PRIDEFEST 2026 was officially launched on Thursday night, with sponsors and community leaders gathering for a preview of the annual festival’s jam-packed program.
Hosted by Famous Sharron at the offices of MinterEllison, the launch soirée included speeches from Cassie Rowe MLA, representing the Western Australian Government. Alongside Pride WA President Peter Foster, City of Perth Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds, and MinterEllison representative Alex Lowe.
Speaking on behalf of the Western Australian Government and representing Premier Roger Cook, Cassie Rowe, Member for Belmont, said Pride WA played an important role in supporting activists, advocates and community leaders who have spent decades challenging discrimination.
“Tonight’s launch marks the beginning of a month that is incredibly vibrant, visible and deeply meaningful for so many parts of our Western Australian community. At its heart, PRIDEFEST is a massive celebration. It’s a celebration of identity, diversity, culture, creativity and community.”
“PRIDEFEST creates opportunities for people to feel seen, and really seen. Valued, as well as connected.”
Rowe said the festival was particularly important for young people.
Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds said there was still much work to be done on the journey towards ensuring everyone in society feels fully included.
“Pride is one of the events that brings something special to our city. It brings colour, it brings energy, and for our businesses it brings trade.”
Pride WA President Peter Foster said it was essential to remember that the organisation grew out of protest and a call for change.
Foster said the theme of this year’s festival, Side By Side: Every Identity – One Community, captured what Pride is all about, noting that strength has always come from standing together.
“Pride WA was built by people who marched, protested and organised, and refused to be silenced. The progress that our community has achieved did not happen by accident. It happened because people stood side by side, supported one another and kept pushing for change.”
Foster said this year’s festival program features more than 90 events spanning community, culture, history, sport, faith and wellbeing. Acknowledging the cost-of-living pressures many people are experiencing, he noted that two-thirds of events are either free or low-cost.
“PRIDEFEST should never feel out of reach for anyone. Everyone should have the opportunity to connect, participate and feel like they belong. This is a program created to bring people together.”
The festival will run from Sunday, 8 November, to Thursday, 3 December.
The popular Fairday community event will open the festival and, this year, will move to a new home at Moort-ak Waadiny (Wellington Square). Drag king pioneer Sexy Galexy will return to Perth as MC, while RTRFM DJ Bobby Fletcher will provide the soundtrack. The Perth Pride Choir will also perform. The event will feature community stalls and the popular dog show.
Throughout the festival there will be games nights, bingo parties, film screenings, community gatherings and sporting events. Faction Carnival, one of the most popular events of the season, will take place on Saturday, 14 November, while the Pride Lunch will move from Crown Perth to its new home at Optus Stadium on Friday, 20 November.
On Sunday, 15 November, the State Library will host Literature Day Out, featuring Scott-Patrick Mitchell, Kaya Ortiz, Fiona Wilkes, Sam Elkins and Terri-Ann White. Saturday, 21 November, will see hundreds of participants take part in the annual Pride Run & Walk.
Music will play a central role in this year’s celebrations. The Out and Loud Festival will bring together choirs from around Australia and overseas, culminating in a gala concert at Winthrop Hall on Friday, 20 November.
Dance music fans will also have plenty to look forward to, with Ultra Naté performing at Portal Nightclub and Janice Robinson taking to the stage at Connections Nightclub for a two-night run of her one-woman show.
Hercules and Love Affair will perform a DJ set at The Court Hotel on Sunday, 15 November, and a week later the legendary underground club night ZOO will make a highly anticipated return, featuring DJ spACE and The Zookeepers.
The Pride Parade through the streets of Northbridge will be held on Saturday, 28 November, followed by a free official after-party in Russell Square. Celebrations will continue across Northbridge venues including The Rechabite, The Court and Connections.
For full event details, pick up a festival guide or visit the Pride WA website.
Listen to the speeches from the launch event.
