river pride parade

There is a safety briefing and waiver required to complete online. Additional information will need to be provided during the boat registration process relating to safety equipment. 

Yes, there are opportunities for non-motorized vessels and smaller vessels to join in on the parade, please register your interest in a similar way and additional information will follow.
PLEASE NOTE: all paddle craft vessels must be forward facing. i.e. no backward facing rowing.

The River Pride Parade is a vibrant, family-friendly event celebrating LGBTQIA+ pride, diversity, and inclusion as part of the 2024 Melt Festival. It will feature Melt Ambassador Courtney Act and over 50 water vessels adorned in colorful, creative displays. The parade will make its way along the Brisbane River from the Victoria Bridge to Brisbane Powerhouse on Saturday, 9 November, from 3pm to 5pm AEST.

Date: Saturday, 9 November 2024
Time: 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm AEST
Route: The parade will begin at the Victoria Bridge and travel along the Brisbane River, ending at Brisbane Powerhouse.
Viewing Locations: Popular viewing spots include South Bank (with the South Bank Pride Picnic), Howard Smith Wharves, and Brisbane Powerhouse. These locations offer great vantage points along the river.

Yes! The River Pride Parade is free to attend. You can watch the parade from any of the designated viewing areas along the Brisbane River.

Yes, there will be daytime fireworks launched by licensed practitioners Skylighter from six locations along the parade route. These fireworks will add an extra splash of color and excitement to the event. Please note, the fireworks are designed to be family-friendly and will be a part of the celebratory atmosphere.

Absolutely! The River Pride Parade is a family-friendly event, with plenty of activities and viewing areas suitable for people of all ages. The South Bank Pride Picnic, in particular, is designed as a family-friendly experience with a welcoming atmosphere for everyone.

Yes, the event has been thoroughly planned in consultation with Maritime Safety Queensland to ensure the safety of participants and spectators. Additionally, the event is supported by Brisbane City Council and the Queensland Government’s Department for Transport and Main Roads. Measures are in place for crowd control, and all boats participating in the parade have been vetted and will be closely monitored for safety.

You can access the viewing areas along the Brisbane River using various transport options:

Parking: Limited parking is available at South Bank, Howard Smith Wharves and Brisbane Powerhouse, but we recommend using public transport to avoid traffic and parking congestion.
Public Transport: Take advantage of Brisbane’s public transport network including buses, trains, and ferries.
Cycling/Walking: There are plenty of walking and cycling paths around the river, and bike racks are available at many of the viewing locations.

Yes you can. The River Pride Parade is still accepting registrations for vessels. All participating vessels must complete a waiver and read the full safety briefing. Find out more here

Yes, the event is designed to be accessible. The viewing areas at South Bank, Howard Smith Wharves, and Brisbane Powerhouse are wheelchair accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs, please plan ahead to ensure the best experience, and feel free to reach out to the Melt Festival team for more assistance.

Sun Protection: Hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses are recommended as the parade will take place in the afternoon sun.
Water: Stay hydrated, especially if you’re attending for an extended period.
Comfortable Clothing: Since this is an outdoor event, wear comfortable clothing and shoes for walking or standing.
Rain Gear (if needed): While the weather is expected to be clear, it’s always good to be prepared for unexpected changes.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, the following items are prohibited:

• Pets (for the safety and comfort of all participants, pets are not allowed).
• Large items or structures (such as tents or umbrellas) that could obstruct views.
• Alcohol (unless consumed within designated areas).

In case of adverse weather conditions, the event may be delayed or rescheduled. Any updates regarding weather-related changes will be communicated via the official Melt Festival website and social media channels

Viewing and participation in River Pride Parade with your own boat or vessel is free, but think about giving to our two charity partners:

Open Doors Youth Service
Pinnacle Foundation

For the most up-to-date information about the River Pride Parade and other Melt Festival events, visit melt.org.au or follow the event’s social media channels.

We’re excited to celebrate with you at this historic inaugural River Pride Parade! Let’s make it a colorful, inclusive, and memorable day! 🌈

Yes all normal ferry services will be in operation 

There will be brief bridge closures at Goodwill Bridge intermittently between 3pm and 5pm. The New Farm River walk will be closed from approximately 2.30pm to 5pm.