Following its record-breaking 2024 edition, Melt Festival returns to Brisbane in 2025 with a packed program of queer arts, theatre, music, and unmissable events.
Leading the charge is Reuben Kaye, who brings his explosive new show enGORGEd to QPAC in its Queensland premiere, backed by Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra – and musical director Shanon D Whitelock. Expect lavish cabaret, biting wit and unapologetic spectacle.
Making its Melt debut is Miss First Nation, Ben Graetz’s acclaimed national drag pageant spotlighting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander excellence. After touring state heats around the country, the grand final lands at Melt for a night of high-glamour performance and cultural pride.
Theatre highlights include The Lucky Country, a new musical directed by Sonya Suares with music and lyrics by Vidya Makan, which interrogates Australian identity through sharp storytelling and rebellious charm.
Malacañang Made Us by Jordan Shea explores the Filipino-Australian diaspora, while Whitefella Yella Tree at La Boite presents a tender love story between two Aboriginal boys, set against the shadow of colonisation.
The River Pride Parade returns, sailing down the Brisbane River/Maiwar from West End to Brisbane Powerhouse. Whether you’re joining the flotilla or dancing aboard Harry K’s boat party on OASIS, the message is clear: all aboard for visibility, celebration and joy.
Elsewhere, Queer PowerPoint makes a chaotic comeback, turning boring software into boundary-pushing performance. Want in? Anyone can apply to present — the weirder the topic, the better.
One of the year’s major live events, Bernadette Peters performs in Australia for the first time in over a decade. Backed by Camerata, she’ll take the stage at Brisbane Convention Centre on 24 October for an evening of music, memories and theatrical brilliance.
Other highlights include:
1000 Voices, a massive choral celebration bringing queer and ally choirs together in a powerful show of community and solidarity.
Hole-Mania 2.0, a raucous queer wrestling event at The Tivoli hosted by Shandy and Gogo Bumhole.
Scream Queen, a horror-themed drag spectacular featuring Naomi Smalls, Yvie Oddly, and Kyran Thrax.
Visual art is front and centre, with Gerwyn Davies’ Shimmer showcasing identity-driven photographic portraits in collaboration with trans and gender-diverse youth. Also featured: Micah Rustichelli’s Instagram-deconstructing Demon Rhythm, the provocative group show SEXY GAY ART at VENTspace, and Still Lives: Brisbane — a roped-up punk elegy by Luke George and Daniel Kok. For fans of classic burlesque with a queer twist, Femme Follies Burlesque brings high femme energy to The Wickham.
Head HERE for full details about Melt Festival.
