Rainbow on the Reef PRIDE 2026

29–31 May | Celebrating 5 Fabulous Years of Pride on the Reef

About Rainbow on the Reef

Rainbow on the Reef is a volunteer-led not-for-profit creating inclusive, joyful and safe spaces for LGBTQIA+ people, families and allies across regional Queensland. For five years, we’ve been building visibility, celebrating diversity and strengthening connection in our community - and we’re only just getting started. Come celebrate Pride where community shines brightest. 🌈💖

Rainbow on the Reef Pride Festival is turning FIVE - and you’re invited to celebrate!

Join us for a vibrant, joy-filled weekend celebrating Pride, diversity and community in the Gladstone Region. From big-screen fun to Fair Day festivities, outrageous bingo and a relaxed marina brunch, this is Pride in regional Queensland at its absolute best. Whether you’re LGBTQIA+, an ally, a family, a friend or simply love a fabulous community celebration - this weekend is for you. We have a range of activities and events taking place over the weekend, some are ticketed and some are free. We also have a free Pride bus travelling from Mackay and staying with us for the weekend, check out the info below. Let’s celebrate five years of visibility, connection and belonging. 🌈✨

🎬 Friday 29 May

Festival Launch - Pride Movie Night

We’re kicking off our 5th festival with a fabulous film night to launch the weekend!

As voted by you the film for this year will be the Rocky Horror Picture Show

📍 Gladstone Cinemas - 61-77 Dawson Road, Gladstone, QLD 4680

🕒 Arrival for 6:30pm showing starts at 7:00pm

Rainbow on the Reef Pride 2026 Fabulous Film Night is sponsored by Rio Tinto Gladstone.

🌈 Saturday 30 May

Pride Fair Day – GPC Marina Main Stage

Our signature FREE, family-friendly Pride celebration returns to the stunning Gladstone Marina.

No tickets needed, it's free just rock up and let your pride shine.We’re also exploring a partnership and options for a bus service with pick-ups in Gladstone and Rockhampton watch this space.

Expect:
✨ Live music and dazzling performances
✨ Community stalls and local organisations
✨ Food vendors and Pride merchandise
✨ Activities for all ages
✨ Colour, celebration and connection
✨ Our crowd-favourite Best Dressed Pet competition (happy participants only!)

Bring your friends. Bring your flags. Bring your fabulous self.

📍 GPC Marina Main Stage, Bryan Jordan Drive, Gladstone
🕒 10am to 3pm
🎟 No tickets required

Rainbow on the Reef Pride Fair day is proudly supported by Gladstone Regional Council’s Community Celebration Fund

💃 Saturday 30 May – Evening

Balls Out Bingo + DJ

It’s bold. It’s outrageous. And it’s definitely not your Nanna’s bingo. The iconic Balls Out team are back for a high-energy night of laughs, prizes and pure Pride chaos. This year we have moved to a bigger venue and to keep the celebration and get vibes going a local DJ will take us through until 12pm, plenty of time to get them dancing shoes on. Expect adult humorous and lots of laughs, this is an 18+ event.

📍 Function room, Yarella Sports Club, O'Connel Street, Barney Point QLD 4680
🕒 Doors open 6:30pm

This one always sells out - keep an eye out!

If you would like to pre order food: events@yaralla.com.au

☕ Sunday 31 May

Pride Brunch

Wrap up a fabulous weekend with a relaxed and welcoming community brunch.

Grab a coffee, enjoy breakfast, connect with friends and soak up the last of the Pride magic by the water.

📍 Venue - Shingle Inn cafe, Located inside Yaralla Sports Club, O'Connel St, Barney Point QLD 4680
🕒 Morning – 9:30am to 11:30am

https://yaralla.com.au/dining/shingle-inn-cafe/

🎟 Ticket required but is free will help with number

🚌 Ride With Pride - Bus Transport

We’re incredibly proud to offer a free Pride bus service this year - helping connect our regional community and make it easier for more people to be part of the celebration.

This isn’t just a bus - it’s a Pride-wrapped journey, made possible thanks to the support of Kinetic and a dedicated volunteer driver bringing it to life.

Whether you’re travelling from Mackay, Rockhampton or around Gladstone, this is about showing up, connecting, and celebrating together.

Seats are limited - bookings are essential to secure your spot. 🌈

🕐 Timetable

Mackay → Rockhampton

Friday 29 May 2026

• 12:45 PM - Leisure Court Car Park – Mackay

• 1:00 PM - Depart, Leisure Court Car Park – Mackay

• 3:10 PM - Arrive, Waverly Creek Rest Area, St Lawrence (Comfort Stop – 15 minutes)

• 3:25 PM - Depart, Waverly Creek Rest Area, St Lawrence

• 5:40 PM - Arrive, Glenmore Palms Motel, 520 Yaamba Rd – North Rockhampton

⚠️  Travellers from Mackay - Important Information

If you are travelling from Mackay to Rockhampton on Friday:

• This service includes one accommodation stop only

• The bus will stop at - Glenmore Palms Motel, 520 Yaamba Rd – North Rockhampton

• No additional stops will be made in Rockhampton

If you want to stay close to the bus you will need to book directly with the motel:

📞 Glenmore Palms Motel: (07) 4926 1144

We recommend booking early to secure your stay.

Transport to Fairday event Saturday 30 May 2026

• 7:15 AM - Glenmore Palms Motel, 520 Yaamba Rd – North Rockhampton

• 7:30 AM - Depart, Glenmore Palms Motel – North Rockhampton

• 7:40 AM - Depart, Yaamba Rd McDonalds – North Rockhampton

• 9:25 AM - Depart, Clinton Park – Aerodrome Rd – Gladstone

• 9:40 AM - Depart, Stockland Philip St – Gladstone

• 9:55 AM - Depart, Yarralla Sports Club – Gladstone

• 10:05 AM - Arrive, Rainbow on the Reef, Fairday  – Gladstone

Fair Day Transport – Return Saturday 30 May 2026

• 2:55 PM – Depart, Rainbow on the Reef Fair day – Gladstone

Drop off on request at:

• Yarralla Sports Club – Gladstone

• Stockland Philip St – Gladstone

• Clinton Park – Aerodrome Rd – Gladstone

Balls Out Bingo Transport Saturday 30 May 2026

Evening Service (To Event)

• 6:00 PM - Depart, Clinton Park – Aerodrome Rd – Gladstone

• 6:10 PM - Depart, Stockland Philip St – Gladstone

• 6:20 PM - Depart, Cafe 63 Goondoon Street – Gladstone

• 6:30 PM - Arrive, Yarralla Sports Club – Gladstone - its Balls out Bingo time baby

Late Night Return (From Event)

• 11:30 PM - Depart, Yarralla Sports Club – Gladstone

• On request drop offs:

  • Cafe 63 Goondoon Street – Gladstone

  • Stockland Philip St – Gladstone

  • Clinton Park – Aerodrome Rd – Gladstone

  • Gladstone Accommodation (TBA)
    

  • We would also like to thank our Volunteers who make this pride a success, if you want to know how to get involved and ensure that pride in our region continues for another 5 years please come and have a chat to the Rainbow on the Reef stall at the Fairday.

  Return to Rockhamton and Mackay Sunday 31st May 2026

  • Bus ticket Cafe 63, Goondoon Street Gladstone to Rockhampton and Mackay - Sunday 31st May 2026 - 11:15am - drop off at Yaamba Rd McDonalds – North Rockhampton, waverly Creek Rest Area, St Lawrence final stop Leisure Court Car Park – Mackay.