For the first time ever, the Gold Coast will host its own Sake Festival in 2025. Taking place at HOTA, Home of the Arts, on Friday 31 October and Saturday 1 November, the Gold Coast Sake Festival & Japanese Market will transform the Lakeside Room and Parklands into a lively celebration of sake, food, and Japanese culture.

Over two days, guests can explore more than 70 premium Japanese sake and fruit liqueurs, enjoy delicious street food, shop for hand-crafted goods, and experience live performances — all in one vibrant location.

What to expect

Gold Coast Sake Festival (Ticketed・18+ event)

– Sake tastings

 Enjoy a 3-hour tasting session with unlimited access to over 70 varieties of sake and fruit liqueurs from Japan. Meet sake brewers, sommeliers, and Sake Samurai, and learn more through free seminars. Your ticket also includes a keepsake ochoko sake cup. Bottles will be available for purchase (delivery only).

– Cultural experiences

Join free sake seminars, take part in the Sake Quiz Rally with prizes to win, and explore interactive sake description boards.

Japanese Food Market (Free Entry)

Open to all ages, the Japanese Market is a vibrant space for everyone to enjoy. Sample Japanese street foods, browse hand-crafted goods, and enjoy traditional performances including taiko drumming and cultural dances.

Event information

Gold Coast Sake Festival

-Venue
 Lakeside Room, HOTA
135 Bundall Road, Surfers Paradise, QLD 4217

-Dates and session times

Friday 31 October 2025

• Session 1: 2:30pm – 5:30pm (last drink 5:15pm)
• Session 2: 6:00pm – 9:00pm (last drink 8:45pm)

Saturday 1 November 2025

• Session 1: 11:00am – 2:00pm (last drink 1:45pm)
• Session 2: 2:30pm – 5:30pm (last drink 5:15pm)
• Session 3: 6:00pm – 9:00pm (last drink 8:45pm)

-Tickets

• General Admission: $69
• Special Early Bird Pricing until 31st of August 9am: $59
  

General Admission includes:

• A 3-hour tasting session
• A take-home tasting cup (ochoko)
• Unlimited tastings of 70+ premium Japanese sake and fruit liqueurs
• Opportunity to purchase sake (delivery only)
• Access to free sake seminars
  

Tickets are available here :https://sake-festival.com.au/tickets/

📣This is an 18+ event, and Responsible Service of Alcohol practices will be observed.

Japanese Food Market

-Venue
HOTA Parklands

-Dates
Friday 31 October 2025
・2:30pm – 9:00pm

Saturday 1 November 2025
・11:00am – 9:00pm

📣Free Entry | All Ages Welcome!