From 22 October to 9 November 2025, more than sixty venues across the city will come alive with a bold celebration of LGBTQIA+ art, identity and pride. Over eighteen dazzling days the program will showcase pageants, parades, musicals, cabaret, comedy, theatre, visual arts and so much more, all wrapped in the spirit of inclusivity, creativity and community.
This year’s line-up is brimming with unforgettable moments. Miss First Nation, the fiercest Blak drag pageant, arrives in Brisbane for the very first time following its spectacular all-stars edition at Sydney World Pride. Stage and screen icon Bernadette Peters will perform for one night only at the Brisbane Convention Centre, marking her first Australian appearance in more than a decade. The Brisbane River will once again flow rainbow when the River Pride Parade returns on 8 November, with an even more fabulous flotilla, the vibrant Pride Ride, and a free family-friendly picnic at New Farm Park complete with live music, food trucks and rainbow fireworks.
Visual art takes centre stage with Shimmer, a striking collaboration between contemporary artist Gerwyn Davies and trans and gender diverse young people from Open Doors Youth Service. The exhibition, on display at the Museum of Brisbane and across the city, will feature vivid portraits and sculptural costumes that celebrate self-expression, resilience and chosen visibility.
Comedy fans will be delighted to see Urzila Carlson return for two encore shows after her sold-out national tour, while cabaret lovers can look forward to Tomáš Kantor’s award-winning debut Sugar, a gender fluid tale of love and power performed with charisma, wit and a piano top. The beloved BRIEFS collective will storm the stage once again with their high-octane drag and circus spectacle Jealousss, while their infamous Briefs Bus will take audiences on a riotous guided tour through Brisbane’s Queer history. Community favourite Queer PowerPoint will also return, bringing heartfelt and hilarious slideshows to the stage.
Adding even more colour to the program is Melting Pot, a brand new late-night venue at Brisbane Powerhouse created in collaboration with Queer music collective QUIVR. Each weekend it will pulse with energy through live performance, DJ sets, line dancing, artist showcases and surprise pop-ups. The festival also presents Rhythmology, a daring theatrical exploration of creative identity, and The Lucky Country, which takes a fearless look at protest, power and national belonging. Audiences will hear from acclaimed actor and activist Zoe Terakes in conversation, and experience the glamour and razor wit of Reuben Kaye in EnGORGed. Families will not miss out either, with Play Date offering a joyful disco experience designed for children and rainbow families.
As always, MELT will close in spectacular style with Meltdown, a late-night finale curated by GoGo Bumhole and Shandy that promises wild performances, DJs and unpredictable delights.
Councillor Vicki Howard, Chair for Community and the Arts, said the festival captures the bold and inclusive spirit that defines Brisbane. “MELT Festival is a celebration of the creative and inclusive energy that makes our city shine. From world-class performances to vibrant community connections, this festival embodies Brisbane’s heart,” she said.
With pride, protest, glamour and glitter woven through every part of the program, MELT 2025 promises to be one of the most exhilarating events in Brisbane’s cultural calendar. Tickets are on sale now at melt.org.au.