Pride Fest is now in its second year. It’s a celebration of identity, creativity, inclusion and empowerment, for the community and allies alike. In 2025, there are more than 150 events and more than 400 participating artists. The festival joins the likes of Victoria’s Midsumma Festival, Queensland’s MELT Festival, and South Australia’s Feast Festival in Australia’s major queer events calendar.
This year’s it’s expected to attract more than 7,000 attendees across a jam-packed June.
“Pride Fest is a platform where storytelling and community are front and centre, and it’s only growing,” Qtopia Sydney Artistic & Programs Director Carly Fisher says. “Right now, the world is in a tumultuous place. In a month that has historically been defined by protest, Pride Fest invites people from all communities to come together to celebrate, converse and connect.”
Audiences can expect to see theatre, cabaret, visual art, music, comedy, drag, literature, burlesque and more, as well as new exhibitions, community partnerships, corporate team building workshops and educational programming.
“Our goal isn’t just to host a festival, it’s to lead one that matches the global standard of queer cultural programming. Qtopia Sydney is the largest centre of its kind in the world, and Pride Fest reflects that ambition.”
There’ll be events presented across June from community organisations like the 78ers, the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Business Association, Rainbow Families, the Pride History Group, and The Bookshop Darlinghurst.
The 2025 headliners are ‘A Friend Of Dorothy: Anthems Of Pride’ – a joyous homage to resilience, fabulousness and music. . . ‘Skank Sinatra’, a powerhouse diva belting, bantering and bedazzling with live vocals, glam, and big-band bangers. . . and ‘The Platonic Human Centipede’ from Mel & Sam, featuring musical sketch chaos meeting with glitter-fuelled co-dependency.
On top of performances and exhibitions, the Pride Fest programme also includes The Pride Literary Series, film nights, live podcast recordings, and workshops. Plus, there’s corporate and educational offerings including 75 per cent tax-deductible workshops on queer history, culture, and allyship.
“Pride Fest is set to inject real energy into Sydney’s cultural and economic life,” Qtopia Sydney CEO Greg Fisher says. “From the artists and venues involved to the local cafes, bars and hotels across the city, this festival will draw thousands back to the Rainbow Precinct – a key priority for both Local and State Governments, and something we’re proud to support.”
Check out the full programme.
Qtopia Sydney Pride Fest 2025 is on throughout June.
