Melt Festival
About This Event
Melt, Brisbane Powerhouse's queer arts and culture festival, started small at New Farm in the mid-2010s. Now it's all over the city, with over 100 events at more than 70 venues - think Fortitude Valley, Fish Lane, Howard Smith Wharves, Queen's Wharf, and the State Library. Time Out says it's Brisbane's biggest queer arts festival.
The River Pride Parade is the main event: a flotilla of decorated boats sailing from West End to the Powerhouse. In 2026, it's on at twilight on Saturday 24 October. This year, it coincides with Brisbane Pride's rally, march, and Fair Day. After the parade, there's a free opening party at the Powerhouse.
You'll need to buy tickets for each show separately through the Powerhouse. The 2026 festival runs from 21 October to 8 November. Courtney Barnett, Melanie C, and Circa's new immersive show, Show Me Love, are on the bill.
Florentijn Hofman's 15-metre rubber duck, now pink, will join the parade and moor by the Powerhouse. Mr First Nation, a drag king competition for First Nations performers, is another highlight.
The festival ends on 8 November.
Where to stay during Melt Festival
via Stay22Schedule & Sub-Events
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MELT 2025 Festival Wrap
