One of Brisbane’s largest LGBTQIA+ street festivals, Big Gay Day, turns 25 this year and the city’s fabulous rainbow festival is bigger and better than ever.
Held on the Labour Day long weekend, Sunday 4 May, the exciting line-up has been announced – with Peach PRC and The Presets (DJ set) headlining. The all-inclusive, one-day event has also announced its theme, with partygoers set to enjoy Y2K celebrations. Taking the event back to where it all started!
Each year, the inner-city street outside The Wickham Hotel in Fortitude Valley is closed for and an epic stage that is constructed to showcase the sparkling line-up of popstars, drag queens, musicians and DJs including Jimi The Kween, Gogo Bumhole, The David, Kayty Banks, Lazy Susan, Vybe, Mandy Moobs, Freya Armani, Reef vs Beef, Femme Follies, Poof Doof and Mega Drag.
This year’s event will also see Harry K taking over The Wickham’s Beer Garden with his Outrage.us Block Party. Fabulous Paul Wheeler will return to MC once again, having hosted previous Big Gay Days as a much-loved member of Brisbane’s LGBTQIA+ community.
The Wickham has become one of Brisbane’s leading entertainment venues with the iconic one-day festival previously hosting internationally renowned artists like Boy George and The Veronicas and more.
Each year Big Gay Day raises money for LGBTQIA+ charities and, in 2025, proceeds will be donated to Open Doors Youth Service (ODYS). Also celebrating its 25th anniversary, ODYS was created by community for community and remains Queensland’s only dedicated LGBTIQ+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy (SB) youth service. ODYS supports SB young people aged 12 to 24.
“Big Gay Day is such an iconic day for our community, and we are so excited to be celebrating 25 years in 2025,” said The Wickham Hotel Venue Manager, Mark Baker.
“It’s all about being loud, proud, and having a lot of fun with our amazing entertainment to raise money for ODYS, which is an important LGBTQIA charity, also turning 25 this year.”
The Big Gay Day takes place at The Wickham Hotel on Sunday 4 May 2025. Tickets go on sale on Thursday 6 March at 10.00am (for those signed up for early access – Tuesday 4 March at 10.00am). For more information, visit: www.biggayday.com.au for details.
Image: Big Gay Day 2024 (supplied)