Opa! Greece Lands on the Gold Coast
Get ready to feast, dance and celebrate. For the very first time, the Gold Coast has its own Greek festival. The Gold Coast Greek Festival is celebrating big. Over two days, thousands of people will enjoy one very Greek weekend. Best of all, it brings flavour, rhythm and big-hearted hospitality to the water’s edge.
Kalos irthate: Welcome to Something New
After more than ten years, Greek spirit is finally back on the Gold Coast. The Gold Coast Greek Festival is a lively community gathering where everyone gets a seat at the family table, whether Greek by blood or Greek at heart.
Stroll through busy market stalls, follow the smell of charcoal souvlaki and warm, honey-drenched loukoumades, and let the bouzouki set your feet moving. Cheer on traditional dancers in full costume, clink glasses with new friends and soak up Greek warmth beneath the Queensland sun.
This is the comeback of a much-loved local tradition. As a result, you can say you were there for the very first one. The Gold Coast Greek Festival takes over the Outdoor Stage and Parklands at HOTA, Home of the Arts, on 31 October and 1 November. Everyone is invited, so come along whether you’re Greek, Greek at heart or simply love a good celebration.
What’s On
Tuck into authentic spanakopita, souvlaki and gyros, then finish with baklava, kataifi, galaktoboureko and loukoumades. In the Lakeside Room, watch celebrity chef Anna Polyviou and her mum Gina cook alongside Helena and Vikki, then settle in for Greek cinema and cultural experiences that bring the story of Greece to life.
On stage, the Glendi Band and grEchoes will play live, traditional dance troupes will perform, and hands-on workshops will get you moving. There is also a best-dancer contest and a plate-smashing showdown. Families will love the kids’ activities, market stalls and a friendly game of tavli (Greek backgammon).
A Community Celebration at the Heart of the City
Created by George Mastrocostas, Honorary Consul-General of Greece in Queensland, and presented under his patronage, the Gold Coast Greek Festival unites Hellenic community groups from across the state in a proud celebration of Greek heritage and culture.
About 10,000 visitors are expected over the weekend, so whether you’re Greek, Greek at heart, or simply love good food, great music and a hearty “opa!”, there’s a place for you.
Local Greek associations will be dishing up treasured family recipes, cultural groups will take the stage, and young Greek Australians will share their roots through music, food, dance and storytelling.
The food program is a highlight. Alongside the community stalls, Australia’s favourite Greek cooks, Vikki Moursellas and Anna Polyviou (joined by her mum, Gina), will share recipes and home-cooking inspiration in the Lakeside Room. You’ll also find Greek sweets, ice cream, coffee, tea, Greek beer and more.
Expect Greek and Cypriot dance groups, group dance sessions and beginner lessons, then show off your new moves in the best-dancing competition. Prefer to make some noise? Join the plate-smashing contest and the kids’ activities.
Saturday night ends with fireworks lighting up Evandale Lake.
Everyone on the Gold Coast is invited to discover the spirit of filoxenia (Greek hospitality). Come hungry, come ready to dance, and come ready to shout OPA!
Giving Back
Every dollar raised by the Gold Coast Greek Festival supports the Greek diaspora across Queensland, funding initiatives that strengthen Greek communities, preserve Hellenic heritage and keep Greek traditions alive for generations to come.
Tickets
Adult tickets are $11.60 and concession tickets are $6.60. Children aged 13 and under enter free but still need a ticket, while children aged 3 and under are free with no ticket required.
Date, Time and Location
The festival opens on Saturday 31 October 2026 from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm, finishing with fireworks over Evandale Lake. It continues on Sunday 1 November 2026 from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Where: HOTA, Home of the Arts, 135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise QLD 4217
