The undisputed star of the show? International art icon Florentijn Hofman is dropping a gigantic, 15-metre-tall, hot pink Rubber Duck straight into the Brisbane River. It floats past the CBD before joining a massive twilight boat flotilla and parking itself right outside Brisbane Powerhouse for the whole festival.
If you’re looking for an excuse to hit the town, here’s what you need on your radar:
Waterfront Chaos and Free Threads
- Twilight River Pride Parade: On Saturday 24 October, the river turns into a floating fiesta from West End down to New Farm. Expect decked-out party boats like WET ON DECK and Splash Out pumping tunes along the water.
- Free Custom Onesies: Yes, really. Artists Adele Varcoe and Dylan Mooney are running free community workshops to sew 1,000 custom-printed onesies, which will be handed out for free on parade day for a giant, sea of matching outfit glory.
Curtain Call: Shows You Can’t Miss
- Circa’s Show Me Love: Local circus royalty Circa is putting on a world-premiere immersive show where you’ll wander through hidden corridors inside Brisbane Powerhouse before ending up in an all-out club finale.
- Inaugural Mr First Nation: After the massive success of Miss First Nation, producer Ben Graetz is introducing a brand-new competition showcasing the absolute best of First Nations drag kings.
- Major Live Music: Pop legend Melanie C, ARIA queen Courtney Barnett, Kiwi soul star TEEKS, and local hitmaker Jude York are all dropping in for massive live sets.
- Cult Comedy and Local Hubs: Fan-favourite Queer PowerPoint is back to turn wild, niche obsessions into comedic art, while QUIVR partners up for the weekly Melting Pot community hangout.
Queer the Town
When you need a breather between shows, precincts across Fish Lane, Fortitude Valley, Howard Smith Wharves, and Queen’s Wharf will be buzzing with pop-up performances, curated bites, and post-show drinks.
Tickets are officially live on the MELT website here. Grab yours before that giant pink duck sails away!