Queensland (QLD) is sizzling with hot gay festivals packed all throughout the year.
It’s a beautiful state with a vibrant collection of LGBTQ communities. Queenslanders know how to celebrate pride, so we thought we’d take you on a journey of the state’s best gay festivals.
Get your calendars out — it’s time to start planning a trip to the Sunshine State. Check out our Gay Gold Coast and Brisbane articles for all the juicy details you need to start your itinerary.
Why not time your trip with some of QLD’s best and queerest pride festivals?
Big Gay Day – Brisbane (Meanjin), May
Marketed as ‘Brisbane’s biggest and best rainbow festival’, Big Gay Day is a not-to-miss pride festival in QLD. Established in 2000, Big Gay Day has evolved into one of Brisbane’s most popular street parties. Held in early May each year, it brings a line-up of local and international LGBTQ entertainers, such as Boy George, Lady Bunny and the Veronicas. Big Gay Day 2024 attracted over 3000 people, the profits of which were donated to LGBTQ charity QLife. Big Gay Day certainly lives up to its name as a leading gay festival in Queensland.
Gold Coast Pride — on Kombumerri lands, May
Put on by Gold Coast Rainbow Communities, Gold Coast Pride is an annual festival to celebrate LGBTQ communities in the region. Over a day in late May, you will find a Fair Day market, drag pageants, dog shows, and a pride march along the beach. Don’t worry if you can’t make it; the organisation runs various events throughout the year. Gold Coast Pride is taking a break in 2025, but follow their website to stay updated.
Sunshine Coast Mardi Gras — on Kabi Kabi and Jinibara lands, June
Sunshine Coast Pride creates a safe and fun environment for the LGBTQ community of the Sunshine Coast. They have events running all year, with a Mardi Gras festival held in June. Previous festivals have included a queer ball, cabaret and a march.
Moreton Bay PrideFest — on Yugarabul land, June
Held in June each year, the Moreton Bay PrideFest is described as the ‘ultimate glow-up of love, diversity, and good vibes’. It is currently hosted at the beautiful Pine Rivers Park in Strathpine. Moreton Bay PrideFest 2025 involves a DJ and live entertainment, queer workshops and support stalls, plus a silent disco. Check out how Moreton Bay celebrates pride in this fabulous one-day festival.
Queerswitch Pride — Ipswich on Yuggera and Ugarapul lands, August
Raising queer visibility in the region, the annual Queerswitch Pride festival attracts thousands of attendees across and beyond the Ipswich LGBTQ community. Celebrated in early August each year, it is a free and family-friendly day with events such as a queer art showcase, puppy pageant, market and live entertainment. Find out how they put the Queer in Ipswitch at this fantastic gay festival.
Brisbane Pride Festival — Meanjin on Turrbal and Yuggera lands, September
One of the biggest festivals in Queensland, Brisbane Pride Festival brings together the south-east QLD queer community in a vibrant celebration. It includes Fair Day in Musgrave Park with markets, live music, bands, and drag and dance performances. The Pride March involves inspiring speeches and stories from activists and updates on LGBTQ issues.
Rangebow Festival — Sunshine Coast on Jinibara and Gubbi Gubbi lands, October
Rangebow Festival brings together queer communities from Sunshine Coast Hinterland areas of Maleny, Montville, Flaxton and Mapleton. The 2024 lineup featured a range of diverse and alternative music, such as a Sunrise Chorus, Sound Bath and the Chapel of Love. Rangebow’s commitments to the traditional Jinibara and Gubbi Gubbi people were reflected in the Forage Fire Feasts and Young Spirits Musos events.
Loud & Proud Logan — Logan City on Yuggera lands, October
Held on International Coming Out Day at the Kingston Butter Factory, Loud and Proud is the pride and joy of Logan’s LGBTQ community. It’s a celebration of love, identity and community, filled with art, music and fun. Plus, it’s free! Check out their website, the program and grab your tickets before they sell out.
Cairns Pride Festival — Yindinji lands, October
First established in 2007, Cairns Pride is the ultimate festival for the LGBTQSB+ community in Northern QLD. With an array of events planned, such as queer art exhibits, bingo, Fair Day and a Pride Stride, Cairns Pride has something for everyone. If you’re up north in October, tune in for an event or two at Cairns Pride.
Northern Exposure — Meanjin on Turrbal and Yuggera lands, October
Celebrating over 32 years of history, Northern Exposure is the biggest celebration of the bear community in Brisbane every October. The Brisbears come out of hibernation and dust off their speedos as they crown the Mr Bear QLD at their annual pool party. Other favourite events include the UnderBear party and Balls Out Bingo. If you’re a bear, cub or lover of either, Northern Exposure is the gay festival for you.
Melt Festival — Meanjin on Turrbal and Yuggera lands, October-November
Filled with over 120 events over 2 weeks, this festival will have you melting with queer joy and sweat. Hosting a range of arts and cultural events across the city at various venues, Melt celebrates the diverse LGBTQ communities in Brisbane. A highlight from the 2024 program was the Spencer Tunick’s ‘RISING TIDE’ exhibit which captured 5,500 naked Brisbanites on the Brisbane river walk. As the city gears up to host the Paralympic and Olympic Games in 2032, we can expect Melt to bring the heat for years to come, so make sure you book in while it’s hot!
By this list alone, it’s clear that Queensland knows how to celebrate pride. Save this article when planning your next trip to the Sunshine State so you can celebrate the way gays know best!