While those in the Northern Hemisphere are unpacking their sweaters and coats for winter, Australians are donning our sunnies and sandals. As summer heats up, so does the summer pride festival season. The spring and summer months are packed with pride events and celebrations across the country, so if you want to escape the cold this winter, consider spending Summer Down Under.
Coastal Twist Festival in the first week of October is an LGBTQIA+ Arts and Culture festival located on New South Wales’ Central Coast. The festival features live performances, art exhibitions, and family friendly activities, culminating in the Coastie Carnie Fair Day on the 6th. While you’re on the Central Coast, consider making some day trips to make the most of your visit. In nearby Sydney, visit SEA LIFE Aquarium, climb the Harbour Bridge, or take a surfing lesson. You could also travel to Wyong Creek on the Central Coast for a day of adrenaline at Treetops Adventure, or book a wine tour to the Hunter Valley.
After a few days’ rest, get ready for Newcastle Pride Festival from the 11th to the 27th of October. Featuring events like Screamin’ Gay drag karaoke, a Pride Youth Formal, and Drink and Draw hosted by the dazzling Wonder Mama, Newcastle Pride has something for everyone! Don’t miss the fair day on October 19th! There are plenty of attractions to explore while in Newcastle, from museums and historic sites to relaxing rock pools to outdoor art galleries.
Further north in Queensland, watch as Brisbane is transformed into a hub of queer art and culture during the Melt Festival from October 23rd to November 10th. Produced by Brisbane Powerhouse and guided by LGBTQIA+ artists and creatives, the festival features over 120 events over more than 70 venues throughout the city. The festival program includes events like The Real Housewives of Drag Brunch, A Wicked Halloween Ball, Femme Follies Burlesque, the Melt x Colada Pool Party, and Brisbane’s first-ever River Pride Parade. From Brisbane, consider taking a glamping trip to enjoy Queensland’s scenery, or take a drive up to the nearby Sunshine Coast for beach days, river cruises, and food and wine tours.
Moving into November, SpringOut Festival takes over Australia’s capital city of Canberra. The festival opens with Fair Day on the 2nd of November, which is a free, family-friendly event featuring market stalls, performances, and plenty of delicious food. To close out the festival, One Night in Heaven is a dance party featuring hits from the 90s and 00s accompanied by DJs and drag performances.
Spring and summer pride festivities can also be found in Victoria’s High Country, with Out in the Open Festival taking place in Greater Shepparton from November 6th to 10th. The festival kicks off with a family-friendly pajama party at the library, followed by a free Carnival Day and a ticketed Brunch.
November is also Pride Month in Adelaide, with Feast Festival taking over the city from the 9th to the 24th. An event dedicated to celebrating the diversity and culture of the LGBTQIA+ community, Feat Festival features 82 events across two weeks. The main event is Picnic in the Park, a day for the whole community replete with entertainment, local stall holders, food, and fun for the whole family. While in Adelaide, visit South Australia’s premiere queer club Marys Poppin, take a helicopter tour of the surrounding area, or experience a relaxing getaway in the Adelaide Hills.
With countless scenic landscapes to explore, activities and attractions to check out, and festivals and events to participate in, Australia is the perfect holiday destination this time of year.
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