Melbourne's best drag shows and queer-friendly venues
From burlesque life drawing to campy cabaret and LGBTIQA+ friendly bars. Start your engines for these fierce events and inclusive venues.
Butterfly Club
A cosy temple to all things camp and kitsch, The Butterfly Club features a revolving door of cabaret, comedy, drag, burlesque and more. The queer-friendly club hosts multiple shows every night, with a focus on emerging acts. Catch a rowdy good-time cabaret show. Or join burlesque life drawing at the weekly salon and get well-acquainted with feathers, fishnets and all things glam.
Midsumma Festival
Midsumma Festival is a sparkle-loaded celebration of all things queer and fabulous. The lineup is always stacked with events, featuring a diverse mix of LGBTIQA+ artists and performers. Kick things off in the Alexander Gardens at Midsumma Carnival, a massive free outdoor festival. Catch local and international artists. Explore pop-up bars and market stalls, and boogie under the stars until late. Stay tuned for info on Midsumma 2026!
Club Voltaire
Unique, intimate and grungy – who doesn’t want a night out like that every once in a while? Find all three things combined at Club Voltaire. A quaint and quirky theatre and performing arts space in Raglan Street, North Melbourne. Check out weekly events like stand-up comedy and see Melbourne’s emerging cabaret and burlesque talent. This underground haunt favours the most original, offbeat and edgy shows, so you’re bound to see something memorable.
Speakeasy Theatre
Gather some friends for a night of vintage vibes at Speakeasy Theatre. The Vaudeville Revue program features up to 15 artists per night, from jazz acts to stand-up comedy, dance and burlesque. Keep an eye out for tributes to the iconic Dolly Parton and jazz divas like Nina Simone and Billie Holiday. Or head along to one of the dozens of performances they have on every month.
ArtPlay & Signal
Families of all shapes and sizes are welcome at creative haven ArtPlay. This inclusive space offers experiences for kids ages up to 13 years old. Sign up for workshops and classes that encourage self-expression. For older kids aged 14 to 25, Signal runs monthly programs in partnership with Queerspace Youth. Discover more experiences for rainbow families in Melbourne.
More queer-friendly events
Queer Stitch Meetup
Inviting anyone from 18 to 118 years old to come and make stuff, all skill levels are welcome.
Trophy Boys
A queer black comedy and drag extravaganza about power, privilege, and high school debating.
Q-Lit Festival: Researching Our Culture
Bringing together leading researchers to unpack queer culture through the lens of academics.
Rewind Forward: Creative in Residence Group Exhibition
Drawing from State archives, artists create works that reawaken Victoria’s historical narrative.
Last updated on Tue 10 Jun 2025
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