Acoustic Life of Sheds – August 5–6 in Currumbin Valley
Off the back of a sold-out 2022 event, Acoustic Life of Sheds returns! Join a musical convoy as it meanders through the winding roads of the lush Currumbin Valley, stopping in for intimate concerts at a number of iconic rural sheds. This award-winning piece, originally conceptualised by Big hART, provides a platform where leading musicians, composers and artists can celebrate the true-blue culture, character and uniquely acoustic life of sheds. Tickets are only $55 per car, so gather your fellow shed-heads, pull up a hay bale and prepare to be serenaded with site-specific sounds and the stories of these enduring hinterland sheds.

Joni Mitchell’s Blue 50th Anniversary – August 13 at Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens
Roll out the picnic rug and let ARIA-award winning songbird Katie Noonan serenade you into sunset with tunes from Joni Mitchell’s landmark album, Blue. Accompanied by a five-piece band, this unique concert set amongst a backdrop of gum trees at Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens shouldn’t be missed. After selling out shows across the country, Noonan’s stirring performance will showcase songs from what Mitchell describes as the ‘purest emotional record’ of her stellar career. Meanjin-based artist Jo Davie kicks off the concert with her blend of folk and jazz, setting the tone for an evening of musical magic. Get your tickets here.

Roller Coaster – August 3-5 at HOTA’s Outdoor Stage
It was Ronan Keating that said ‘life is a rollercoaster’, and boy, was he right. However, we don’t think Ronan would be ready for the explosive roller skate-centric theatre production coming to HOTA’s Outdoor Stage, aptly titled Roller Coaster. Running (or should we say rolling) from August 3–5, Roller Coaster is an action-packed skating spectacle that celebrates hope and how the rough-and-tumble ride of life on wheels can save you, just when you need it the most. Created by Everybody NOW!, this moving performance will have you cheering from the edge of your seat as dozens of local roller skaters, a live band and an all-star cast combine for an unmissable stage show. Plus, Roller Coaster is based on real stories, so you just know it’s going to hit you right in the feels. Want to be taken on one heck of a ride? Grab your tickets at the BLEACH* website.

The Imaginary Aviary – August 5 at HOTA Gallery
Those who are up for a little choose-your-own-adventure should check out The Imaginary Aviary on August 5, curated by percussive artist Vanessa Tomlinson, which will see HOTA Gallery come alive with musicians dotted amongst the installations, spontaneously breaking out into jam sessions inspired by the gallery’s collection of work. Featuring a mix of cello, violin, flute, bass clarinet, trombone, piano and percussion, lose yourself in the alluring ambience of this sensory event. Book a free ticket here.

Bliss – August 12 at Broadbeach Cultural Precinct
If you’re keen to escape hibernation, dress up to the nines and celebrate the Gold Coast’s vibrant Queer community, then clear your calendar for Bliss. This one-night-only celestial celebration will see Broadbeach’s Cultural Precinct transformed into a cosmic nightclub filled with pop-up performances, psychic mediums and amorous astronauts. Think Studio 54 meets Star Wars, this dazzling deep-space disco experience is open to every person in the LGBTQIA+ cosmic community, their allies and all alien life forms. We all need a little extra colour in our lives, so nab a ticket and prepare to shimmy and shake off those winter blues at this multi-dimensional extravaganza.

Honourable mention: This year’s festival will be held across five main hubs, including the beachside haven of North Burleigh. It’s here where you can groove to dance performances with the sand between your toes, learn how to make fire and play traditional drums and enjoy live tunes in the sunshine. Oh, and there’s a pop-up bar too! All of the events at North Burleigh are family-friendly and free, though some of the events do require you to book online.

Interested in seeing what else is on the cards when BLEACH* takes over the Gold Coast this August? Peep the complete program and treat yourself to a ticket or two today.