Skywhales, world premieres and Jeff Koons – BLEACH* kicks off this weekend!
From surreal airborne sculptures at sunrise to world-class music, incredible installations and thought-provoking performance, BLEACH* is 2025 has officially arrived – and the Gold Coast is transforming into a city-wide celebration of art, music and culture from now until Sunday August 10.
It’s a big call, but this year’s BLEACH* festival could very well be the biggest and most ambitious yet, with more than 100 events spread across 11 days – from sunrise spectacles to beachside operas – all curated under the bold direction of celebrated Australian artist and guest artistic director Michael Zavros. The program is big, adventurous and packed with experiences you’ll be talking about long after the festival wraps.
It all begins with First Light: Skywhales Across Australia, a truly breathtaking moment that sees Patricia Piccinini’s iconic hot air balloon sculptures – Skywhale and Skywhalepapa – float into the dawn sky over RACV Royal Pines. This poetic aerial performance sets the tone for a festival that isn’t afraid to dream big.
Art lovers are in for a rare treat this weekend with an In Conversation event with global art icon Jeff Koons, presented in partnership with the National Gallery of Australia and the American Friends of the NGA. Known for his genre-defying sculptures, Jeff will offer insight into his creative process, career and the ideas that have shaped his work.
Over at HOTA Gallery, artist Kirsha Kaechele brings her much-talked-about Ladies Lounge to the Gold Coast for the first time. This provocative living artwork combines live performance, poetry and talks to create a boldly feminist space that is certain to challenge and inspire. Just be sure to stop in at The Complaints Department to air your grievances first.
Music fans will want to mark their calendars for Breaking Into Heaven, the highly anticipated outdoor world premiere of SELVE’s new album recorded at Abbey Road Studios. Staged at HOTA, the show features lasers, immersive visuals, dancers from Karul Projects and the Australian Session Orchestra for a cinematic sensory experience like no other.
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If you love high-energy live music, Drum As You Are is unmissable. This electric mass drumming experience on the HOTA Lawn reimagines Nirvana’s 90s grunge anthems, bringing together professional and community musicians in a thrilling tribute to a band that shaped a generation.
And it wouldn’t be BLEACH* without a show-stopping finale. This year, Cavalcade takes over Kurrawa Beach at sunset, blending opera, classical music and elite dressage in a mesmerising performance that unites the elegance of equestrian sport with the power of live music. Champion riders John Thompson and Katharine Farrell will perform alongside a full orchestra – all set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Ocean.
This year’s festival also pushes into new spaces, with Emerald Lakes joining the roster of unique venues hosting events. Across the city, you’ll find Queensland premieres, pop-up installations, and a whole lot of unexpected magic designed to showcase the Gold Coast’s ever-growing creative spirit.
Whether you’re soaking up a sunrise spectacle, diving into world-class art or simply catching a performance on the sand, BLEACH* 2025 is the kind of festival that invites you to see the city in a whole new way. BLEACH* 2025 is a must-see for culture seekers, locals and visitors.
Image 3 and 5 credit: Novasoma Photography