Coolangatta, Queensland, Australia2026-06-03 to 2026-06-07
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.
What to Expect
Over 900 cars displayed along two kilometres of Coolangatta beachfront streets
Hot rods and kustom vehicles concentrated in dedicated Kustomville display area at Goodwin Park
Saturday Night Car Cruise transforms Marine Parade into a rolling parade after sunset
Pin-up Pageant features Classic and Rockabilly style rounds celebrating vintage glamour
Nostalgia Markets stretch along the beachfront throughout all five days selling retro goods
Mix of free and ticketed entertainment across outdoor and indoor stages
Best 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
Good to Know
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
Is This Event Right For You?
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
city cruise / street paradeswap meet / parts marketCar DisplayMulti-Day EventPublic Transit Accessheritage / historic vehicle displayClosed Public RoadsMerchandiseBeginner FriendlyLive Musiccruise nightorganised cruise / convoyVIP Hospitalityclub stand / car club areaDay/Night MixedExtended EventFood VillageStatic DisplaysFestival Atmosphere
