The Gold Coast’s leading contemporary arts celebration BLEACH Festival features a mix of 50 free and ticketed works from October 1-11, 2026.
The transformative program spans contemporary performance, world-class theatre, live music, large-scale and participatory installations and unexpected creative experiences.
The line-up includes more than 290 contributing artists from the Gold Coast, Australia, and internationally.
Dance will take centre stage this year, with performances held around the HOTA Gallery and lake precinct.
The Butterfly Who Flew Into the Rave by New Zealand dance pioneer Oli Matheson brings Berlin to the HOTA Basement in a celebration of rave culture.
How the Birds Got Their Colours by Arc Circus and the Yugambeh Aboriginal Dancers (pictured), blends circus, movement and First Nations’ storytelling in a captivating celebration of culture, connection, and imagination.
In celebration of the region’s music scene, there will be a dedicated free live music stage at the HOTA Lake Precinct with sets from Tijuana Cartel, Blind Corners, Laurel Hill, Ella Fence, Karl S Williams and Super Massive, as well as performances from the BLEACH Festival Choir at sunset throughout the festival.
Produced by Experience Gold Coast, Arts and Culture Head John Kotzas said this year’s program celebrated 15 years of artistic ambition and creative collaboration.
“BLEACH Festival has championed the Gold Coast’s creative identity, growing from a bold local initiative into one of Australia’s leading contemporary arts festivals,” Mr Kotzas said.
“This year’s program honours that legacy while embracing an exciting new chapter inviting audiences to experience contemporary arts in unexpected ways through an inspiring celebration of art, music, performance, and place.”
Artistic Director Felix Preval said the 2026 festival offered audiences a fresh way to experience the Gold Coast.
“From afternoon adventures, to midnight celebrations we’re inviting audiences to explore, connect, and experience art through the eyes of some of the most exciting creative voices from Australia and beyond,” Mr Preval said.
The festival will culminate in High Tide, a spectacular closing event featuring live music, jet-pack performers taking flight above the HOTA Lake and 100 giant jellyfish puppets.
Tickets are on sale now. For more information, click here.
