Suspended high over the iconic Surfers Paradise beach, THAW by Legs on the Wall opened BLEACH Festival today. The dawn spectacle launched 11 days and nights of more than 50 events in a landmark full-precinct takeover at HOTA, Home of the Arts.
From midday performances through to late-night celebrations under the stars, the 2026 festival program includes a mix of free and ticketed works spanning contemporary dance, world premiere theatre commissions, live music, immersive installations and unexpected creative experiences.
BEACON thrums a neon heart by the lake at HOTA, glowing through the night. The landmark immersive installation is a collaboration by global design sensation Morag Myerscough with Gold Coast community arts organisation Everybody Now!
Produced by Experience Gold Coast, the program is set to captivate audiences right up until closing act High Tide, featuring a live psychedelic rock band and a spectacle of jet pack performers taking flight above the HOTA Lake. 100 illuminated puppet jellyfish will descend on the parklands with the celebration continuing under the stars with a family-friendly rave on the Live Music Stage.
Highlights over the 11 days include free powerhouse performances on the Outdoor Stage by Lady Blackbird and Electric Fields and NZ chart-toppers SIX60 which is set to sell out.
A dedicated free live music stage at the HOTA Lake Precinct across the festival with local headliners Tijuana Cartel and Blind Corners, as well as new dance-theatre work No One Gets Out of Here Alive by The Farm.
HOTA Gallery will explode with colour, culture and sound including Japanese sound artist ASUNA’s 100 Keyboards, and free installations by local artists Claudio Kirac, Mellisa Gillbert and Sarah Huston.
While the Basement will transform into Club Peroxide – a free club experience over the opening weekend, immersing audiences in the festival’s own rave scene, following performances of international dance sensation The Butterfly Who Flew Into The Rave by NZ’s Oli Matheson.
“Every great city in the world has a strong arts and cultural heartbeat,’’ said Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate. “BLEACH delivers that energetic pulse for the Gold Coast in so many ways. The beauty of this festival is its ability to reimagine
itself with new program attractions, artists and events.”
“Attracting a broader audience, especially among youth, gives BLEACH renewed vibrancy and sends a strong national message about the Gold Coast’s commitment to arts and culture. Make a date with BLEACH this year and be prepared to be amazed,” said Tate.
Member for Surfers Paradise John-Paul Langbroek MP said BLEACH Festival was another reason for visitors to experience Queensland this spring. “BLEACH puts the Gold Coast on centre stage, attracting visitors and showcasing one of Queensland’s most iconic destinations,” said Mr Langbroek.
“More than 58,000 people are expected to attend the festival over 11 days, including thousands from out of region, injecting more than $1 million into the local economy and supporting local jobs and businesses.
Experience Gold Coast Head of Arts and Culture, John Kotzas AM said the 2026 program is a proud celebration of local, national and international talent. “This year’s program is bursting with new local commissions, world premieres by national companies, Queensland exclusives and stunning community-engaged works,” said Mr Kotzas.
BLEACH Festival 2026 puts HOTA and the Gold Coast on the map as a place to see and experience art and performance at the cutting edge.”
Bleach Festival Artistic Director, Felix Preval said audiences of all ages will be captivated by the diverse program on offer. “Bleach Festival brings an incredible creative energy to the Gold Coast, transforming familiar places and unexpected spaces into stages for extraordinary experiences,” said Preval.
“This year’s program is bold, ambitious and full of surprises, bringing together local, national and international artists to create moments that could only happen here.”
The BLEACH Festival continues to 11 October 2026. For more information and full program, visit: www.hota.com.au for details.
Images: Jenni Large in THAW by Legs On The Wall, Greenwich+Docklands International Festival, London (2024) – photo by Abdullah Bailey Photography | No One Gets Out of here Alive by The Farm – photo by Set in Stone Media | Morag Myerscough (BEACON) – photo by Ian Georgeson