16 July 2026
BLEACH FESTIVAL BLOOMS INTO A NEW SEASON FOR 2026
Get set for a coastal psychedelic spring awakening as the Gold Coast's annual contemporary arts festival blooms into a new season for 2026.
From 1-11 Oct, BLEACH Festival transforms HOTA for 11 days of live music, contemporary dance, world-class theatre, interactive installations and mind-altering art.
From free outdoor experiences and large-scale installations to unforgettable performances, there's something waiting around every corner. Come early, stay late, and discover all BLEACH Festival has to offer.
Explore the Full Program Here https://hota.com.au/bleach-festival
LITTLE ARTLAB WITH MARK DU POTIERS – LUCKY BUNNIES
Celebrate This Moment: Highlights from the White Rabbit Collection of Chinese Contemporary Art with guest artist Mark du Potiers in this fun, hands-on workshop for young makers. Create a colourful cardboard bunny using recycled materials while exploring the rabbit's symbolism of peace, longevity and good fortune in the Chinese zodiac.
Recommended for ages 3-5.
Where: The Studio, HOTA Gallery
When: Friday 17 July
Time: 10:30am - 11:30am
THE ICONIC BURGER MEETS FINE DINING
Forget everything you know about burgers…Here’s proof that burgers can dress up! For One Day Only: Palette 3 HAT Burger Pop Up is creating four exceptional burgers. Built around outstanding local produce and Palette’s renowned creative vision, each burger celebrates unique elevated flavours, from dry-aged Wagyu to slow grown macadamia fed chicken, and lobster finished with caviar, this is comfort food, Palette style.
No white tablecloth expectations, just walk in. Just seriously good burgers expertly executed. This isn't fast food. It's fine food.
When: 8th August - One day only from 11am
Where: Palette Restaurant – Walk ins only.
DRAWING FOR LIFE WITH KINKY DRAWERS
We invite you to a provocative life drawing session set within This Moment: Highlights from the White Rabbit Collection of Chinese Contemporary Art, featuring the cast from Kinky Drawers.
Four performers will model solo and coupled, orbiting XU ZHEN®'s monumental sculpture, Play 201301. At once playful and unsettling, the leather-clad cathedral explores themes of power, ritual and desire, inviting reflection on culture, religion and identity.
This is an adult only program. All materials are provided, and all skill levels are welcome.
Where: HOTA Gallery
When: Thu 16 July
Time: Doors open 6:00pm, workshop 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Ages: Age Restricted 18+
VIEW THE 2 JULY 2026 ARTS & CULTURE UPDATE
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY
Experience Gold Coast acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we are situated, the Kombumerri families of the Yugambeh Language Region.
We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging, and recognise their continuing connections to the lands, waters and their extended communities throughout Southeast Queensland.