Noosa joins in the spirit of Mardi Gras with the fourth Noosa Rainbow River Festival, a weekend of festivities around the theme, The Love Boat. This LGBTI event is open to everyone.

The festival kicks off with welcome cocktails by the river, followed by Melony’s Bar Hop along Gympie Terrace, Noosaville, hosted by Noosa’s favourite drag queen, Melony Brests.

Saturday features Noosa’s Mardi Gras Party, showcasing the Powderpuff Girls and DJ Les. Wrapping up on Sunday will be the highlight of the weekend, the family-friendly River Parade and picnic, led by the  Noosa Catalina.

Event details:

Friday 1 March:

• Welcome sunset cocktails: Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club, Gympie Tce, Noosaville, 5pm, free
• Melony’s Bar Hop: Departs from Noosa Yacht & Rowing Club, 6.30pm, limited  places available, ticket $10

Saturday 2 March:

• Noosa’s Mardi Gras Party: Villa Noosa Hotel, Mary St, Noosaville, 8pm to midnight, featuring DJ Les and the fabulous Powderpuff Girls. Cost $10, 18+

Sunday 3 March:

• BYO Riverside picnic near the Big Pelican, Gympie Tce, Noosaville (on the grass area, look for the Rainbow flags), 10am to noon, free
• River Parade: From the jetty at 172 Gympie Tce, Noosaville, noon – 2 pm. Turnaround at Noosa Woods where Melony Brests presents a free show, free. A limited number of tickets for the official Rainbow Party Boat, the Catalina, are available from catalinanoosa.com.au/theloveboat, cost $20 each. Drinks can be purchased on-board.
• Farewell drinks at Whisky Boy, Thomas St, Noosaville, free entry.