Melt Festival Guide
Melt Festival, a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community will be taking over Brisbane from October 23 till November 10. With over 120 events, there is so much to see and experience, so take our comprehensive guide below and create your very own glamorous itinerary.
Day One
Afternoon
Start your weekend by checking into one of Brisbane’s best hotels. And what better way to set the tone for your Melt experience than at a hotel with some personality? Ovolo Valley’s eclectic and unique touches are found throughout the entire hotel, to ensure your stay is anything but boring! Stay at the nearby Miss Midgley’s for a thoroughly pink affair or indulge in quirky riverside stays, W Brisbane and Crystalbrook Vincent, each complete with a sparkling rooftop pool and bar.
Evening
As the sun starts to set, it’s time to experience some of Brisbane’s incredible dining options. Dinner at Howard Smith Wharves is the perfect place to finalise the hardest part of the trip...narrowing down the events to attend (if you haven’t already decided). Choose from the likes of laid back eats and brews at Felons Brewing Co to sophisticated Cantonese cuisine at Stanley – all with picturesque views of the winding Brisbane River. Then head next door to vibey overwater bar Mr Percival’s or try out one of Brisbane's best rooftop bars before heading to your first event. Whether it’s live music at The Princess Theatre, cabaret at Pink Flamingo, Scream Queen starring RuPaul’s Drag Race queens or a more lowkey art gallery showcase or film festival, you’re certainly not short of choice!
Day Two
Morning
It’s time to spice up your morning as you make your way over to a drag brunch hosted at Cloudland or Za Za Ta. Enjoy an indulgent Sunday banquet, a jug of your cocktail and watch on as the queens deliver risqué entertainment. Make sure you dress fabulously over the top!
Afternoon
From there, be a part of a moment that will be sure to make the history books and join 10,000 people to strip bare on the Story Bridge as part of Spencer Tunick’s Brisbane installment. This event will capture the meaning of Melt - a celebration of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Whether you are a part of Spencer Tunick’s event or not, you don’t want to miss the Colada Pool Party being held afterwards at the Valley Pool. Staying (partially) clothed, enjoy an afternoon of live DJ sets, cold bevvies, swimming and pure vibes.
Prefer to try clothes on rather than strip them off? Head to James Street for some retail therapy, luxury edition. There is something for everyone at this iconic leafy precinct; from boutique storefronts and Australian fashion labels like Venroy and Zimmerman to beauty and wellness heroes like Aesop and La Labo, al fresco eateries and bars to world-renowned five-star hotel, The Calile.
Evening
Feeling peckish? Check out one of Melt’s hubs and precincts! With an abundance of iconic Brisbane venues on the Queer The Town list, proudly declaring themselves inclusive spaces for festival attendees, there’s a wealth of options to choose from. From notorious queer bar, The Wickham, to dining strip, King Street, you’re spoiled for choice.
Soak up Fish Lane’s leafy industrial vibe with a tipple from the likes of the charming Maeve Wine Bar and martini-forward Midtown. Or indulge in mouth-watering meals at institutions like Southside and Julius Pizzeria.
Embrace the lively nature of Fortitude Valley in one of the hidden laneways, Bakery Lane, Winn Lane, California lane or the renowned Brunswick Street Mall. Sampleculinary delights at Joy, an intimate 12-seat diner with a rotating seasonal menu or enjoy a cocktail at the many funky bars. If you’re not ready for the night to end, you can get down and boogie at one of Melt’s DJ events at QUIVR.
Day Three
Morning
Spend the morning recovering with a bakery crawl as you explore Brisbane City and its surrounding neighbourhoods. From Sprout and Agnes Bakery on James Street to the viral NYC-style cookies at Brooki Bakehouse to French patisseries, Rise and Darvella, positioned along the Brisbane River.
Take your flaky, gooey and buttery goodness down to one of Brisbane’s picnic spots surrounded by lush greenery or flowing water as you recharge for the final day of your trip.
Afternoon
Head out to Redlands Coast and spend the afternoon taking in the sun and live music at Sirromet Winery's A Day On The Green. Take That is on tour with Sophie Ellis Bextor, Rikki Lee, and Dacy with a massive show that is sure to get you singing and dancing.
Or partake in the River Pride Parade, where a display of Mardi-rafts and boats of all shapes and sizes will be floating down the Brisbane River. Jump onboard a cruise with YOT or Oasis as they join the flock of boats partying their way down the river in a colourful and vibrant celebration of the queer community.
Evening
Check out one of the Melt shows at Brisbane Powerhouse where you can witness outrageous cabaret acts including Hans Disco Spektakular, Berlin’s beloved cabaret superstar, Functional Bottom and Leather Lungs. Don’t miss out on the culinary experience that is Night Feast, held exclusively in October for a pre/post show meal. With large scale art installations, roaming entertainment and food from Brisbane’s best vendors, this is the perfect way to round out your Brisbane holiday.
If you just don’t want the experience to be over, why not linger a little longer as you rest and recoup. Experience the pinnacle of wellness at outdoor bathhouse, Soak, or lean into luxury at Albion Bathhouse and rejuvenate from the weekend that was. Or take it a step further and escape to serenity in Scenic Rim where you will find O’Reilly’s Canungra Valley Vineyards for a tipple and Moogie Glamp & Wander for a relaxing hinterland escape. If you prefer sandy white beaches and clear water, then get on island time and unwind at Moreton Island/Mulgumpin and North Stradbroke Island/Minjerribah.
Still can’t make up your mind? Opt for one of Melt’s curated travel packages inclusive of accommodation, event passes and exclusive Out Of Towners discounts while you’re visiting Brisbane for Melt Festival.
