If you’re searching for the ultimate winter escape that blends beach breezes with bold creativity, BLEACH* 2025 is the must-do arts festival that’s just around the corner… literally. Running for 11 days from Thursday 31 July, this Gold Coast celebration is bringing together extraordinary music, art, culture and performance under the fresh curatorial vision of acclaimed guest Artistic Director Michael Zavros. Just over an hour from Brisbane, it’s the perfect excuse for a culture-packed day trip or weekend away.
Kicking off at sunrise with a truly surreal moment, First Light: Skywhales Across Australia will see Patricia Piccinini’s famed hot air balloon sculptures gently float above the skyline. It’s part of a major partnership with the National Gallery of Australia, and sets the tone for a festival that’s thoughtful, ambitious, and utterly unique.
That evening, art lovers can settle in at HOTA for an exclusive In Conversation with Jeff Koons, one of the most influential artists of our time. Hosted by Alison Kubler, this rare event offers an intimate insight into the mind behind some of the world’s most recognisable contemporary art.
Throughout the festival, the Ladies Lounge by Kirsha Kaechele will stir conversation and curiosity. Installed at HOTA Gallery, it is a boldly feminist, strictly women-only space, while Tora Lopez’s tongue-in-cheek Complaints Department invites those left out to voice their grievances in creative ways.
Food, family and heritage take the spotlight during the first weekend with OPA! A Night of Greek Delights and Three Food Memories, celebrating Greek-Australian culture with flavour, music and storytelling. On Saturday 2 August, catch a live podcast recording with Savva Savas and fashion icon Alex Perry as they discuss identity, food and growing up Greek in Australia.
BLEACH* 2025 also showcases brand new works supported by the Experience Gold Coast Arts Fund, which invested $1.5 million into local creative projects this year. A standout among these is Breaking Into Heaven by SELVE, premiering Friday 1 August. This genre-defying concert experience blends music recorded at Abbey Road with a 33-piece orchestra and dancers from Karul Projects.
Other premieres include The City Speaks Softly, a large-scale textile installation exploring care and softness in urban spaces. You’ll find this gentle, thought-provoking work dotted around the city from Kurrawa to HOTA.
On Sunday 3 August, things shift into high gear with Drum As You Are, a massive percussion-led reimagining of Nirvana’s most iconic tracks, performed live on HOTA’s Outdoor Stage. Featuring Grinspoon’s Phil Jamieson, 22 drummers and hosted by Bachelor Girl’s Tania Doko, it’s a roaring tribute to the city’s live music legacy.
The second weekend delivers one of the most spectacular moments of the festival with Cavalcade. Taking place at Kurrawa Beach on 9 and 10 August, this outdoor spectacle weaves together equestrian choreography, opera and orchestral music as the sun sets over the Pacific. Think horses, harmony and horizon – it will be unforgettable.
With more than 150 free and ticketed experiences packed into 11 days, BLEACH* 2025 invites Brisbane locals to explore the best of the Gold Coast’s growing cultural scene. Whether you’re into visual art, experimental theatre, epic concerts or just something wildly different to do, this festival has it all.
Just over an hour down the road, BLEACH* is more than worth the trip. Your cultural winter escape awaits.
Explore the full program and book your tickets now at hota.com.au/bleach.