Tucked away at the southern tip of Western Australia, the gorgeous coastal town of Albany (Kinjarling) may not be the gay mecca of Australia. But this charming city has a lot to offer, especially when it comes to its annual Albany Pride Festival.
From jogging along the pristine, turquoise shores of Mount Clarence to cruising the Spank Twilight Boat Party, Albany Pride Festival has something for everyone.
The two-week festival is one of Western Australia’s largest, celebrating the talents and vibrancy of Albany’s LGBTQ communities. It highlights the beauty of the Great Southern and its people, with visitors far and wide flocking to the town.
When is Albany Pride 2024?
Thursday 22 February to Monday 4 March
What’s on for Albany Pride Festival?
Albany Pride Festival hosts a range of events covering art, film, food, dance, sports, and music.
- Welcome to Country — local Menang Elder Vernice Gillies — Thursday 22 February 6 pm — Albany Heritage Park — FREE
- Art Exhibition Pride Project — photographer Lauren Crooke — Friday 23 February — Saturday 2 March 10 am-5 pm (closed weekends) — Albany Entertainment Centre — FREE
- We are Family: Community picnic — Saturday 24 February 11 am — Eyre Park — FREE
- Dolly Parton: Backwoods Barbie Drag Spectacular — Saturday 24 February 7 pm — Albany Town Hall —$35
- Bi+ community picnic — Sunday 25 February 2 pm — Binalup — FREE
- Pottery for Pride: Handbuilding Ceramics Workshop with The Village — Sunday 25 February 3 pm — Vancouver Arts Centre — $50
- Pride film night: The Mattachine Family — Wednesday 28 February 6pm — Albany Town Hall — $20
- Pride in Diversity training — Friday 1 March 9 am — Albany Town Hall — FREE
- Parkrun — Saturday 2 March 8 am — Three Anchors — FREE
- Fair day — Saturday 2 March 10 am — Albany Town Square — FREE
- Spank dance party with DJ Yanique — Saturday 2 March 8 pm — Albany Town Hall — $40
- Emerald City Kickball meets Albany Pride — Sunday 3 March 12 pm — Albany Leisure and Aquatic Centre — FREE
- Spank twilight boat cruise — Sunday 3 March 3:30 pm — Albany Marina — $70
How to get to Albany?
Albany is a four-and-a-half-hour drive from Perth.
Busses and flights are also available from Perth.
If you’re visiting from interstate – why not make a holiday out of it? Check out our Gay Perth Guide to help plan a hot WA trip. Impress some Perth gays with your local knowledge of things that only Perth guys will understand!
Staying healthy during party season
Pride festivals are an exhilarating time of fun, partying, and events. It is important to take care of yourself by taking time to exercise, eat and sleep well. Check out our article on how to stay healthy during a party season to get yourself ready.
Party season also presents many opportunities for both planned and spontaneous play. Ensure you have enough PrEP or HIV treatment meds, and condoms and lube ready. Book a test at your local clinic to check your sexual health a few weeks before a big festival. Preparing early reduces the chance of STIs coming to the festival, too.
If you need more information or support this party season and live in WA, you can visit WAAC. They’re a non-profit organisation that optimises the health and wellbeing of Western Australians by reducing stigma and increasing access to sexual healthcare. WAAC offers counselling, safe sex resources, and education programs for you to get involved in.
Take care of yourself and your community this pride!