Greater Shepparton is set to sparkle with pride as the OUTintheOPEN Festival returns from Friday 7 to Sunday 9 November 2025, promising three days of queer joy, community connection, and cultural celebration.
Hosted by GV Pride, OUTintheOPEN is Victoria’s premier regional LGBTIQA+ festival, drawing thousands to Shepparton for a dynamic program of events that highlight diversity, inclusion, and visibility.
Now in its 14th year, the festival continues to grow in scope and impact, offering a welcoming space for people of all identities and backgrounds.
2025 Festival highlights include:
LGBTIQA+ Carer’s Cuppa
GV Pride Hub, Shepparton: Friday 7 November (10.00 – 11.00am)
Hosted by the Carer Support team at FamilyCare and the Carer Gateway, the LGBTIQA+ Carer’s Cuppa event will be a space to relax and unwind, build knowledge and understanding and connect socially with other LGBTIQA+ carers.
Dragged To Bingo
GV Hotel, Shepparton: Friday 7 November (7.00 – 10.00pm)
Get ready, gorgeous – Drag Bingo is coming to town, and it’s bigger, bolder, and more fabulous than ever! Join your dazzling hosts Spencer Street and Eliza Lot as they bring the glitz, the glam, and the giggles to celebrate Out In The Open Festival in spectacular style.
Carnival Day
Queens Gardens, Shepparton: Saturday 8 November (10.00am – 3.00pm)
A signature festival event, Carnival Day is a free celebration for the whole family in the heart of Shepparton – bringing together live music, wonderful entertainment, market stalls, pride merchandise to grab, information and services, food trucks and so much more.
Big Bold Brunch
Shepparton Arts Museum: Sunday 9 November (9.00 – 11.00am)
GV Pride’s annual favourite BIG Brunch is BACK as part of OUT in the OPEN Festival 2025. Think BIG coffee, BIG breaky, BOLD community connection, and those BRIGHT Sunday morning vibes that you know and love at the Shepparton Arts Museum.
Portraits of Queer GV
GV Pride Hub, Shepparton: Sunday 9 November (12.00 – 5.00pm)
Celebrating diversity, this collage workshop aims to create as many portraits as possible, which will then be displayed in exhibitions and collated into a book.
In addition, GV Pride will be hosting a number of events in the lead up to the Festival weekend including: Pre-Fest Schnitz Blitz (4 November), Latte with an LLO (5 November), History Can Be Queer (5 November), Trans Inclusive Clothing Swap (6 November) and OUTshine at the Shepparton Library (6 November).
Festival Director Damien Stevens emphasised the importance of regional pride: “OUTintheOPEN is more than a festival – it’s a movement that uplifts and empowers our regional LGBTIQA+ communities. We’re proud to showcase Shepparton as a place where diversity thrives,” said Stevens.
The festival is supported by Greater Shepparton City Council, Victoria State Government, and numerous local businesses and organizations. It also aligns with broader efforts to promote inclusion and wellbeing in regional areas, particularly for young and isolated queer individuals.
For more information about the 2025 OUTintheOPEN Festival, including full program, ticketing details and volunteer opportunities, visit: www.outintheopen.org.au for details.
Image: OUT in the OPEN Festival (supplied)