This event has finished.
The 2027 edition runs 9 to 13 June.
Why You Should Go
Australia's biggest free nostalgia festival drawing 160,000 to Coolangatta's Marine Parade annually.
Format
5-day festival
Crowd
160,000 (2023) · families & petrolheads
Vibe
Festival, Family-friendly
About This Event
Australia's largest nostalgia festival since 2011 — five days celebrating 1950s and 1960s culture along Coolangatta's Marine Parade beachfront. Show 'N' Shine displays for vehicles manufactured through 1985, the Saturday Night Car Cruise, and one of only three Australian festivals hosting an official Elvis Presley Enterprises sanctioned Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest preliminary round.
1What to Expect
Show all 6
2Best Way to Experience It
- Four designated fenced viewing areas along Marine Parade let spectators watch the Car Cruise safely
- Road closures limit parking; organizers recommend walking, cycling, carpooling or public transport
About the Venue
While you're in the area
Experiences near Marine Parade
3Logistics
- Festival admission is free including all outdoor stages and beachfront activations
- Ticketed events include Elvis Marquee shows and VIP Legends Pass
- Gold Coast Airport located under five minutes drive from Coolangatta
- Bus route 760 connects airport directly to Coolangatta
- Accessible viewing areas throughout festival with signage at outdoor stages
- Accessible parking available at Greenmount SLSC, Chalk Street and The Strand
4Frequently Asked Questions
- Best fit if you enjoy nostalgia festivals: Australia's largest 1950s-60s celebration, 160,000 attendees, Show 'N' Shine open to pre-1986 vehicles without entry requirements, combines classic cars with rockabilly music and vintage fashion.
- Best fit if you like beachside festival atmosphere: Five-day Coolangatta oceanfront event along Marine Parade, free outdoor stages and Show 'N' Shine viewing, family-friendly environment with accessible Gold Coast Airport only 2.5km away.
- Best fit if you value cultural celebrations: Cross-generational gathering celebrates post-war automotive and pop culture, attendees dress period-appropriate, Elvis tribute competition, pin-up pageant, swing dance events beyond car displays.
- Not ideal if you prefer competitive automotive events: Casual Show 'N' Shine format without judging categories or awards, emphasizes community gathering over vehicle competition, relaxed festival atmosphere rather than concours presentation standards.
Tags
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