Inside Canberra’s formal especially for the young queer community

Posted on 1 October, 2026

Your ultimate guide to the 2026 LGBTQIA+ and Allies Prom.

A night dedicated to the queer community and their allies is back for another year to celebrate love in all its forms – here’s your guide to the 2026 LGBTQIA+ and Allies Prom.

Celebrating its 11th year, the LGBTQIA+ and Allies Prom is sure to offer a night full of fun and celebration, with dancing, performances and entertaining activities taking over the Canberra Rex Hotel. Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s prom.

What is it?

The LGBTQIA+ and Allies Prom is held by YWCA Canberra and has aimed to provide a safe space for young queer individuals to be themselves, free of judgement.

Holding their first queer-celebratory prom in 2016, for over a decade, the LGBTQIA+ and Allies Prom has garnered over 1,700 attendees. The event aims to be a packed night for the LGBTQIA+ community to socialise with new people, have a groove on the dance floor, or even check out the fun activities provided.

Attendance is strictly for people aged 15 to 21 years old; tickets are free, and donations are welcome to continue to help support the event in the future.

When and where is it happening?

The 2026 LGBTQIA+ and Allies Prom is set to be held for one night only, which is more of an excuse to get a (free) ticket, if you ask me!

The event is set to be held on Friday 6 November at the Canberra Rex Hotel, located at 150 Northbourne Avenue in Braddon.

Starting at 6 pm and running until 10 pm, it guarantees four hours of fun for a Friday night out.

What’s happening?

This year, there will be everything ranging from arts and crafts, performances, and of course, a dance floor! These are sure to keep you occupied for the night.

To spice things up, the event theme is ‘Wild West’. Go in your best outfits that capture the spirit of the Wild West – rock some denim, plaid shirts, or even a trusty pair of cowboy boots.

For those who prefer to sit, mingle, and listen to the live music, there will be performances from local bands and drag shows to keep you entertained! Previous years included performances from Phish and Phreak as well as local Canberra band ‘Scarlet Fever’.

What can I eat and drink?

Grab a plate and get ready to fill it up with a delicious variety of food. The event provides a buffet, ensuring catering to different allergies and dietary restrictions. This includes gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. The event is strictly alcohol-free, but there are sure to be yummy beverages to quench your thirst.

How can I get there?

Catching public transport? The light rail is your best bet. The Ipima Street station in Braddon is a quick two-minute walk to the Canberra Rex Hotel.

If you are travelling from the south, buses will be your best friend. Check out your bus route planner here.

What else do I need to know?

The LGBTQIA+ and Allies Prom is a night dedicated to inclusivity and aims to provide a fun and easy experience. If you need to take a break from the action, the venue will also offer quiet areas where you can sit back and relax.

The event is strictly drug- and alcohol-free, including the use of vapes and cigarettes, and anyone attending can leave at any time – but you will be required to sign in at the registration desk upon arrival.

Finally, parents are not permitted to enter the event due to child safety practices, though it is mandatory to have an emergency contact listed who is over 18 and not attending the event.

The LGBTQIA+ and Allies Prom aims to bring young people together for a night full of love, acceptance, and empowerment. It also hopes to make people in the queer community feel welcome and to be among peers who will not judge them for being their authentic selves.

With a special and fun night planned, ensure you book your free tickets and get a spot now to have a blast of a time!

Feature image via the LGBTQIA+ and Allies Prom website.