Australia’s queer community comes alive each year with festivals, marches, film, performance, arts, and gatherings, big and small. Here are the key events to look out for in 2026, plus regional highlights and recurring dates of significance. Use this to plan your trips, book early, and catch as much as you can.
Major LGBTQIA+ Festivals & Events in 2026
New South Wales
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Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
13 February – 1 March 2026 (Parade: 28 February)
Australia’s biggest LGBTQIA+ celebration featuring Fair Day, arts, parties, and the world-famous Oxford Street Parade.
The Transform team will be there, so come say 'hi'.
Victoria
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Midsumma Festival
18 January – 8 February 2026
Victoria’s premier queer arts and culture festival.
The Transform team will be there, so come say 'hi'. -
Midsumma Pride March
1 February 2026
Thousands take to the streets of St Kilda for this iconic march. -
Victoria’s Pride Street Party
8 February 2026
Statewide celebration culminating in Melbourne’s inner north. -
ChillOut Festival (Daylesford)
5 – 9 March 2026
Australia’s largest regional pride festival with parades, picnics, and parties.
Tasmania
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TasPride (Hobart)
February 2026 (TBC)
Tasmania’s flagship pride event, celebrating community and resilience.
Northern Territory
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FabALICE (Alice Springs)
March 2026 (TBC)
A unique outback festival blending drag, cabaret, and community. -
Top End Pride (Darwin)
June 2026 (TBC)
Darwin’s major pride event, full of colour and tropical vibes.
Queensland
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Big Gay Day (Brisbane)
October 2026 (TBC)
One-day street festival with music, drag, and community stalls. -
Hot & Steamy Festival (Port Douglas)
November 2026 (TBC)
Tropical north Queensland’s vibrant pride weekend.
Australian Capital Territory
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SpringOUT (Canberra)
October – November 2026 (TBC)
The ACT’s pride festival featuring parades, fair days, and arts.
Western Australia
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Perth PrideFEST
November 2026 (TBC)
WA’s biggest queer festival, with a lively parade and community events.
South Australia
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Feast Festival (Adelaide)
November 2026 (TBC)
A celebration of queer arts, culture, and community.
Regional & Local LGBTQIA+ Pride Events in 2026
While capital cities shine with large-scale festivals, regional pride is equally important — creating space for connection and visibility in smaller communities. Here are some to watch for in 2026:
Albany Pride Festival – 10-Year Anniversary
📍 Albany, WA
19 February – 2 March 2026
Albany Pride celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026 with an expanded program of parades, parties, talks, and family events across WA’s Rainbow Coast.
Newcastle Pride Festival
📍 Newcastle & Hunter Region, NSW
October 2026 (exact dates TBC)
A vibrant celebration in regional NSW, Newcastle Pride offers drag shows, parties, community days, and a strong emphasis on inclusivity.
Broome Pride
📍 Broome, WA
Dates TBC for 2026
This northern WA festival blends Kimberley culture with rainbow celebration. Expect a mix of local performances, community picnics, and dance parties under the stars.
Bilo Rainbow Picnic in the Park
📍Biloela, QLD
June 2026 (date TBC)
A welcoming community gathering that highlights regional LGBTQIA+ pride, with food, entertainment, and family-friendly vibes.
Big Gay Day
📍 Brisbane, QLD
May 2026 (date TBC)
Though held in Brisbane, Big Gay Day has a strong regional drawcard, attracting visitors from across Queensland for music, drag, and celebration.
Lismore Lantern Parade
📍 Lismore, NSW
20 June 2026 (TBC)
A much-loved Northern Rivers tradition, the Lantern Parade features stunning illuminated art, live music, and a strong LGBTQIA+ presence.
Why Regional Pride Matters
Regional pride festivals play a crucial role in strengthening visibility and belonging outside capital cities. They provide safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ people who may not always have access to large queer communities. Supporting these events — whether by attending, volunteering, or donating — helps ensure that pride is celebrated everywhere, not just in big cities.
Awareness & Visibility Days to Remember
Beyond festivals, Australia also marks global LGBTQIA+ awareness and visibility days:
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Trans Day of Visibility – 31 March
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Lesbian Visibility Day – 26 April
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IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia & Transphobia) – 17 May
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Pan Visibility Day – 24 May
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Non-Binary People’s Day – 14 July
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Wear It Purple Day – 28 August 2026 (last Friday of August)
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a local or travelling interstate, 2026 is set to be another exciting year for LGBTQIA+ pride and community in Australia. From Sydney’s glittering Mardi Gras to Daylesford’s ChillOut Festival and beyond, there’s an event for everyone to connect, celebrate, and feel at home.
