Big Gay Day 2023

Overview

Once a year, The Wickham shuts down a Fortitude Valley street to throw a huge queer party. When Big Gay Day rolls around, it takes over not just the beloved — and recently renovated — pub that hosts it, but the surrounding roadway. And in 2023, it's doing just that again, this time with help from Peter Andre.

The 'Mysterious Girl' and 'Gimme Little Sign' singer, who grew up on the Gold Coast, headlines Big Gay Day's just-revealed October lineup. Also on the bill: The Rogue Traders doing a DJ set, Sunshine & Disco Faith Choir, Briefs and Jawbreakers, plus a heap of DJs and drag performers.

If you've noticed something different about 2023's afternoon and evening of tunes and LGBTQIA+ celebrations, yes, it has moved its timing from the end of April this year to the beginning of October. As announced before its usual date hit, Big Gay Day was shifted "due to scheduling conflicts with neighbouring stakeholders", swapping places with The Wickham's also-annual Little Gay Day.

And, to answer the big question that might've popped into your head, Big Gay Day is still happening on a Sunday as part of a long weekend. That date: Sunday, October 1.

Andre headlines after 'Absolutely Everybody' singer Vanessa Amorosi did the same at 2022's Big Gay Day, and Mel C from the Spice Girls did the honours in 2020.

The event also spans multiple performance spaces, food trucks, themed pop-up bars and plenty of partying people.

And, it gets to enjoy The Wickham's $3.1-million revamp, which has added a weather-proofed beer garden, late-night snacks, monthly drag brunches and a dedicated food menu for dogs to the venue.

BIG GAY DAY 2023 LINEUP:

Peter Andre
The Rogue Traders (DJ set)
Sunshine & Disco Faith Choir
Briefs
Jawbreakers
Isis Avis Loren
DJ Dolly Llama's Mega Drag
DJ Victoria Anothony
DJ Jonny Marsh
Adam Noviello
Reef vs Beef
Divas: Live!
Host: Paul Wheeler