3 Must-See Events at BLEACH* Festival 2025

Gold Coast's annual arts and culture festival back! Welcome to BLEACH* 2025. The festival’s dynamic program spans 11 days with free and ticketed events, installations, performances, gigs and galleries held at three vibrant festival hubs across the city: Kurrawa Park, Emerald Lakes, and HOTA.

Be inspired, entertained and moved by music of all genres, art, drama, storytelling, feasting, community gatherings, local culture, creative exploration and a festival that connects people to place. Under the creative direction of acclaimed artist Michael Zavros, this year’s program reflects his distinctive visual arts practice, bringing a bold, immersive vision to the festival. BLEACH* will feature landmark works by leading national and international artists, while proudly spotlighting the voices and talents of local creatives

Get to know Gold Coast's creative side - you won't be disapointed! Here are three fabulous events from the program that should NOT be missed. 

Cavalcade: Saturday August 9 - Sunday, August 10

Cavalcade is the breathtaking finale of this year’s BLEACH* Festival — a sunset opera on the sands of Kurrawa Beach where storytelling, high art, and horsemanship collide. Created by Michael Zavros and directed by Gavin Webber, this unforgettable spectacle features a 24-piece live orchestra and a stunning blend of dance, drama, and elite dressage. Witness the powerful connection between horse and human, from precise control to wild freedom, all set against an operatic score that will give you chills.

Dress code is Gold Coast style - black tie and boardshorts. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind beachfront performance experience.

Drum As You Are: Sunday, August 3

Think mosh-pit energy meets community spirit, where fans of all ages can enjoy the iconic and timeless tunes of Nirvana. 22 drummers. 1 performance...Smells like a good time. BLEACH* cranks the amps to 11 with Drum As You Are - a gritty, grungy tribute to Nirvana’s legendary 1992 performance at Fisherman’s Wharf in Main Beach. 

Fronted by Grinspoon’s Phil Jamieson and backed by 22 drummers (yep, twenty-two), this powerhouse production will take over HOTA’s Outdoor Stage in a thunderstorm of raw rhythm and distortion. Hosted by Tania Doko of Bachelor Girl and featuring a killer lineup including The Vanns, Ella Fence, Ferny Fairway and Friends That Spin.

It’s a full night of live music that’ll have you throwing up the horns and having a little head bang. This free event will sell out fast — so come as you are, but don’t forget to register. 

OPA! A Night of Greek Delights: Saturday, August 2

Get ready to shout OPA! Join us on the lush lawns of HOTA’s Outdoor Stage for a one-night-only celebration of Greek culture, music, food, and dance! This high-energy, family-friendly event features live performances, a powerful 50-member choir, traditional folk dancers, and the dynamic ten-piece band Essence of Greece — blending old-world charm with modern flair. As the night heats up, DJ Adriana takes over with an infectious mix of Greek and global beats to keep the dancing going under the stars.

Hungry? Indulge in a mouthwatering selection of Greek-inspired food trucks, or elevate your evening with an exclusive four-course fine dining experience at the award-winning Palette Restaurant. With something for everyone — from cultural performances to culinary delights — this free ticketed event promises an unforgettable night of epicurean joy and Hellenic spirit. Register now and immerse yourself in a Mediterranean celebration like no other!

These three events are just the tip of the BLEACH* iceburg - dive into the full program and experience this incredible cultural event that celebrates the Gold Coast's creative side.

Want to explore more? Check out The Best Things To Do at Night on the Gold Coast.