A Giant Pink Duck Leads Brisbane's Biggest Ever Melt Festival
Florentijn Hofman's famous duck, Courtney Barnett and Melanie C headline Melt 2026, Brisbane's queer arts and culture festival, with more than 100 events.
Brisbane is about to get very pink. Melt, the city's festival of queer arts and culture, has unveiled its biggest program yet, and the star attraction is roughly five storeys tall and made to float.
The duck
Dutch artist Florentijn Hofman's giant duck sculptures have become public art icons, drawing crowds in cities from Hong Kong to Sydney. For Melt, a hot-pink version will float down the Brisbane River as the centrepiece of the festival's biggest-ever River Pride Parade. It is hard to think of a more photogenic way to open a festival.
The headliners
The music program has real weight. Grammy-nominated, multiple ARIA Award winner Courtney Barnett brings her Creature of Habit tour to Brisbane as part of the festival, and Spice Girl Melanie C performs a live show built around her ninth studio album, Sweat. New Zealand singer TEEKS will debut new music including his single My Boy, and Brisbane's own Circa is premiering a major new commission.
Something for everyone
Produced by Brisbane Powerhouse, Melt now spans more than 100 events across over 70 venues, from world premieres and cabaret to public art and family-friendly events. "Whether you're part of the LGBTQIA+ community, an ally, a family discovering the festival for the first time or visiting Brisbane, Melt is an invitation to come together," said Brisbane Powerhouse CEO and Artistic Director Louise Bezzina.
Details
- When: 21 October to 8 November 2026
- Where: Brisbane Powerhouse and more than 70 venues across Brisbane
- Program and tickets: via Brisbane Powerhouse
Source: Brisbane Powerhouse. Image courtesy of Brisbane Powerhouse.
