Noosa Rainbow River Festival to celebrate fifth year

Noosa’s own answer to Mardi Gras will again once again put the ‘queens’ in Queensland next weekend at the Rainbow River Festival.

Partygoers at the fifth annual Sunshine Coast celebration will enjoy a weekend of festivities, starting with a welcome cocktail evening at the Noosa Yacht and Rowing Club on Friday 28 February.

Local drag favourite Melony Brests will then be dropping her balls at Melony’s Drag Queen Bingo hosted by the Lazy River Restaurant just down the road.

Saturday will feature the Festival Mardi Gras Party Extravaganza, with the parade on the big screen live from 7:30 pm.

The party will showcase performances by the Powderpuff Girls, Rocky V Liquor, and DJ Les.

The highlight of the weekend will be Sunday’s family-friendly River Parade and picnic, led by the Coast Guard and the Catalina.

“We are so excited to be able to bring a genuine Mardi Gras experience to Noosa so the community that can’t travel to Sydney can celebrate together,” said festival organiser Kirsty Patten.

“The festival has something for everyone, from a family-friendly BYO riverside picnic, through to a party with a DJ and live drag performances.

“And of course, we’re inviting the whole Noosa community to join us on the Noosa River for the famous annual River Parade.

“Hire a boat, bring your own boat, or join the official Rainbow Party boat and party in the sun on a two-hour adventure up and down the Noosa River and canals.

“The theme of this year’s River Parade is Rainbow Pirates, so we’re asking everyone to be flirty, be daring, and definitely be fabulous!”

Noosa Mayor Tony Wellington said the council was very pleased to once again support the Noosa River Rainbow Festival.

“I extend a warm welcome to those traveling from outside the Shire who will be joining us for this event,” said Wellington.

“It’s great to see the Rainbow River Festival clock up half a decade of exuberant celebration.

“May this year’s event be another wonderful salute to equality.

“I hope everyone has three excellent days of drinking, eating, and partying with the natural beauty of our treasured waterway as backdrop.”       

Sandy Bolton, Member for Noosa, also invited visitors to enjoy Noosa during the festival.

“We trust you will enjoy our genuine, vibrant, and diverse hospitality, and the laid-back lifestyle for which Noosa is so well known,” said Bolton.

“We send the very best to everyone for a fabulous, fun, and colourful event!”

The festival will run from Friday 28 February to Sunday 1 March.

Details of all the events are available on Facebook.