Eight ways to celebrate SpringOUT 2019

Posted on 23 October, 2019

Two years ago, the ACT proudly became the territory with the highest percentage of YES voters in Australia.

This year, the city celebrates the 20^th anniversary of SpringOUT, Canberra’s iconic LGBTIQ pride festival.

The festival will officially launch on Saturday 2 November, followed by a month of pride events and festivities.

“I am really proud of the festival, our Canberra LGBTIQ community and what the SpringOUT Committee have put together for this year’s festival,” says Lynne O’Brien, President of SpringOUT. “[It’s] a huge season with over 50 events—and a few big surprises.”

So what can you look forward to in Spring OUT’s 20th year?

Here are eight ways that you can celebrate Canberra’s LGBTIQ community. For the full program of events, check out the SpringOUT website.

FRINGE EVENT: OUT AND LOUD NATIONAL CHOIR FESTIVAL

Watch some of Canberra’s sweetest voices sing their hearts out at the Out and Loud National Choir Festival, hosted by Canberra’s Gay and Lesbian Qwire.

With singers from all walks of life, this festival is guaranteed to raise your #PRIDE spirits, as well as your voice!

25-27 October 5.30 pm | Old Parliament House, Parkes | springout.com.au/festival/events/fringe-event-out-loud-national-choir-festival

20 YEARS OF QUEER MASQUERADE BALL

ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr (right) with partner Anthony Toms (left) at SpringOPUT 2018. Credit: Jane Duong via facebook.com/springoutcbr.

Fancy a lavish night out? SpringOUT’s 20th-anniversary Masquerade Ball is not an event to be missed.

“In 2019, we are adding a special celebration to our calendar of events, the 20 Years of Queer Masquerade Ball at the Abbey with Concertina Bush and a bevy of local and interstate performers,” says Lynne.

Performances include DR Raydar, non-binary ‘dragtivist’ Dani Boi, Linda Hansen, Eva Gasiewicz and Valia Palmer will return as ‘She’s Famous’.

In terms of a dress-code, masks, formal wear, leather, sequins and feathers are all encouraged.

Attendees will also get a sneak preview of ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr and his fiancé Anthony tying the knot as they rehearse for their big day.

Saturday 9 November from 7 pm | The Abbey in Nichols | springout.com.au/festival/events/springout-anniversary-masked-ball

YES! FEST  

Yes Fest 2018. Credit: facebook.com/yesfestcbr

In a celebration of two years since Australia said YES, Braddon’s Lonsdale Street will again host Yes! Fest, which will see a variety of artists take to multiple stages to entertain the crowd.

Enjoy a huge variety of live entertainment including The Huxleys, Ellen Reed, House of Luna, Sheba Williams, Sarah Moany, Etcetera Etcetera and the Homecoming Queens, Zapp Backagain, Guy Alias, Queen B, Rih Anna, Ty Zahn, Faux Nee Phish, Toni Kola, Jye Gray, Charlie Chapstick, DJs Raydar, Brodie Grealish, Tuxido Masc and Brittany De Marco, and more!

Saturday 16 November from 3 pm | Lonsdale Street, Braddon | springout.com.au/festival/events/yesfest

CBR FAIR DAY

This year, the AIDS Action Council will again host CBR Fair Day.

CBR Fair Day is a family-friendly event filled with music, performances, food and more in the surrounds of historic Gorman Arts Centre. We’re talking live performances, stalls and Canberra’s cutest Rainbow Pet Parade!

Image supplied.

Grab your family, friends and fur babies and enjoy all that this beautiful city has to offer.

Saturday 2 November from 11 am | Gorman Arts Centre | springout.com.au/festival/events/cbr-fair-day and springout.com.au/festival/events/rainbow-pet-parade-cbr-fair-day

QUEER HISTORY TRIVIA

It’s time to remember Queer folk throughout history and what they achieved.

Queer History Trivia will take place at saucy Polit Bar in Manuka and is the perfect excuse to get the gang together—and maybe learn some new facts along the way.

Thursday 7 November from 7 pm | Polit Bar, Manuka | springout.com.au/festival/events/queer-history-trivia

FUSE BIG GAY BREAKFAST

Did somebody say champagne?

Enjoy a warm spring morning celebrating with old and new friends over Fuse Magazine’s Big Gay Breakfast (with complimentary champagne) at one of Canberra’s oldest LGBTIQ establishments—Tilley’s.

Sunday 3 November from 9 am | Tilley’s Cafe, Lyneham Shops, Lyneham | springout.com.au/festival/events/big-gay-breakfast

TUGGERSPRIDE COMEDY NIGHT

Want to celebrate pride in Canberra’s south? Look no further.

The TuggersPride Comedy Night will be a night filled with laughter with entertainment provided by some of Australia’s best queer comedians.

Performances include Comedian Jake Howie, Cleo, Madeleine Stewart, Kathryn Thomas, and Garrett Kelly.

Friday 8 November from 8 pm | Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Greenway | springout.com.au/festival/events/tuggerspride-comedy-night

SPRINGOUT COMMUNITY PICNIC

Karen from Finance performing at SpringOUT 2018. Image via facebook.com/springoutcbr

Help turn Glebe Park into a rainbow at the SpringOUT Community Picnic!

Enjoy well-known drag emcee Laydee Kinmee, the ‘Yodelling Drag Diva’, as SpringOUT’s month-long festivities draw to a close.

The Community Picnic will be a day filled with fun, food entertainment and activities for all ages.

Sunday 24 November from 11 am–5 pm | Glebe Park, Civic | springout.com.au/festival/events/springout-big-community-picnic

For more information about this year’s SpringOUT Festival see springout.com.au

Feature image: Jane Duong via facebook.com/springoutcbr.