What's On in October

October is shaping up to be a busy month for LGBTQIA+ event-goers across Australia. Starting the month off right is the 2022 Gemfields Mardi Gras, which takes place over the first weekend of October. Offering a range of events from drag bingo with Heidi Hole on Friday night to dinner and a show on Saturday night to a family-friendly Pride Day on Sunday, the Gemfields Mardi Gras has something for everyone. The Mardi Gras dinner party on Saturday night will be hosted by the multi-award-winning drag queen Wanda dParke, which guarantees an unforgettable experience. The Family Pride Day will be a free event with fun activities like face painting, games, drag shows, and a dog show! For more information, check out the event’s Facebook page or call 0438 973 333 to book!

If you can’t make it to Mardi Gras, the Newcastle Pride Festival has you covered. Running throughout the month of October, the festival launches on October 7th with a raising of the Progress Pride Flag and a free Night Circus in Civic Park. On October 8th the Newcastle Museum will be hosting a Pride Youth Formal, a free event for those 12 to 19 years old with live music, dancing, and food. Next up is the 80s-themed Rainbow Family Bike Ride and then Pride by Night, both taking place in Speers Point Park on October 15th. For something a little less family-friendly, Earp Distilling Co is offering a gin blending class on October 16th and the Newcastle Town Hall is holding an 18+ Twisted Cabaret on October 22nd, hosted by Denise Hanlon. Another highlight will be Trans Glamoré held on October 21st, which is a celebration of transgender performers hosted by Victoria Anthony. For a full list of events at the Newcastle Pride Festival, click here.

Another festival taking place in October is the Cairns Pride Festival, famed as the longest running GBTIQ+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy celebration in Cairns and Far North Queensland. The festival is currently taking applications for performers and artists, so don’t miss out on a chance to attend the festival and be a part of it!

To wrap up the month, OUTintheOPEN Festival kicks off in Shepparton on October 31st. Running through mid-November, OUTintheOPEN has a focus on promoting diversity, inclusivity, and wellness. The festival features events like a seminar on Neutralising Queerphobia run by mental health expert Lachlan Slade, a forum on LGBTQIA+ inclusion in sport, and a trans and gender diverse clothes swap. More information is available here.

Whether it’s family fun, boozy parties, performances, or educational sessions you’re interested in, the event lineup for October promises to meet interests across the board. Be sure to keep an eye on Visit Gay Australia’s event page to stay up to day on any changes or additions to events.