The BLEACH* Festival, the Gold Coast’s most significant cultural arts festival, is just around the corner. Prepare for an incredible 11-day celebration from August 3 to August 13.
The Gold Coast’s annual contemporary art event is BLEACH*. It began as a tiny side event to the World Championship Tour Quiksilver Pro surfing tournament on the Southern Gold Coast. Bleach* Surfing the Fringe started in 2012 as a prototype project with a $40,000 budget and drew 30,000 visitors over 16 days.
The BLEACH* Festival, now in its 12th year, continues its celebration of art. Their 2023 program includes over 300 artists and 218 performances across 38 events, making it the Gold Coast’s signature arts and culture festival.
So please take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of history as the festival celebrates its 12th year from the shoreline of North Burleigh to the valley of Currumbin and the tidal flow of the Nerang River.
Here’s what to expect at the 12th BLEACH* Festival.
Love Your Local North Burleigh Hub
August 4 to 6 and 11 to 13
There are many activities at the North Burleigh Hub, whether engaging in dance performances with the sand between your toes or listening to some of the Gold Coast’s most excellent musicians.
The hub’s music lineup includes nominees from the Gold Coast Music Awards. They’re also throwing the finest dance party you’ve ever seen. Leave everything on the dance floor for 10 minutes as a beautiful collision of art, colour, costume, and community unite!
Broadbeach Cultural Precinct
August 10 – 12
From August 10 to 12, head to the Broadbeach Hub to see extraordinary talent exhibitions, including burlesque, theatre, stand-up comedy, drag, spoken word, and much more.
Enjoy the River Songs series, which features musical duo Yirinda, who blend ancient Aboriginal language with kaleidoscopic harmonies, the adventurous musical pairing known as Shugorei and ‘the sorceress of percussion,’ Claire Edwardes, the only Australian artist to win the APRA Art Music Luminary Award four times.
Meet Poncho, a Latino-loving, eccentric figure that liquefies the English language and takes you on an insane, amusing voyage of narrative and physical humour. Alternatively, explore the tantalising world of YUMMY ICONIC, a great mash-up of beautiful burlesque, amazing circus, and outrageous drag acts.
Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
August 11 – 13
The Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens is a 31-hectare haven of beauty and tranquillity located just off a busy stretch of Ashmore Road in Benowa. There’s much to see and do inside for people of all ages, including rose, bush food, butterfly gardens, and a sensory garden with plants designed to excite the five senses.
Prepare for a musical thrill in this paradise during the BLEACH* Festival. Enjoy the performances, which are amongst the greenery and honour Australia’s best singers, musicians, and songwriters.
On the first day, see Tamara-Anna Cislowska, a renowned concert pianist, and Tarita Botsman, a visionary artist. The Australian premiere features some of the country’s most adventurous and inventive female composers and songwriters.
The Riverside Guitar Ensemble and Queensland Conservatorium Jazz Orchestra, The Con Artists, perform on the outdoor stage on day two. On the last day, spread out a picnic blanket and let ARIA-award-winning songbird Katie Noonan serenade you into the sunset with songs from Joni Mitchell’s seminal album, Blue.
Book Your Festival Accommodation
Set your trip dates and reserve your room as soon as possible! Why not escape to Surfers Paradise and unwind?
One of the best things about St Tropez Holiday Apartments is that we are minutes from the beach and close to the best Surfers Paradise restaurants and tourist sites. Leave your car in our safe underground parking park during your stay and experience the best of Surfers Paradise on foot.
The one and two-bedroom Gold Coast accommodation apartments in St Tropez offer excellent value. They are great for couples and children, with free WiFi, free parking, and full access to onsite facilities such as a heated pool and barbecue area amid towering tropical gardens.
Book your Surfers Paradise accommodation direct!