The Gold Coast is set to host a celebration of surf, creativity and connection as the Solento Surf Festival makes its Australian debut this weekend. Running from 7–14 June, this eight-day event will unfold across Burleigh Heads, HOTA (Home of the Arts), and the Mondrian Gold Coast, bringing together a full-spectrum lineup of surf competitions, art exhibitions, film premieres, live music and more.
Curated by Taylor Steele—award-winning filmmaker and founder of Solento Organic Tequila—the festival reflects a surf lifestyle that’s as much about slowing down and soaking it all in as it is about catching the next wave.
“Solento is all about taking time: time to connect, to reflect, and to celebrate the moments that matter,” says Steele. “Whether you’re surfing at Burleigh, checking out an inspiring film, or hanging out with your loved ones listening to live music, it’s all about enjoying being present.”
Opening Weekend: Surf, Music and a Beachside Vibe
Things kick off on Saturday 7 June with a full day of action at Burleigh Headland, where locals will paddle out alongside professional surfers in a community surf competition designed to prioritise fun and connection over competition. It’s an open invitation to get involved, watch the action, and enjoy a day in the sun.
The Burleigh Hill carpark will transform into a vibrant festival hub, complete with live music, a pop-up beach bar, and local food trucks, offering the perfect coastal hangout.
Live acts confirmed for the day include Pat Tierney, Katie Milae, Ella Fence, MYLES, and local indie favourites Headsend, with more artists still to be announced.
Masterclass in Surf Filmmaking with Taylor Steele
On Monday 9 June, creatives and film lovers are in for a treat as Taylor Steele hosts an intimate masterclass at HOTA. This rare opportunity to learn directly from one of surf cinema’s most iconic storytellers will cover everything from storyboarding and production to editing and distribution.
Art Meets Ocean: Solento Art Exhibit
The festival’s creative heartbeat continues at HOTA on Tuesday 10 June with the opening of the Solento Art Exhibit, running until 29 June. Featuring work by both established and emerging artists—Otis Carey, David Bromley, and Karlee Mackie among them—the exhibit shines a light on the intersection of surf and art, showcasing the movement’s deep creative undercurrents.
Closing Weekend: Surf Cinema Takes the Spotlight
The final stretch of the Solento Surf Festival, from 12–14 June, sees the action shift to the newly opened Mondrian Gold Coast. Here, audiences can immerse themselves in a curated surf film experience, with premieres, live performances, and panel conversations spotlighting the best in contemporary surf storytelling.
Headline films include:
- WASHED, featuring pro surfers Mikey Wright, Kanoa Igarashi, Kael Walsh, and Hughie Vaughan
- Milk and Honey, with Stephanie Gilmore, Caity Simmers, Coco Ho, and Frankie Harrer
- Friction of Perception, featuring Liam O’Brien
- A Marble in the Jar, spotlighting Tatiana Weston-Webb
Each screening will include Q&As, guest appearances, and a few surprises, ensuring every night is something special.
The Vision Behind Solento Surf Festival
At its core, Solento Surf Festival is a tribute to surf culture’s broader story—one that extends beyond the wave and into the realms of art, music, and human connection. Inspired by Steele’s formative years in the surf and film worlds, the festival brings together these passions under a single creative vision.
“This festival is a reminder that surf culture is more than just riding waves, it’s a creative movement with deep roots in art, music, and film,” said Division 13 Councillor Josh Martin. “As someone with a background in the arts and a love of surfing, I’m thrilled to see those worlds come together.”
Event Snapshot
- 7 June – Burleigh Heads Takeover
Surf contests, beach bar, live music and local eats - 9 June – Solento Masterclass at HOTA
Filmmaking deep dive with Taylor Steele - 10 June – Solento Art Exhibit Opening at HOTA
Opening night with live music and visual art - 12–14 June – Film Festival at the Mondrian
Screenings, performances, panels, and surf cinema premieres
Tickets are on sale now. To view the full program and purchase tickets, visit www.solentosurffestival.com or follow along on social media @solentosurffestival.
