SWELL Sculpture Festival

Queensland's largest outdoor sculpture exhibition is back for its most ambitious year yet, with SWELL Sculpture Festival 2026 transforming the spectacular coastline from Currumbin Alley to Flat Rock, Tugun into an incredible open-air gallery from 11 to 20 September.

Expanding further than ever before thanks to the new Currumbin Beach ocean walkway, this year's festival will feature up to 100 sculptures by acclaimed Australian and international artists, creating one of the country's most breathtaking outdoor art experiences against the backdrop of the Gold Coast's iconic beaches.

Leading the 2026 program is internationally renowned artist Patricia Piccinini, whose thought-provoking sculptures have captivated audiences in some of the world's leading galleries and museums. Her appearance marks a major milestone for the festival, alongside an exciting lineup of established, mid-career and emerging sculptors exploring themes of identity, technology, the environment and the human experience.

With the exhibition stretching further along the coastline than ever before, visitors can enjoy an unforgettable sculpture walk where contemporary artworks meet stunning ocean views, making it one of Australia's most unique cultural experiences.

Beyond the sculptures, SWELL offers an extensive calendar of free and ticketed events designed to inspire visitors of all ages. Across SWELL Fringe, SWELL Kids Elements, SWELL Wellness and SWELL Smalls Gallery, festivalgoers can experience guided sculpture walks, artist talks, live music, culinary events, workshops, masterclasses, circus performances, silent discos, yoga sessions and plenty of family-friendly activities.

The festival is expected to attract more than 56,000 visitors, delivering a significant boost to the local economy while continuing its mission of making world-class contemporary art freely accessible to everyone. Getting there is easy too, with a free shuttle bus operating daily from Currumbin RSL between 9am and 5pm, making it simple to explore the expanded exhibition along the coastline.

Whether you're an art lover, a family looking for a fun day out or simply keen to soak up the beauty of the Gold Coast, SWELL Sculpture Festival 2026 promises ten days of creativity, culture and coastal magic.

SWELL is a valued partner of Must Do Brisbane.com