river pride parade
Sat 09 November
In a celebration of our LGBTQIA+ communities and allies, we invite everyone to join the inaugural River Pride Parade. Proudly led by Queen of the River Courtney Act. Boats of all shapes and sizes are welcome.
Whether you register your boat, join an existing one, or simply choose to enjoy the spectacle from the riverbank, this family-friendly event is Brisbane’s own Mardi Gras or Mardi Raft, as we like to say. The flotilla of vessels will make the journey from William Jolly Bridge to Brisbane Powerhouse on Saturday 9 November 2024.
‘Participation in River Pride Parade is free but think about giving to our two charity partners:
Register
Feeling nauti?
Register your own mardi-raft or submit your interest to cruise on someone else’s (pun 100% intended).
Boat registrations close Thursday 24 October.
River Pride Parade FAQs
I am a commercial boat, when can I go on sale with tickets for the event?
The Melt festival program will be announced in late July/early August 2024. We encourage you to align your announce or on-sale with our festival dates to leverage our marketing campaign, but you are also more than welcome to go live on your own timeline.
I’m hiring a boat and don’t have a commercial license, can I sell tickets?
No, only commercial vessels can sell tickets.
I am responsible for driving the boat, what do I need to know?
Three information sessions will be held in the lead-up to the festival, you will need to attend at least 1 of these sessions to be included in the parade. Additional information will need to be provided during the boat registration process relating to safety equipment.
I have a recreational vessel (canoe, jet-ski etc.), can I still participate?
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.
Where can I view the River Pride Parade from land?
We encourage you to watch the parade from the following locations between 3pm and 5pm:
- Southbank Lagoon
- Howard Smith Wharves
- New Farm Park
As the event gets closer, viewing times will be posted for these locations.
What events will occur as part of the River Pride Parade?
A full calendar of events pre and post the River Pride Parade will be announced in late July/early August.
I want to be on a boat but don’t have access to one, how can I be involved?
You can purchase a ticket to a commercial vessel.
I don’t want to be on the water but still want to be involved, is this possible?
Yes! We encourage you to watch the parade from the following locations between 3pm and 5pm:
- Southbank Lagoon
- Howard Smith Wharves
- New Farm Park
As the event gets closer, viewing times will be posted for these locations.
don’t miss out
