LGBT Festivals and Events in Australia

The gay community in Australia is vibrant and beautiful, with festivals, parades and events across the country, you’ll find there’s always plenty to do. If you haven’t been to one of these festivals before or are looking for something different to do this year then you’re in luck!

The LGBT community in Australia is flourishing. The community is diverse and accepting, and it supports its members. You’ll find that the people you meet are open to sharing their own experiences with you—and you’ll discover that there’s a lot of room for growth! If you’re looking to attend LGBT events this year or just want to know more about LGBT events in Australia then check out these festivals!

Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras

The Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is one of the most famous LGBT festivals in Australia. It is held every year on the last Saturday of February, which is also known as Mardi Gras. The festival was established in 1978 by a group of gay men who wanted to celebrate the end of winter and raise awareness about AIDS.

The event attracts thousands of people from across Australia and overseas every year. Over 3 million spectators attend the parade, which takes place on Oxford Street in Darlinghurst (in central Sydney) over a 2-kilometer route that stretches between Hyde Park Corner and St Peters Cathedral. The parade features hundreds of floats designed by local businesses, community groups, schools and individuals; there are also many non-float attractions such as dance troupes, marching bands and performances by celebrities such as Kylie Minogue or Lady Gaga!

Melbourne Queer Film Festival

The Melbourne Queer Film Festival (MQFF) is an annual celebration of queer cinema, held in Melbourne, Australia. It’s a platform for queer filmmakers to showcase their work and provides a safe space for the community. The festival features screenings of new films and shorts as well as workshops on filmmaking techniques, such as scriptwriting and editing. It’s also a great networking opportunity for aspiring artists!

The festival was first started in 2000 by members of QUAFF (Queer Underground Film Festival). Since then it has grown significantly with over 30 000 attendees annually participating in over 100 events throughout February each year.

Feast Festival

Feast is a queer arts and culture festival that celebrates the best of Australia’s queer arts and culture. It was founded in 1996 as a response to Melbourne’s burgeoning creative sector, and has since become one of Australia’s biggest festivals, with over 300 events held every February.

Pride March Sydney

The Pride March is held on the first Saturday of October, and this year it’s October 6. The route begins in Taylor Square, Darlinghurst and ends at Oxford Street.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ouqsoYVt7E&t=1s

The event is a celebration of LGBT+ people in Sydney and includes an after-party at Town Hall (where there’s another stage with live music), as well as stalls selling products from local businesses and organizations. There are also workshops on HIV/AIDS education, safer sex, trans activism etc., as well as information about community groups you can join if you aren’t already part of the LGBT+ scene.

Brisbane Pride Festival

The Brisbane Pride Festival is held in May every year, and it’s the largest event of its kind in Australia. The festival is a week-long celebration of diversity and inclusion that includes a parade through the streets of Brisbane’s CBD, followed by an official launch party.

The festival also features talks from prominent members of the LGBTQ+ community, live entertainment, comedy nights, film screenings and dance parties. There are plenty of activities for everyone—parents/carers are welcome to bring their children along too!

Adelaide Feast Festival

Adelaide Feast is a celebration of LGBTIQ culture and identity held annually in February. It’s the biggest free LGBTIQ event in South Australia, and it’s open to everyone.

Adelaide Feast is held in the Adelaide CBD, so you can enjoy all that Adelaide has to offer when you’re not attending the festival. The festival itself is broken up into three different areas: “The Village”, “The Stage” and “The Market”. The Village is a safe space for people who identify as part of the LGBTIQ community to meet up with friends and have fun. There are a variety of activities held here including parties, drag shows and even a cabaret night! In addition to this area being packed with fun stuff to do, there are also food stalls selling delicious treats like vegan cheesecakes or even rainbow cotton candy!

Midsumma Carnival

Midsumma Carnival is a festival of the LGBT community in Melbourne, held over a long weekend in January. It is the largest LGBT festival in the Southern Hemisphere and includes street parades, dances, concerts and art exhibitions.

It’s an event you don’t want to miss if you’re visiting Australia between January 18-25!

Australia is a country that embraces diversity. We’re proud of our heritage and history, but we also know how to have fun. There are plenty of opportunities for LGBT people to enjoy life in Australia and some great events throughout the year where you can meet other members of your community.