
👉 https://www.aactafestival.com/2026-program
📲 Stay Connected
Follow along for festival updates, guest announcements, and behind-the-scenes moments:
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aacta/
👍 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AACTAawards/
The countdown is officially on ⏳
If you love film, television, and the stories that bring us together, the 2026 AACTA Festival on the Gold Coast is where you’ll want to be 🎥✨
