Save the dates: LGBTQI FESTIVALS ACROSS AUSTRALIA/NZ
Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras paints our city with rainbow colours every summer, and many other destinations around Australia and New Zealand host their own vibrant LGBTQI festivals too. Each of them give you great ways to get in touch with your local LGBTQI community, or opportunities to visit and sample the best the cities have to offer.
Mark your calendars! Australia’s Pride Festivals are listed below, in order of dates for the rest of 2019.
Newcastle Pride Festival NSW – 22-25 August 2019
Newcastle’s 2nd annual LGBTIQ Festival showcases to locals and visitors that Newcastle is a city of diversity, culture and beauty. We aim to grow the Festival, bringing the LGBTIQ community and allies together in strength and unity. The 2019 program includes Serving in Silence exhibition, a Queer art exhibition, Twisted Cabaret launch event, Pride Fair Day including Doggywood Pooch Parade at Newcastle’s Foreshore Park , 2 dance parties Heaven & Hell Rave Party and Return to Pipers ’80s Dance (LGBTIQ venue in the 1980s), Short ‘n Curlies Matinée and High Tea and to end Timberlina Drag Off.
Darwin Pride Festival – 20-22 September 2019
A three day tropical festival incorporating a Launch, Rainbow Cabaret, Rainbow Day, Pride Parade, Tea Dance, Parties, Love Boat and Pool Party. The Darwin Pride Festival celebrates the rich, diverse LGBTQIA+ community in the glorious tropical sunshine.
Coastal Twist – Central Coast – 4-6 October 2019
Central Coast NSW’s 1st Annual arts based weekend festival. Burst into spring with a bumper weekend of Queer happenings from cabaret night and dance party to Fair Day & our “Puparazzi” Pooch Parade. 75mins from Sydney, 90mins from Newcastle. Coastal Twist is the ultimate Queer Spring into Spring weekend getaway.
Cairns Tropical Pride – October 2019
Once a year, Cairns Tropical Pride invites visitors from around Australia and the world to join them to play in the gorgeous environment that is Tropical North Queensland.
Parramatta Pride Picnic – October 2019
A massive day of community and pride in western Sydney, packed with community stalls, a rainbow kids activation area, dog shows, food trucks, Q&A panels, drag queens, Bollywood dancers, buskers, choirs, a fully licenced area for purchasing craft beers and wine, a charity sausage sizzle, activities from Team Sydney, ambient music, performers, exhibitions and a chill zone.
Pride WA – Perth – November 2019
Pride WA has been an integral part of the Western Australian community since 1989, and is committed to providing a platform by which the Pride Community can showcase their talents and continue to champion their rights and freedoms. Perth’s vibrant festival includes an evening Parade, parties and many other events.
Out in the Open – Shepparton – November 2019
OUTintheOPEN is Shepparton VIC’s festival, involving a CARNIVAL DAY at the Queens Gardens, a health/wellbeing forum at Goulburn Valley Hotel function rooms, and several other events during the weekend across the city.
SpringOut Festival – Canberra – November 2019
The Australian Capital Territory’s LGBTQI festival is run during the month of November with events sponsored and coordinated by the local community in and around Canberra. Major events include the annual SpringOUTPride Parade, Family Day and the Bush Dance.
FEAST Festival – Adelaide – November 2019
Adelaide’s celebration of LGBTIQ pride has been promoting diversity and inclusion since 1997. Feast is a major event attracting performers from all over the world to South Australia.
Tropical Fruits – Lismore – New Years 2019-20
Held every year since 1988, this elaborate New Years Eve festival runs over four days around Lismore in northern New South Wales, providing creative, welcoming and fun opportunities to celebrate in the beautiful Rainbow Region.
This page can be updated as new information comes in. For additions, and inquiries, contact matt.akersten@mardigrasarts.org.au.
