With Cooly Rocks On just around the corner, have you started planning out your festival schedule?
Kicking off from Wednesday 7 June, take a step back in time in the iconic precinct of Coolangatta to celebrate the motors, music and lifestyle of yesteryear! With so much to see and do, we’ve got you covered with our festival itinerary so you don’t miss a second of the action across the five days!
DAY 1 – Wednesday 7 June
Who said festivals can’t happen during the week? Celebrate hump day with Cooly Rocks On as the festivities begin!
With the Festival Merchandise hub open from 9AM, come say hello to our friendly team and purchase your limited edition 2023 festival merch! For our VIP Legends Pass holders, make sure you visit the Information & Box Office to collect your VIP Legends pack.
From there, take a walk along the beautiful Coolangatta beachfront to Greenmount Beach Surf Club, where our Cooly Rocks On Pin-up Pageant finalists will be having their Sashing Ceremony and a Meet & Greet from 10AM.
Spend the rest of your day soaking up some sun at The Beach Bar, and wander through the Nostalgia Markets before watching the Car Run to SEVEN82MOTORS take off from Jarvis Lane at 5PM.
You can then end night one by watching the unmissable performance from international Elvis Tribute Artist Jimmy Holmes, and Australia’s very own Mark Andrew as they present The King Returns to Stage ’68 – ’72. Limited tickets are left so grab one now before they sell out!
DAY 2 – Thursday 8 June
Cue the Early Birds! Head to the Greenmount Car Park to check out various vintage and classic cars for the Early Bird Show ‘N’ Shine.
You can then make your way down south of the beachfront to check out the Indian Motorcycle HQ, Shannons Hub and the MND and Me Foundation Truck Raffle where you can purchase tickets to go in the draw to win a 1954 Coe Chevy Truck!
The DJ Dance Floor will also be open with DJ Jukebox Jimmy playing the tunes to get you movin’. If you’re looking for a hit of Elvis, definitely don’t miss out on Round 1 of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest where the top 19 finalists will be bringing their best performances. Secure a ticket now if you want to see what all the fuss is about!
For those attending the Cooly Rocks On Moonlight Swing Dance, bring your best moves from 7PM to the Elvis Precinct. Or you can go grab a bite for dinner at the Coolangatta Sands Hotel whilst enjoying some tunes from Itchy Fingers.
DAY 3 – Friday 9 June
It’s Fri-YAY! Why not dip your toes into some dancing with Rock On Dance Workshops on all day from 9AM. You can check out the full schedule here to choose which dance style you’d like to learn!
With plenty of performances from the morning from artists like The Pacific Belles, Jake & Cadillacs plus more, every street will be filled with music! Kustomville will also open from 12PM, where you can take a closer look at various lowbrow art, kustom bombs, sleds, hot rods, and coupes.
At 3PM, head to the Elvis Precinct for the Cooly Rocks On Pin-up Pageant to see who will win the crown this year. And if you love a good sunset, visit Queen Elizabeth Park from 4:30PM to take some great pictures and enjoy an energetic performce from Johnny Pandora who’s flown all the way from Japan!
If you were able to score a ticket to Shawn Klush recognised as ‘The Closest Thing to The King in Concert’, we know you’ll be ending your Friday night on a high. You can then go for a late night feed and more music at Eddie’s Grub House.
DAY 4 – Saturday 10 June
Cars will be lined up across the streets of Coolangatta for Show ‘N’ Shine bright and early from 9AM. Grab a coffee and take a walk throughout the precinct to check out all the beautiful cars and bikes on the streets, Goodwin Park and Kustomville.
You’ll be spoilt for choice with music from as early as 9:30AM, with endless entertainment programmed on our outdoor stages and Partner Venues. Round 2 of the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest kicks off from 11AM, where the top 5 finalists will be announced! And if you missed out on Shawn Klush’s show from Friday, then make sure you’re at Queen Elizabeth Park from 4:30PM to catch the Era’s of Elvis performance featuring Shawn Klush, Jimmy Holmes, and Brody Finlay.
There’s also the return of the Saturday Night Car Cruise, where you’ll get to see all the cars in action on the road. If you’d like to catch The Australian Beach Boys Show at 7:30PM, be sure to secure a ticket now as only a few spots are left!
DAY 5 – Sunday 11 June
Start your Sunday off right with the Elvis Gospel performance from Shawn Klush, Jimmy Holmes, Jack Gatto, Brody Finlay, Tributes in Concert Band and The Brisbane City Gospel Choir.
Take a stroll through the precinct to check out all the Show ‘N’ Shine cars one last time, or head to the DJ Dance Floor for another good boogie! There’ll still be plenty of music from artist like Peaches & The AlphaSonics, Way Out West, Boom! Boom! Deluxe and more throughout the day.
From 4:30PM, The Go Getters will be closing off Queen Elizabeth Park as the day turns into night. And if you’re a sucker for a good after party, secure a ticket for the Beachside Rock ‘n’ Roll Dance to end your Cooly Rocks On with a bang!
Phew… what a ripper five days it’s going to be! If there’s too much to remember, we don’t blame you. Be sure to download the official festival app to build your own festival schedule and receive a reminder before shows and activities begin so you don’t miss a second of the fun.
We can’t wait to go back to yesteryear with you all!
