Tasmania’s own Pride Festival will return with a variety of events culminating in a vibrant parade and party in central Hobart marking 20 years of TasPride.

All confirmed for 16-24 November, the week-long fest will also include a 20th birthday cruise, an art exhibition, barefoot bowls, a quiz night, music and comedy shows, a cake bake-off, a walk through Hobart’s queer past and several parties.

“This year’s TasPride Festival has a programme packed with free and ticketed events in Hobart, Launceston and Burnie,” says the TasPride Committee.

“The Festival kicks off with a celebratory 20th Birthday Cruise on the Derwent. Hosted by Irish performance artist Panti and with a DJ on board, this is a special un-missable start to the nine days of the Festival.”

This year the Theatre Royal Backspace will be the hub of the Festival’s programme, with talks, theatre and live music programmed throughout the day and night with a fully operating bar to help the celebrations, say the Pride crew.

From Midday on Saturday November 24, Tassie’s Pride Parade will start from Bathurst Street, following Murray Street down to Parliament Lawns, where a rally will be held with guest speakers. Wear your comfy shoes, bring water, a hat and sunscreen.

“So come out and join us as we celebrate our 20th birthday – the fairy-cakes are on us!”

Happy TasPride! Get out there and support the events to show your pride in beautiful Tasmania.

A pdf of the complete TasPride schedule is available to download here.

And you can follow all the latest TasPride news on Facebook here.

Main photo by Voula Pleonie.