Melt Festival Guide
Melt Festival, a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community will be taking over Brisbane from October 22 till November 9. 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. Up for a bit of adventure? Take off on an adrenaline filled experience with Toast at the Top Story Bridge Adventure Climb experience and bask in unapparelled views of the city and beyond. More one to keep your feet on solid ground? Then head 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 free live music at City Sounds, cabaret at West End Electric, Miss First Nation’s Blak drag pageant, Sexy Gay Art gallery showcase or a short 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. 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
Wander through the bold exhibition of portraits on display at Museum of Brisbane and follow the trial of large-scale art installations city-wide as part of Shimmer. Featuring vivid visuals and sculptural costumes, this powerful exhibition celebrates Queer identity, self-expression, resilience, and the power of chosen visibility.
Keep on strolling to James Street if you're in search of 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. Or make your way to West End’s eclectic store fronts for pre-loved vintage, hand-crafted items and thrifted finds galore.
Evening
Feeling peckish? With an abundance of iconic Brisbane venues proudly declaring themselves inclusive spaces for festival attendees, there’s a wealth of options to choose from. From notorious queer bar, The Wickham, to tucked away laneways and riverside hubs, 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. Sample culinary 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 Melting Pot, with a rotating roster of performances and music events by Melt x QUIVR.
Day Three
Morning
Spend the morning recovering with a bakery crawl as you explore Brisbane City and its surrounding neighbourhoods. From flaky goodness at Sprout and Idle Bakery 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
Be part of something unforgettable as 1000 voices come together in unity to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community during the final weekend of Melt, inviting choirs and singers from across the globe to come together to perform in one powerful culminating concert.
Get ready for a dazzling display of colour, energy and river-cruising fun for the River Pride Parade. Adorned Mardi-rafts and boats of all shapes and sizes will be floating down the Brisbane River emanating an intoxicating energy from aboard and at riverside hubs ashore. 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 Melt-exclusive show from iconic star of the stage and screen, Bernadette Peters! Witness her first Australian performance in over a decade, and a major cultural moment for theatre and music lovers alike.
Don’t miss out on the culinary experience that is Night Feast, held exclusively in during Melt, perfect for a pre/post show meal. With large scale art installations, roaming entertainment and food from Brisbane’s best vendors, this is the ideal 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.
