Canberra’s annual month-long SpringOUT Pride Festival returns for its 26th year. Here’s a taste of what’s happening plus the complete program.

Held annually in November, SpringOUT is Canberra’s pride festival. 

A month-long event, the festivities are organised by the Canberra SpringOUT Association Inc, a not-for-profit, member-based charity that  has been running the show for more than 25 years. 

“This year we are encouraging people to say yes, show up, do the hard work and be proud,” says president Lynne O’Brien. 

“Everyone is welcome to come and join us.”

A lesbian, feminist, activist, mother, ovarian cancer survivor and grandmother of six, Lynne has more than 40 years of service to the LGBTIQA+ community, and began her activism in the mid ‘80s by spearheading projects such as the Canberra Gay and Lesbian Choir (QWIRE) and the Heaven nightclub. 

Since taking over the presidency of the association in 2018, Lynne has continued to grow the festival through funding and sponsorships. 

Formerly known as Canberra Pride, Lynne says the association aims to support diverse lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, queer and the broader community by integrating the festival into the local community. 

“This year will be our biggest event since covid,” she says. 

“It’s only been possible due to the continued expansion of interest in participating in the festivities.” 

This year’s SpringOUT festival kicks off with the association’s annual Fair Day on November 1.

Free entry, and the largest LGBTIQA+ event in Canberra, visitors will be entertained by a large number of performers as well as peruse market stalls from local businesses. 

“We will also showcase some of Canberra’s finest food and wines that have been produced by the region,” says Lynne. 

“This year, one of the biggest drawcards to Fair Day is the markets, which will have more than 60 stalls and an abundance of diverse artisan, community and business-related stalls celebrating queer Canberra.” 

Including many free or low-cost options, Lynne says there will be something to cater to everyone’s needs and niche interests.

“SpringOUT provides the opportunity for LGBTIQA+ individuals and groups to use the event as a statement of pride and to promote a broader message of diversity and acceptance,” she says. 

Lynne says month-long event is a great economic driver for the local community. 

More than 40 events will take place during the festival, ranging from comedy, sport and artist talks to discos, nightclubs, life drawing and breathwork. 

“Featuring everything from drag kings to daddies… immerse yourself in all that LGBTQIA+ Canberra has to offer!” says Lynne.

One standout event will be the One Night in Heaven2 evening. 

An homage to the original Heaven nightclub in Garema Place (opened by the president herself), the party is one that Lynne says is not to be missed. 

“We booked out within minutes last year,” she says. 

Featuring groovy ‘90s and noughties hits, Lynne says it’s a special moment to recognise the city’s beloved and iconic nightclub. 

Voted by Sony Music as Canberra’s “most popular club” three months after opening, Lynne says the club was a staple to the nightlife between 1993 and 2001. 

“Heaven was a place where you could be yourself (or anyone else), drag kings and queens performed in exquisite costumes, exhibitions, live music, theatre shows, burlesque and the best dance music in Canberra!” she says. 

Bringing back all of their original DJs, Lynne says it will be a night to remember. 

SpringOUT Pride Festival, visit springout.com.au

Providing safe and inclusive services

The ACT Human Rights Commission provides a free, accessible dispute-resolution service to deal with complaints about discrimination and vilification on the grounds of sexuality, gender identity, sex characteristics and HIV status.

It also deals with complaints about access to health services, gender identity and sexuality conversion practices, privacy and human rights complaints. 

“The complaint process enables LGBTIQA+ community members to try and resolve their concerns through a confidential complaint-handling process,” says the ACT discrimination commissioner, Karen Toohey. 

“We know from community members that some of the public discussion around trans rights is having a negative impact on access to health services and other public services.

“We deal with complaints about access to health services and also provide people with guidance on what matters that might fall within discrimination and vilification provisions, protecting people from unfavourable treatment due to gender identity or sexuality.” 

This, Karen says, enables people to self-advocate or use the Commission’s complaint process to try to resolve their concerns. 

“The Commission undertakes regular training for staff to ensure our services are safe, inclusive and welcoming for all members of the LGBTIQA+ community,” she says. 

“We regularly reflect on how we are complying with our obligations to provide services that are safe and inclusive, and comply with ACT discrimination and human rights laws.”

The ACT Human Rights Commission will be at the SpringOUT Fair Day at Glebe Park on November 1. 

ACT Human Rights Commission, 56 Allara Street, Canberra, call 6205 2222 or visit hrc.act.gov.au

 

 

SpringOUT 2025 Program

SpringOUT 2025 features everything from drag kings to daddies, life drawing to sport, theatre to live trans & non-binary rock and, of course, a Heavenly ‘90s warehouse party. Immerse yourself in all that LGBTQIA+ Canberra has to offer!

1 November

Fair Day 2025

11am-5pm – Glebe Park, Akuna & Bunda Streets, Canberra

Drag, Family Event, First Nations, Food & drink, Free, Live Music, Performance, Special Event

Canberra’s Largest LGBTIQA+ Community Event – Join us for the big event that kicks off the annual SpringOUT Festival program.

2 November

Varsity Spring Roller Disco

1pm-3.30pm – Evelyn Scott School, 2 Bielski St, Denman Prospect

Varsity Derby League

Sports

Spring has sprung and the rink is calling. Lace up, roll out and let’s dance on wheels!

2 November

LGBTIQA+ Youth History Workshop

10.30am-1pm – National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton

Queer Youth Histories

Free, Workshop, Youth

Explore LGBTIQA+ stories from the past, meet other LGBTIQA+ young people, have fun making stuff and contribute to a research project exploring what LGBTIQA+ young people think about LGBTIQA+ history today.

4 November

The Queer Variety Show Presents – Seven Deadly Sins

7pm – Smith’s Alternative, 76 Alinga Street, Canberra City

Smith’s Alternative

Drag, Performance

A special themed Queer Variety Show curated by Velvet Garnet featuring various types of performances to the theme 7 Deadly Sins.

5 November

LGBTIQA+ Youth History Workshop

5.30pm-8pm – National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton

Queer Youth Histories

Free, Workshop, Youth

Explore LGBTIQA+ stories from the past, meet other LGBTIQA+ young people, have fun making stuff and contribute to a research project exploring what LGBTIQA+ young people think about LGBTIQA+ history today.

6 November

Queer Reads

6pm – Book Face, 33 Hibberson Street, Gungahlin

Marion Writers

Free, Talk

Join MARION, Bookface Gungahlin and Kamberri region writers and readers for a celebration of queer literature. This free, informal event will be full of book recommendations, literary discussion, and connection.

7 November

Interdisciplinary Arts Party with Emma Batchelor

5.30pm-8pm – QL2 Dance, Gorman Arts Centre, Braddon

Marion Writers

Free, Talk, Workshop

This craft focused workshop will give participants an insight into writing in conversation with other artistic disciplines. Through discussion, observation and practical exercises, participants will explore the possibilities working across form can have on the content, tone, rhythm and energy of their writing whether it be poetry, prose or for live performance.

7 November

Kaleidoscope IV Exhibition

Belconnen Arts Centre, 118 Emu Bank, Belconnen

Visual Arts

An open exhibition celebrating LGBTQIA+ Pride from 17 October to 30 November.

8 November

Feels Like Home

3pm & 7pm – Albert Hall, 100 Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra

Canberra Qwire

Performance

Canberra Qwire presents its second concert for 2025, ‘Feels Like Home’, at the Albert Hall in two performances. The concert celebrates the many aspects of feeling about home, friendship and belonging, from familiar surroundings as well as from afar.

8 November

LGBTIQA+ Youth History Workshop

2pm-4.30pm – National Museum of Australia, Lawson Crescent, Acton

Queer Youth Histories

Free, Workshop, Youth

Explore LGBTIQA+ stories from the past, meet other LGBTIQA+ young people, have fun making stuff and contribute to a research project exploring what LGBTIQA+ young people think about LGBTIQA+ history today.

9 November

IN CONVERSATION with eX De Medici

2pm-5pm – Shine Dome, Academy of Science Building, Acton

Art, Special Event, Talk

IN CONVERSATION with eX de Medici, an artist of almighty fortitude. eX uses her work as a mirror to society’s insidious ills, using her mastery of the medium to detail and destabilise systems of injustice, abuses of power and violence that exist in our lives.

11 November

Artist talk: Dipa-Mahbuba-Yasmin – When Speech is Forced Down, Art Must Speak

6pm – Shine Dome, Academy of Science Building, Acton

Art, Free, Talk

A talk with independent Bangladeshi filmmaker, multidisciplinary artist and curator, Dipa-Mahbuba-Yasmin.

12 November

Queer Breathwork Canberra

6pm – Youth Coalition of the ACT, 46 Clianthus Street, O’Connor

Active, Healing

A unique gathering to create a safe and supported space for Canberrra’s LGBTIQ+ community and their allies to gather, process unconscious energies held in the body, access higher states of consciousness and inner wisdom and to celebrate queer energy. Hosted by Joshua Wrest.

13 November

ACT Policing Community Panel: Building Connections

6.30pm – Salthouse Community Centre, Haig Park, Braddon

ACT Policing

Free, Talk

This unique event provides an opportunity to learn about ACT Policing, including the LGBTQIA+ Liaison Officer’s roles as an invaluable resource and advocate for the community when engaging with police. It’s a space for honest conversations, shared experiences, and a way to bring stronger connections between ACT Policing and the LGBTQIA+ community, promoting positive relationships and understanding for the future.

14 November

SYP Schedule
14-16 November 2025

12pm-2pm – Various locations

Active, Sports

Sport Your Pride (SYP) is a 3 day LGBTQIA+ multi-sport event, a flagship event of Canberra’s own SpringOUT Pride Festival. All LGBTQIA+ folk, Allies, friends and family are welcome to join in the fun.

14 November

Sport Your Pride Gathering – Friday Night Lights

7pm – National Hockey Centre, Lyneham

Active, Free, Sports

This is a fun get together for all participants – athletes, allies, sponsors, family, and friends to meet, network, and mingle in celebration of LGBTQIA+ sport.

15 November

Six Degrees of Separation: Don’t Stop Me Now

9pm – Smith’s Alternative, 76 Alinga Street, Canberra City

Drag, Live Music, Party

As always, Six Degrees will serve up an electric night of live music, dance, drag, trivia and disco – this time inspired by the musical legacy of the great rock ‘n’ roll icon, Freddie Mercury.

15 November

Capital Riot LGBTQIA+ ice hockey club launch

5pm-7.30pm – Phillip Ice Skating Rink, 1 Irving Street, Phillip

Active, Free, Sports

Something new is hitting the ice in Canberra! The Capital Riot is ACT’s first LGBTQIA+ ice hockey team. We’re here and we’re queer… as puck!

15 November

Sport Your Pride – Move, Play, Belong

10am – Royal Military College, Duntroon

Sports

Come and try rugby union, gridiron, touch football, football (soccer), hockey, squash, crossfit. roller derby, fun run (bridge to bridge) and rugby league. Sport is for everyone!

15 November

CBR Pride Stride

8.30am-11am – Bowen Park, Bowen Drive, Barton

Canberra Frontrunners

Active, Free, Sports

Join us the Canberra Frontrunners for their epic annual CBR Pride Stride! It’s a FREE event for everyone — run, walk, ride, or strut.

20 November

Meridian Open Day

2pm-6pm – Havelock House, 85 Northbourne Avenue (cnr Gould Street), Turner

Family Event, Free

Join us for the afternoon to say hello, meet the team, learn more about the services we offer and opportunities to get involved.

20 November

FLESH: Queer Life Drawing

6.30pm-9pm – Smith’s Alternative, 76 Alinga Street, Canberra City

Art, Visual Arts

Life drawing sessions for and by LGBTQIA+ folks (and their allies) in a relaxed, social atmosphere.

21 November

SpringOUT Comedy Gala

6pm – Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, Canberra

Comedy, Special Event

From sharp satire to surreal storytelling, this gala is a celebration of queer joy, resilience and ridiculousness. Come have your funny bone tickled (consensually) by some of the boldest voices in Australian comedy. It’s loud, proud, and guaranteed to leave you grinning all the way home. One night only. Don’t miss it.

22 November

DADDY

7.30pm – Street Theatre, 15 Childers Street, Canberra

Comedy, Performance, Theatre

62, fit, dangerous and committed to ageing disgracefully, DADDY is a wild ride about what life is like as a Daddy and how much fun getting older really is.

22 November

The Queer Variety Show presents – It’s a King Thing

Afternoon time TBA – Smith’s Alternative, 76 Alinga Street, Canberra City

Drag, Performance

A special themed Queer Variety Show curated by Sparklemuffin and featuring all drag kings.

23 November

FUSE Big Gay Breakfast 2025

9am-noon – Tilley’s Devine Cafe, cnr Brigalow Street & Wattle Street, Lyneham

FUSE

Food & drink, Social

Eat, drink and be merry on a beautiful ‘SpringOut’ morning with all your fabulous friends.

23 November

Queer & A: A panel discussion of Canberra’s queer history

12.30pm-2.30pm – Canberra Museum and Gallery (CMAG), 176 London Circut, Canberra

Talk

Join Russell from ‘The Canberra Series’, Zev from the ‘Queers Past’ Podcast, MC Jenni Atkinson and others for a compelling deep dive into Canberra’s queer history.

23 November

SpringOUT: Loud & Proud

2pm till Late – Dissent Cafe and Bar

Live Music, Special Event

Be part of our inaugural all-ages live music night – featuring an all trans and non-binary line-up. Powerful voices, fresh sounds, big feels. Accessible, inclusive and welcoming. Come as you are and let’s celebrate community!

26 November

Out for Connections ACT

6pm-8pm – Questacon, National Science and Technology Centre, Parkes ACT

Free, Social

Join Out for Australia for an evening of queer achievement, storytelling and joy. Connect with LGBTQIA+ community groups and services. Meet interesting new people. Enjoy drinks and snacks whilst geeking out at Questacon!

26 November

Queers Past Live

6pm – Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre, Civic Square

Talk

Canberra’s queer history podcast, Queers Past, will be live on stage with host Zev Aviv in an evening of intimate LGBTQIA+ stories that span decades.

29 November

One Night In Heaven 2

6pm-3am – THE VAULT – Dairy Road, Fyshwick

18+ Event

Festival finale party.

1 December

World AIDS Day 2025

8:30am-10am – AIDS Garden of Reflection, National Arboretum Canberra

Meridian ACT

On the 1st of December each year we celebrate the progress that we have made in response to HIV. The national World AIDS Day theme for Australia in 2025 is ‘No one left behind.’

2 December

The Queer Variety Show – I-Day Eve Show

7pm – Smith’s Alternative, 76 Alinga Street, Canberra City

Drag, Performance

A special Queer Variety Show to celebrate I-Day – International Day of People With Disability. The 2025 theme is ‘Amplifying the Leadership of Persons with Disabilities for an Inclusive and Sustainable Future’.

5 December

STUN presents Electric Disco

10pm-3am– Shadows Nightclub, 21 East Row, Civic

18+ Event, Drag, First Nations, Fringe Event, Party

STUN Magazine presents a fabulous night of disco/house vibes with very special guest, First Nations fem queen Tynga Williams, plus a myriad of local drag acts, live music artists & DJs.

7 December

Bob Downe – 40 Ridiculous Years

6pm – Canberra Theatre, Civic Square

Canberra Theatre Centre

Comedy

One of Australia’s most loved and enduring comedy characters was created back in the swinging 80’s. Bob is celebrating with a brand new show, a high-energy comedy concert of ‘80s bangers, power ballads and mega pop classics, with hilarious standup and madcap surprises in between.

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