The Wickham's Beloved Big Gay Day Street Festival Is Moving to October in 2023

It's not every day that a Fortitude Valley street shuts down for queer music and fun. No, just Big Gay Day. A mainstay at, in and around The Wickham, the annual event turns 23 in 2023, and will return to take over the beloved pub's surrounding roadway again — but at the end of the year.

2023's afternoon and evening of tunes and LGBTQIA+ celebrations has moved its date from the end of April to the beginning of October. To answer the big question that might've popped into your head, yes, it's still happening on a Sunday as part of a long weekend. It'll just take place on Sunday, October 1 instead of Sunday, April 30.

"We have been working hard over the past few months to deliver an amazing event on the original date of Sunday 30th April; however, due to scheduling conflicts with neighbouring stakeholders, we will be unable to deliver the event on this original date," The Wickham advised via a mailout to its subscribers.

"We are excited to announce that in lieu of Big Gay Day, we will be holding our annual Little Gay Day inside the newly renovated Wickham Hotel on Sunday 30th April. We will be fundraising for local LGBTQIA+ youth charities and presenting an incredible line up of interstate and local talent across our three spaces."

So, you still have two dates for your diary — starting off with a small shindig first, then jumping into the whole shebang later in the year. Lineups for both events are still be to announced, but 2022's Big Gay Day lived up to its name, with 'Absolutely Everybody' singer Vanessa Amorosi headlining. Back in 2020, Mel C from the Spice Girls did the honours.

Whoever Big Gay Day 2023's highest-profile act happens to be, they'll be joined by a hefty lineup of performers, musicians, DJs and drag stars — plus carnival acts, multiple performance spaces, food trucks, themed pop-up bars and plenty of partying people on the agenda.

And, both Big Gay Day and Little Gay Day will enjoy The Wickham's $3.1-million revamp, which Brisbanites will get to see from Monday, March 27. Part of the makeover: a weather-proofed beer garden, late-night snacks, monthly drag brunches and a dedicated food menu for dogs.

Big Gay Day will take place on Sunday, October 1, 2023, with Little Gay Day popping up on Sunday, April 30. Keen an eye on Big Gay Day website and The Wickham's website for further details.