Proudly presented by Pride WA, this year’s festival theme ‘Side by Side – Every Identity. One Community’ celebrates the diversity, strength and connections that unite people across the community.
The City of Perth has proudly supported PRIDEFEST for 28 years and is once again sponsoring the festival, hosting its major events and helping bring a vibrant, inclusive program of celebrations to the heart of the city.
With a strong focus on free and affordable experiences, PRIDEFEST 2026 invites everyone to get involved, connect with others and celebrate in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Festival highlights include Fairday on Sunday 8 November, bringing the community together for a day of connection, entertainment and celebration at Moort-ak Waadiny (Wellington Square).
The iconic Pride Parade will take over the streets of Northbridge on Saturday 28 November, with thousands expected to gather for a colourful celebration of identity, visibility and pride.
The festivities will continue at Russell Square with the PRIDEFEST Parade After Party, proudly presented by the City of Perth.
The celebration will also take to the big screen at Northbridge Piazza, with a program of camp and queer cinema showcasing the power of storytelling to connect, inspire and entertain. Camp Classics Under the Stars will offer free outdoor movie sing-alongs, inviting audiences to gather beneath the night sky and join in the fun.
City of Perth Lord Mayor Bruce Reynolds said PRIDEFEST was an important opportunity to celebrate the people and communities that make Perth a diverse and welcoming place to live, work and visit.
“PRIDEFEST brings people together to celebrate identity, champion inclusion and recognise the contribution of our LGBTQIA+ community to the life and character of our city,” Mr Reynolds said.
“The City is proud to have supported PRIDEFEST for 28 years and to once again host its major events.
“We want everyone to feel welcome in Perth and have the opportunity to come together, celebrate and be part of something special.”
Pride WA Chairperson Peter Foster said the festival was about bringing people together and creating a community where everyone felt they belonged.
“PRIDEFEST is about bringing our community together, creating spaces where people can connect, celebrate and know that they belong,” Mr Foster said.
“This year’s theme, Side by Side – Every Identity. One Community, reminds us that while our stories and experiences may be different, we are stronger when we stand together.
“Pride is about visibility and celebration, but it is also about continuing the work towards a community where every identity has a place and every voice matters.”
Beyond the major celebrations, the City of Perth Library will host a series of events exploring the history, experiences and contributions of Perth’s LGBTQIA+ community, offering opportunities to reflect on the people and places that have helped shape the city.
On Wednesday 11 November, from 7pm to 8.50pm, Queer Perth – Sites of Resistance and Inclusion will bring together community elders who remember, and in some cases helped shape the spaces that have provided safety, belonging and opportunities for resistance throughout Perth’s LGBTQIA+ history.
On Sunday 22 November, from 12pm to 3pm, researchers from WestPride Archives will present Being Game – What’s History Got to Do with the Gay Games?, exploring the early history of the Gay Olympics in Perth and the stories behind its beginnings.
From major street celebrations and outdoor entertainment to film, storytelling and local history, PRIDEFEST 2026 offers plenty of opportunities to come together, celebrate diversity and experience the city side by side.
Explore the full PRIDEFEST 2026 program: https://pridewa.com.au/pridefest-2026/
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Issued by: Jessica Westbrook [email protected]
