Countdown is on to Brisbane's biggest ever day of Pride

Brisbane Pride has officially launched its 2026 Festival with a month-long calendar of events, including what will be the city’s biggest ever day of Pride on October 24.

Pride President James McCarthy officially opened the festival at the Brunswick Hotel on Saturday night. This year’s theme is “United Colours of Pride,” and the Pride calendar comprises community, arts, advocacy, entertainment and social celebrations through to October 31.

On Saturday, October 24, Brisbane Pride’s Rally, March and Fair Day will coincide with the city’s annual queer arts festival Melt‘s River Pride Parade.

“Over the next month, we’ll bring our community together across this city, and this year, it’s going to be historic,” Brisbane Pride President James McCarthy said.

“For the first time, our Rally, March and Fair Day will unite with Melt River Pride on October 24 to transform that single day into the biggest celebration of queer life this city has ever seen.

“Together, Brisbane Pride and Melt Festival will deliver 120 community and cultural events until November 8. That is a lot of pride, so enjoy yourselves.”

Brisbane Pride Festival launch party 2026 — Image: courtesy of Tina Eastley

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Rally, March and Fair Day return to New Farm

On Saturday, October 24, the Brisbane Pride Rally and March will begin with a community gathering from 9 am at the Empire on Brunswick Street in Fortitude Valley.

The Rally begins at 9.30 am, with the March stepping off at 10 am and making its way to New Farm Park, where Fair Day will run from 10 am to 5 pm.

This year’s Fair Day headliners are Australian dance-pop icon Joanne and Drag Race Down Under stars Vybe and Coco Jumbo. Main stage co-hosts include MC Paul Wheeler and Brisbane drag legend Miss Synthetique.

“We’re bringing the Rally, March and Fair Day back to New Farm, and we’re looking forward to making it a huge day for our community,” Mr McCarthy said.

“It will be a day to raise our voices, march together, catch up with friends and celebrate the incredible diversity and creativity of our communities.”

The celebrations will continue that afternoon with the launch of Melt Festival’s River Pride Parade from 4pm.

Photos by Dean Arcuri (left)/Brisbane Powerhouse (right)

Dykes on Bikes Queensland President Kerrie-Anne Thomsen told QNews that not only will members of the lesbian motorcyle club lead the Brisbane Pride Parade that morning, the Dykes on Bikes will also lead the River Pride Parade on jet-skis that afternoon.

Drag performer Chocolate Boxx, who hosted the Pride launch on Saturday night, will be celebrating on one of the many party boats in the Parade as it heads up the River.

Her advice for October 24? “Wear lots of sunscreen, girls,” she told QNews.

After the Parade, the Melt Festival Opening Night Party at Brisbane Powerhouse will cap off the supersized day of LGBTQIA+ celebrations. The queer arts festival’s own lineup will run until November 8.

Celebrating community, history and advocacy

Brisbane Pride has also confirmed the return of the Carswell Forum, delivered in partnership with the Queensland LGBTQIA+ Alliance on Friday, October 30.

Named in honour of the late activist Phil Carswell, the Forum brings together community leaders, activists, advocates, service providers, researchers and government representatives to consider issues affecting LGBTQIA+SB Queenslanders.

The Forum will provide an opportunity for community experience and expertise to inform advocacy and priorities for the year ahead, continuing Phil Carswell’s legacy

“Brisbane Pride belongs to everyone in our community,” James McCarthy said.

“Whether you’re marching, volunteering, performing, attending an event or simply showing up, you are part of Pride.

“We invite Queenslanders to join us, bring their friends and families, and celebrate our communities in all their colour and diversity.”