What not to miss at SpringOUT 2026
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Canberra’s annual LGBTIQA+ Pride Festival is back for another year, and the 2026 SpringOUT program is stacked with things to do.
Marking its 27th year in Canberra, this year the month-long pride festival is taking over the city from Friday 23 October until Tuesday 1 December. Celebrating the theme Be Yourself in Canberra, SpringOUT 2026 is opening a week earlier than usual with some very special events.
“This year’s theme is a reminder to show up as your authentic selves while getting together in the beautifully queer little capital we call home,” says Festival Director Danny Corvini.
SpringOUT is always a highlight of Canberra’s cultural calendar, with something on for all ages and all interests. Here’s what not to miss.
For families
Fair Day 2026
This is Canberra’s largest LGBTIQA+ event, and it’s always well worth attending. Fair Day is a free, all-ages day that brings together up to 80 local businesses and community groups.
Expect lots of food and drink stalls and local music (including Jett Blyton and his band, Etcetera Etcetera and Stella Eve), drag acts, dancers and First Nations performers. This year, there will also be some international acts on the stage. Make sure not to miss Spanish-born, New York-based drag performer Edu Diaz; comedian Josh Hauville, and ’90s singer Mary Kiani.
Celebrate the start of the SpringOUT in a free, fun and inclusive way!
Saturday 31 October, 11 am – 5 pm | Glebe Park, City | Find out more here.
Queer Reads
Queer Reads is all about celebrating LGBTIAQ+ literature and storytelling. Back for its third year, this event will bring together a panel of local queer poets, writers and publishers for a discussion full of reading recommendations and connection.
The event will be facilitated by Emma Batchelor and the team at Gungahlin BOOK FACE will have a curated selection of Queer titles ready to shop. It’s open to all ages and free to attend, but registration is essential.
Thursday 5 November, 6 pm – 7.30 pm | BOOK FACE, 33 Hibberson Street, Gungahlin | Find out more here.
Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil 2026
The Trans Day of Remembrance Vigil 2026 is an important event on the SpringOUT calendar, seeing people gather in recognition of lost siblings, partners, families and friends.
The evening will feature speakers, music, and a candlelight vigil in Civic Square. The southern hemisphere’s second largest trans pride flag will also be hung in the Legislative Assembly courtyard to honour those who have been killed by transphobia and hatred.
Friday 20 November, 6 pm – 8 pm | Civic Square, outside the Legislative Assembly, Civic | Find out more here.
Pride-Day Night Shopping at Westfield Belconnen
Friday night shopping just got a whole lot better. Westfield Belconnen is hosting a Pride-Day Night Shopping experience, complete with non-stop Pride anthems from DJs Raydar and CandyCane. Plus, there will be shows and even a pop-up SpringOUT stall!
Friday 20 November, 5 pm – 8 pm | Westfield Belconnen, Benjamin Way, Belconnen | Find out more here.
For the foodies
Big BBQ Bash
Hosted by the ACT Aces + Aros, everyone is invited to attend the Big BBQ Bash. Attendees are invited to bring food to share, with everything else – from the utensils to the condiments (as well as blankets and sunscreen) – supplied.
With vegans and vegetarians catered for and open to SBLGBTIQA+ community, allies, children – and even well-behaved animals – it’s the perfect way to spend a spring day.
Saturday 21 November, 11 am – 2 pm | Haig Park, Braddon end, City | Find out more here.
FUSE Big Gay Breakfast
The FUSE Big Gay Breakfast promises to be a fabulous morning of delicious food, coffee and champers. Held at Tilley’s in Lyneham, all you need to do is show up and buy your own breakfast – the champagne will be supplied!
With vegetarian and gluten-free options for those with special dietary needs (just ask when ordering), everyone is welcome to attend.
Sunday 22 November, 9 am – 12 pm | Tilley’s Devine Cafe, corner Brigalow Street & Wattle Street, Lyneham | Find out more here.
For the culture vultures
In Conversation: Courtney Act and Paul Yore
This year, SpringOUT is opening with a very special unveiling: a new portrait of Courtney Act at the National Portrait Gallery. And with the superstar in Canberra to celebrate the occasion, why not catch them in person?
Join the drag queen, singer and television personality in conversation with artist Paul Yore as they discuss their new portrait to find out all about the creative process. Following the conversation, you’re invited to view the commissioned portrait and enjoy after-hours access to the Gallery.
Saturday 24 October, 5.30 pm – 7 pm | National Portrait Gallery, King Edward Terrace, Parkes, City | Book tickets here.
SpringOUT Comedy Gala
Get ready for a side-splittingly hilarious line-up of some of the best queer comedians from Canberra and interstate. This year, the SpringOUT Comedy Gala is bringing Dylan Holmes, Suma Iyer, Chris Knight, Makedonka, Caitlin Maggs, Anneli Cole, and Josh Hauville to the stage for an unforgettable evening of laughter.
With two shows to choose from (6 pm and 8.15 pm), consider this your chance to see the next big thing in queer comedy!
Thursday 19 November, 6 pm and 8.15 pm | Street 2, The Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, City | Book tickets here.
Loud & Proud
Loud & Proud, SpringOUT’s all-trans and nonbinary live music event, will have you dancing the night away – and everyone’s welcome.
Featuring performances by nonbinarycode, Salty Goodness, Kalokairi, JAIDE, Mundt Phàis and Val Moogz, this event is open to all ages (with under-18s accompanied by a responsible adult).
Saturday 21 November, 4 pm – late | Dissent Cafe and Bar, 181 City Walk, City | Book tickets here.
For the night owls
Spring Fever Retro Disco
Don your best flare pants and grab the glitter – this is one disco that you won’t want to miss. With every dollar raised on the night going straight to Diversity ACT’s projects and programs, the Spring Fever Retro Disco will have you dancing for diversity.
Along with performances from Guy Alias and Ty Zahn and retro beats courtesy of DJ CandyCane, there will also be raffle tickets and the chance to win some killer prizes for the Most Creative Outfit, the Best Disco Dancer and the Best Couple on the Floor.
Saturday 24 October, 7.30 pm – 12.30 am | ChiChiz, 32 Northbourne Avenue, City | Book tickets here.
FRUITBOWL – Halloween (Fair Day afterparty)
Is this Canberra’s fruitiest dance party? Celebrate Halloween at FRUITBOWL with juicy beats, deliciously haunting drag, and a dancefloor crawling with fruity creatures, freaks, and fabulous fiends.
Hosted by Lui Lilac with performances by Aries Khaos and Virgolicious as well as music from DJ Burger Queen, it’s your chance to let loose in your spookiest, juiciest outfit.
Saturday 31 October, 6 pm – late | ChiChiz, 32 Northbourne Avenue, City | Book tickets here.
LGBTQIA+ & Allies Prom
The LGBTQIA+ & Allies Prom is for LGBTQIA+ youth and their allies, inviting locals aged 15 to 21 to attend a special night dedicated to acceptance, love and joy.
Held by YWCA Canberra to provide a safe space for young queer individuals to be themselves, this year the free event has a ‘Wild West’ theme, with attendees encouraged to rock some denim, plaid shirts, or even a trusty pair of cowboy boots.
There will also be performances from local bands and drag shows, a delicious variety of food, and more!
Friday 6 November, 6 pm – 10 pm | Canberra Rex Hotel, 150 Northbourne Avenue, Braddon | Book tickets here.
One Night In Heaven 3
Go back in time to Heaven Nightclub, Canberra’s iconic gay dance club that ran from 1993 to 2001.
With multiple DJs, live performances and pure carefree chaos, One Night In Heaven 3 will have you reliving the 90s and 2000s dance anthems with the DJs you adored.
Expect Drag Queens, go‑go dancers, performance art, gay anthems, handbag house, club bangers, techno house, and a deep dive into the rave‑soaked roots that made Heaven iconic!
Friday 27 November, 8 pm – 4 am | Fiction Nightclub, 50 Bunda Street, City | Book here.
For the wellness warrior
Rainbow Connections
Rainbow Connections is a health, wellbeing and creativity weekend for Canberra’s LGBTIQA+ community and allies.
Showcasing Canberra’s leading health and wellbeing practitioners – with expertise in movement, breathwork, meditation, and more – attendees will learn about LGBTIQA+ mental health, meditation and movement.
The event gathers people in a welcoming space to support personal wellbeing and collective care – you’ll do breathwork, yoga, and sound healing. Spaces are limited so be quick to book your spot!
Saturday 21 November, 1 pm – 7.30 pm | Balanced Yoga, 39 Jardine Street, Kingston | Book here.
Queer Junk Journal Workshop
Perfect for some mindful creativity, the Queer Junk Journal Workshop will have you spending a couple of hours creating a junk journal from cute, queer ephemera.
Everything will be supplied, but attendees are welcome to bring special stickers, pictures, and papers for their projects. The Trust Café Club will also be open during the afternoon so you can caffeinate while you create!
Saturday 28 November, 2 pm – 4 pm | You Are Here, Level 1, 131 City Walk, City | Book here.
For those looking for active fun
Pride Ice Hockey Games
Riding the ice hockey wave? Whether you’re a hockey fan, a member of the LGBTQIA+ community or an ally who wants to experience what queer hockey is all about, the Pride Ice Hockey Games are for you.
With three social/friendly games – including options for both intermediate and beginners – you can try your hand at hockey or go along to cheer on others.
Saturday 14 November, 4 pm – 7.30 pm | Phillip Ice Skating Rink, 1 Irving Street, Phillip | Find out more here.
Sport Your Pride Multi-Sport Gala Day
From archery to AFL 9s, netball to Roller Derby, the Pride Multi-Sport Gala Day is sure to have something for you to try.
With sporting sessions running across the whole day – as well as a Hawaiian Beach Party to celebrate with cocktails – the hardest part will be choosing where to start.
Saturday 14 November, 8 am – 7.30 pm | Southwell Park, Lyneham | Book tickets here.
A Very Queer Gym
Want to learn how to lift weights, but don’t know where to start? Hosted by five queer strength leaders in one private strength facility, this supportive sapphic environment promises to be a safe space to learn how to do just that.
A Very Queer Gym will be held for one night only, with limited spots available. Make sure to book a spot!
Saturday 14 November, 6 pm – 8 pm | Sally Bromley Strength and Conditioning Private Studio, 26 George Street, Oaks Estate | Book here.
THE ESSENTIALS
What: SpringOUT 2026
When: Friday 23 October until Tuesday 1 December
Where: Various venues
Web: springout.com.au
Feature image: Courtney Act. Photographer: Georges Antoni.
