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The 2026 Gay Prides in Australia || Calendar
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- Ryan Kretch
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While the Northern Hemisphere is blanketed in cold, gay prides in Australia sweep in and take the spotlight, so how is your 2026 Australian pride planning coming? In this post, we will display a calendar of different LGBTQ+ pride events and then go into detail about what each event is about.
- For gay prides happening this summer in Europe, check out our gay pride calendar for Europe!
- For gay prides happening in Asia, check out our gay pride calendar for Asia!
- For gay-friendly carnival events happening earlier on in the year, check out this page.
- For gay prides happening in the United States and the rest of North America, check out our gay pride calendar for North America!
Calendar: Australia Gay Pride 2026
To begin with, take a look at the pride calendar for Australia. These mark the dates of each city's actual parade/march or main festival day, so there may likely be days of events happening before or after the actual parade. Note: There is also one event still happening in 2025: Newcastle Pride
Gay Prides of the Australia: By State or Territory
If you are looking for specific dates, a brief description, and places to stay in each city, scroll down to each individual pride below.
To make life easier, we have grouped pride events by state or territory and then listed chronological (by when the actual parade or main festival is), so you can best plan your Australian gay pride route 😃.
Table of Contents
New South Wales
Sydney
🏳️🌈 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras
- Pride Events Dates: February 13 - March 1, 2026
- Parade Date: February 28, 2026
- About: The 2026 Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras will run from February 13 to March 1, with Fair Day likely on February 15 and the main parade and official party on February 28. This early announcement follows the 2025 parade, which drew over 200,000 spectators. Under the theme “Free to Be,” this year’s event blended protest, pride, and celebration—highlighted by performances from Troye Sivan and international DJs. Mardi Gras continues to stand as both a cultural celebration and a call for ongoing LGBTQIA+ equality.
- Where to stay: The Harbour Rocks Hotel Sydney prides itself on being a gay hotel and is just a stone's throw away from major sights like Sydney Harbour Bridge. Alternatively, the Ovolo Woolloomooloo (try to say that ten times fast) is a waterfront property and features loft-style apartments.
Newcastle
🏳️🌈 Newcastle Pride
- Pride Events Dates: October 3 - October 26, 2025
- Parade (Fair Day) Date: October 25, 2025
- About: Newcastle Pride 2025 is set to bring fabulous queer energy to New South Wales’ coastal gem, celebrating diversity across Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the Hunter Region. Expect a foreshore parade from Nobby’s Beach, an all-day Fair Day in Gregson Park (think drag, DJs, and Doggywood), and a late-night after party with POOF DOOF + DYKE DOOF. Beachy, laid-back, and proudly queer, Newcastle knows how to party without the Sydney crowds.
- Where to stay: From the name, you will gather that Noah's On the Beach is...on the beach, and has picturesque views of sea at that. If you are looking for the perfect combo of rusticness and classiness, check out The Lucky Hotel.
Victoria
Melbourne
Note: The main pride event in Melbourne is Midsumma Festival, but we will include Victoria's Pride Street Festival as a separate event here since they are held on separate weekends. Midsumma Festival and Victoria's Pride are both LGBTQIA+ celebrations in Victoria, but they differ in scope and focus. Midsumma is a larger, multi-week arts and culture festival with events across Melbourne and regional Victoria, while Victoria's Pride is a specific event, often a street party and associated activities, held in partnership with Midsumma.
🏳️🌈 Midsumma Festival
- Pride Events Dates: January 18 to February 8, 2026
- Parade Date: February 1, 2026
- About: The 2026 Midsumma Festival in Melbourne features over 180 events and attracts 260,000+ visitors. Key highlights include Carnival and T Dance on opening weekend (Jan 18) and the Midsumma Pride March on February 1 down Fitzroy Street. Expect nonstop parties, pool events, drag shows, and live entertainment across venues in Fitzroy, St Kilda, and Prahran. For the best experience, book accommodation early, as Melbourne fills up fast!
- Where to stay: Travel Proud's Crown Towers Melbourne, which rises high above the city and Port Phillip Bay or the unbelievably sleek and stylish Como Melbourne, boasting a pool and well-equipped gym.
🏳️🌈 Victoria’s Pride Street Party
- Parade Date: February 8, 2026
- About: Victoria’s Pride Street Party 2026 will mark the grand finale of the Midsumma Festival. Held in Fitzroy’s Gertrude and Smith Streets, this flamboyantly vibrant one-day celebration runs from 11 AM to 9 PM, with live music, drag, circus acts, and community stalls. Expect massive crowds, fabulous outfits, and nonstop entertainment across two main stages. This is Melbourne’s most colorful and inclusive street takeover—don’t miss it!
- Where to stay: Travel Proud's Crown Towers Melbourne, which rises high above the city and Port Phillip Bay or the unbelievably sleek and stylish Como Melbourne, boasting a pool and well-equipped gym.
Daylesford
🏳️🌈 ChillOut Festival 2026
- Pride Events Dates: March 5 to March 9, 2026
- Parade Date: March 8, 2026
- About: ChillOut Festival 2026 returns to Daylesford and transforms Victoria’s gay country capital into a rainbow-hued celebration of rural pride. Expect five days of parades, pool parties, picnics, drag shows, and dance events in a relaxed, down-to-earth setting. Don’t miss Sunday’s iconic parade down Vincent Street and the Carnival in Victoria Park. Book early, as it’s peak season! Stay central for parade access or in Hepburn Springs for a luxe spa retreat. Yeehaw, queer cowboys...this is Country Pride at its finest!
- Where to stay: The Royal Daylesford Hotel with a Wild Wild West exterior and luxurious interior or the uniquely revamped motel, Daylesford Art Motel.
Western Australia
Albany
🏳️🌈 Albany Pride 2026
- Pride Events Dates: February 19 - March 2, 2026
- Parade Date: TBC
- Parade Date: Albany Pride 2026 promises three weeks of queer joy on Western Australia’s stunning Rainbow Coast for its 10 year anniversary. Expect a glam Drag Opening Party, Burlesque shows, a Boat Cruise with views (and gogos), and the big family-friendly Fair Day at Town Square. Wrap it up with a final bash at Albany Town Hall. Book early...Middleton Beach and Little Beach are hot spots. Albany may be small-town in feel, but Pride here is big, bold, and beautiful.
- Where to stay: The Travel Proud Hilton Garden Inn Albany or The Beach House at Bayside, if you are looking for something a bit more homey.
Queensland
Brisbane
🏳️🌈 Brisbane Pride Festival
- Pride Events Dates: TBC
- Parade Date: TBC
🏳️🌈 Big Gay Day 2026
- Pride Events Dates: TBC
- Parade Date: TBC
