Get ready, henny! The cultural climax of LGBTQ+ art and culture will sail into Brisbane and it’s unleashing a star-studded lineup on the River City. The initial program announcement includes everything from burlesque, to interactive art to parties, and here is just a taste of what you’ll have to look forward to.
Melt kicks off with its biggest and most ambitious opening weekend yet, transforming Brisbane’s streets, river and public spaces into a celebration of visibility, creativity and community. For the first time, Brisbane Pride’s Rally and March and Fair Day will align with River Pride Parade on Saturday, October 24, bringing together Brisbane’s largest celebrations in a single day!
Plus, as day turns to dusk, River Pride Parade returns in a new twilight timeslot, with a colourful flotilla of boats and watercraft cruising from West End to Brisbane Powerhouse as thousands gather along the river to celebrate in style, all under the imposing gaze of Florentijn Hofman’s 15-metre, five-storey-high Rubber Duck reimagined in Melt’s signature hot pink!
Another Melt highlight just as fabulous, the inaugural Mr First Nation is building on the success of Miss First Nation in 2025. This new competition celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander drag king performers, with two heats leading to a glittering grand final on opening weekend.
Beyond opening weekend, you can’t miss the debut of Show Me Love, a new show from globally recognised contemporary circus company, Circa. Created exclusively for Melt, this immersive experience will invite you to move through the hidden spaces and winding corridors of the Powerhouse, following Circa’s acrobats and guest artists, before culminating in a spectacular finale inspired by club culture.
Along that same vein, Queensland singer-songwriter Jude York will bring dancefloor-ready pop tunes with emotional vulnerability home, and Māori soul singer TEEKS, will debut new music, including his single My Boy. Grammy-nominated, and ARIA Award-winning Courtney Barnett will bring her Creature of Habit tour to the mix, with pop icon Melanie C!
Back by popular demand, Melting Pot will return as Melt’s vibrant weekly hub to amplify local queer voices and stories throughout the festival, hosting a dynamic mix of emerging and established artists spanning multiple disciplines. On a quieter, yet hilarious note, Queer PowerPoint is also back and you can watch a rotating cast of Queer creatives turn boring boardroom tools into niche hilarity, or apply to present yourself.
There will be a variety of outrageous parties and drag shows to attend, hosted by queer royalty, as well as thought-provoking theatre and visual arts exhibitions that delve into central themes like identity, belonging and colonisation.
Beyond the stage, Queer the Town will once again transform the city into a celebration of Queer culture, creativity and community! Participating venues across Fish Lane, Fortitude Valley, Howard Smith Wharves and Queen’s Wharfwill become part of the Melt experience, with unexpected pop-up moments, hidden performances, and more.
Practical information
This year, Melt will take place from Wednesday, October 21 to Sunday November 8.
You can see the full announced program, get tickets or register to join events like the River Pride Parade here!
