A guide to Tasmanian LGBTQIA+ Festivals and Events

Tasmania has a creative spirit that shines bright at the island’s LGBTQIA+ artistic and cultural events.

A constellation of venues offers warm welcomes and safe spaces, from the Hobart inner-city precinct of In the Hanging Garden to the ever-buzzing hub of live music and drag Altar.

Revel in a distinctly Tasmanian way alongside LGBTQIA+ locals and travellers at these festivals and events.

Dark Mofo

Dark Mofo is taking a well-earned break in 2024, but you’ll still be able to catch two of the festival’s signature events next year: the tantalising Winter Feast, where friends and family gather to eat fiery fare; and the Nude Solstice Swim, a bracing bare-naked dash into the River Derwent at sunrise. Or head along to Mona, Hobart’s boundary-pushing museum, for its wintertime exhibition.

Mona Foma

Mona Foma – the Museum of Old and New Art’s annual Festival of Music and Art – weaves a thread of vibrant art installations and performances across Launceston and Hobart each summer. Previous programming has included a captivating and irreverent Queer Woodchop performance from artistic duo Pony Express (Ian Sinclair and Loren Kronemyer) and an empowering performance by queer Canadian electroclash pioneer Peaches, lighting up the Mona lawns in Hobart. Grab a Moo Brew beer (perhaps a Launnie Longneck Lager) and get ready for the party.

Need to know

• Dark Mofo will be planning to bring back its full festival program in 2025.
• Mona Foma, Launceston and Hobart, every summer.

All things drag

International drag superstars are increasingly adding Tasmania to their tour circuits, and local drag queens, kings and entertainers are spicing up Hobart’s nightlife with sparkle and glamour. Hobart has previously hosted drag celebrities such as Jinkx Monsoon, Monet X Change, Trinity the Tuck, and Trixie and Katya – treating audiences to entertaining stunts, musical performances and comedy.

You can regularly find star Tasmanian drag performers such as Pussay Poppins and the Ana Thema at a range of Hobart haunts and pop-up gigs, including the Altar bar and nightclub and the vibrant underground cocktail bar Society – Salamanca. In Launceston, enliven your Monday night with a spot of fortinghtly drag trivia at Tandys Alehouse. Bring your general knowledge A-game and lap up inclusive entertainment courtesy of Drag Artist Enya Arsenal.

Need to know

• Free Monday night drag trivia at Tandys Alehouse, 6.30–9pm Monday (Fortnightly).

TasPride Festival

Fly your flag at the annual TasPride Festival. Come together with LGBTQIA+ families, friends and allies to celebrate Pride.

TasPride’s flagship events blossom in Hobart every February, while offshoot gatherings from grassroots community groups also pop up around the island. Join the signature Pride Parade and Party in the Park, where walkers move through Hobart streets in a rainbow wave to reach festivities in Franklin Square. Head along to a string of fun and fabulous parties and events, or gain a deeper understanding of Tasmania’s social and political LGBTQIA+ landscape on the Queer History Walk – guiding you through the high and low points of Tasmania’s undeniably unique history.

Funds raised from ticketed events will support TasPride – a non-profit, volunteer-run organisation representing the state’s LGBTQIA+ community for more than 30 years. Keep an eye out for other creative and cultural TasPride-led events during winter and spring.

Need to know

• TasPride Festival, every February.

Australian Musical Theatre Festival

This annual festival in Launceston is a safe space for diverse and creative expression. A program of free and ticketed events graces the city’s venues each May – including panels, masterclasses, workshops and performances by local and national artists. The festival welcomes young people and adults of all experiences and backgrounds to hone skills, learn about the industry and the craft, or just sit back and be entertained.

Need to know

• Australian Musical Theatre Festival, Launceston, every May.

Rainbow accredited businesses

Businesses across the island have taken positive steps to create safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ travellers. Explore the full list of Rainbow Tasmania Tourism Accredited operators.