Today is a great day to learn more about the world’s oldest cultures through art, dance and music. 

Infusing a woven art installation with the ancient wisdom of the power of water, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists are creating Weaving Water Stories at Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach. It is a huge art installation that will grow organically throughout the festival and wind between the park’s trees. Festival-goers can even learn the craft and add their own contribution to the work.

Elsewhere in the park, pay tribute to the world’s longest-running protest in Embassy - Richard Bell’s thought-provoking restaging of the original Canberra tent embassy. A day-long program of films and talks turns a simple tent into a platform for deeper discussion.

On Broadbeach Beach near Chelsea Avenue, Indigenous artist Carol McGregor has created a sculptural work that acts an oasis of shelter and colour in the sand. Acknowledging Place comprises huge cotton tree leaves coloured to evoke the Aboriginal flag created by Harold Thomas.

On the Roundabout Stage at Broadbeach, ancient and modern dance combines to create eXcelsior. After touring the country showcasing this unique style, the dancers of eXcelsior will unleash their supercharged performance on the Gold Coast.    

The fittingly named By the Beach concert in Kurrawa Park includes dozens of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians from a music residency program of the same name. Claim a spot on the Broadbeach grass and take in the tunes as this talented troupe belt out everything from party anthems to earthy ballads to the crowd.  

At 4pm dance work Mura Buai (Everyone Everyone) begins at Kurrawa Park, Broadbeach. The work speaks to themes of identity and strength in Torres Strait Islander culture and is choreographed by Ghenoa Gela and renowned dance company Force Majeure.  

Back on the Roundabout Stage, dancers indigenous to another ancient land showcase their own style in Soweto Skeleton Movers. Part dance, part contortionism, part sleight of hand, this bendy band of street artists will have you laughing, wincing and yelling for more. 

Cap off the evening at the Surfers Paradise Main Stage in the company of an Electric Lady. This ongoing concert series features some of Australia’s best emerging female artists - this iteration features Kardajala Kirridarra, Nina Las Vegas, Wafia and Jack River. When the crowd starts begging for more, they’ll get it in the form of soulful pop princess Meg Mac - the perfect act to push the night into overdrive.