Hosted by GV Pride, the festival celebrates its 14th year with a week-long program of events designed to bring the community together and champion LGBTIQA+ visibility.
Festival highlights include the much-loved Carnival Day at Queen’s Gardens on Saturday, November 8 featuring live music from Bec Sandridge, food trucks, market stalls, art displays and community showcases.
The weekend will also see Dragged to Bingo at the GV Hotel, a Big Bold Brunch at Shepparton Art Museum, and Portraits of Queer GV at the GV Pride Hub.
Festival director Damien Stevens-Todd said the event continued to grow in both scale and meaning each year.
“OUTintheOPEN is more than a festival — it’s a movement that uplifts and empowers our regional LGBTIQA+ communities,” he said.
“We’re proud to showcase Shepparton as a place where diversity thrives.”
Mr Stevens-Todd said the festival’s longevity was a testament to the strength of regional pride.
“Each year, we see more people coming together to celebrate who they are and support one another,” he said.
“That’s what OUTintheOPEN is all about — connection, acceptance and joy.”
Supported by Greater Shepparton City Council, the Victorian Government and local businesses, OUTintheOPEN 2025 promises to be a dazzling celebration of community and colour, shining a light on inclusion and wellbeing across the region.
For the full program and ticket details, visit outintheopen.org.au.
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