From burlesque life drawing to campy cabaret and LGBTQIA+ 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 LGBTIQ+ 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 2025!

Crowds at an outdoor festival in the city.
Midsumma Carnival

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

Rainbow Art Class
Until

Rainbow Art Class

A guided art class for children, led by an artist and educator.

Last updated on Fri 21 Jun 2024

Only In The City

Melbourne Fringe Festival
Until

Melbourne Fringe Festival

Experience Victoria's largest independent arts festival.

Melbourne's essential night-time events

Melbourne's essential night-time events

From hidden laneway markets to epic pop-ups, Melbourne gets lit once the lights go out.

The best things to do under $20 in Melbourne

The best things to do under $20 in Melbourne

The best cocktail deals, cheap eats and low-cost activities in Melbourne.

Discover more

Circus Arcana
Until

Circus Arcana

A tarot themed circus show

Bound: A Halloween Burlesque Show

Bound: A Halloween Burlesque Show

The StoryVille giant library opens its restricted section for a night of burlesque.

A Bit of Baci

A Bit of Baci

A drag king stand-up show that's silly, seductive and sensational.

The White Powder That Changed My Life

The White Powder That Changed My Life

An electrifying one-woman stand-up musical comedy packed with unexpected twists and turns.