Brisbane’s annual takeover of queer arts and culture is back, and frankly, the city isn’t prepared.
Produced by the Brisbane Powerhouse, Melt Festival returns from 21 October to 8 November, boasting a Magandjin-wide program that includes over 100 events across 70 venues.
Coinciding with Brisbane Pride, the city will be overrun with queers and there will be no better time to let loose, flirt about, or drop a friendbomb or two 😉
It’s a huge couple of weeks to pair with the 15-metre pink duck taking residence in Brisbane River for the festival. So, here are our picks from the program…
RIVER PRIDE PARADE – 24th October – 4PM
October 24th is going to be a mammoth day as it is the Brisbane Pride. But from the Melt catalogue, we are looking forward to the iconic River Pride Parade.
With parade to party yachts, queers and allies will cruise the Brisbane River/Maiwar from West End to Brisbane Powerhouse.
If you’re not in the parade, you can watch from viewing locations along the shore. Our pick is the Howard Smith Wharves, as you’ll be needing a drink after the Pride March starting 9am. Then, its just a walk down to New Farm Park to continue the debauchery.
Tickets are still available for the boat parties online.
Melt’s Opening Party – 24th October – 6PM
After the River Parade, the festivities continue into the Opening Party, and its a given. Its not the first party on the program but given it will be the day of Brisbane Pride, energy will be high to party into the night.
There’ll be a line up of DJs, and special appearances from artists and performers from the rest of the Melt Festival.
There will also be the remnants of the Pride Fair Day at New Farm Park to enjoy if you happen to show up early.
BLOODLINES by The Huxleys – 21 October – 8 November
An exhibition Buttertongue is quite keen for is Bloodlines, a testament to artists lost to HIV/AIDS created by Melbourne-based collaborative artist duo Will and Garrett Huxley.
The work will be on display in Brisbane Powerhouse feature 13 custom-designed, hand-embellished costumes, large-scale photographic works, video art, and music.
QUEER SLICE LGBTQIA+ Artist Market – 25 Oct 10 am
Queer Slice is hosting a Melt edition of their queer market amplifying the voices of Brisbane creators.
LGBTQIA+ artist stalls will fill the the lanes of Fortitude Valley (Winn, Bakery and California), giving you the chance to support local talent.
Halloween Hall 2026 – 31 October – 9pm
Because we are suckers for a theme, Harry K and LAB are bringing back Halloween Hall on the Eve of All Hallows.
This isn’t your standard costume party; it’s an immersive playground for the erotic and the eerie. The Warehouse will be transformed into a spooky queer sanctuary where you’re encouraged to dress up (or, as we prefer, dress significantly down).
Consider this your final, sweaty dance with Melt before the festival draws to a close.
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The full program for Melt Festival is available on their website.
Be sure to check both the Melt Website and Brisbane Pride websites for all the fine print.