Each year at Queens Ball there are more than 500 attendees. It was established in 1961 on Mount Tamborine among its whispering trees, when gathering could mean danger, by Dame Cybil Thorndike – an origin story which reads like queer folklore. In present day, the event transforms Brisbane City Hall into a kaleidoscope of sequins, tuxedos and rainbow flags.

Here, leather-clad veterans swap stories with baby gays over champagne flutes.

In 2025, the much sought-after Drag Performer Of The Year Award has already clocked up 37 nominees. This is among a collection of awards to be won, including Activist Of The Year, Ally Of The Year, DJ Of The Year, Event Of The Year, the First Nations Leadership and Engagement Award, the Young Achievement Award, and more.

“In a house on Mount Tamborine, a group of friends formed the Queens Birthday Ball,” Brisbane Pride President James McCarthy said in a speech at last year's event. “They started the event in the most conservative, repressive state in this country at the time. It was subversive, defiant, empowering and also an enormous personal risk.”

Image © Fergus Hurst

“The Ball teaches us our greatest asset is each other. The Queens Ball’s story is our story.”

Queens Ball is presented by Brisbane Pride, which was established in 1990. Brisbane Pride has a goal of playing a crucial role in advocacy, bridging a gap between the LGBTQIA+ community and governmental bodies.

Brisbane Pride hosts regular events like The Queer Formal, The Kal Collins Memorial Fund, and the annual Memorial Garden Ceremony in New Farm Park.

Queens Ball is an opportunity to celebrate outstanding achievements, paired with a delectable two-course meal and drinks flowing all night.

Tickets are on sale now.

Brisbane Pride's Queens Ball is on at Brisbane City Hall 28 June.