This week is the grand opening of the 2024 OUTintheOPEN festival, so The News has decided to round up all the events.

All tickets can be bought via the OutintheOPEN website at gvpride.org/oito/festival-events

Out in Nathalia

Head along to an art exhibition at The G.R.A.I.N. Store, Nathalia featuring local LGBTQIA+ artists who were asked to respond to the theme “Colour My World”.

On the final day of the exhibition, there’ll be a painting session with the festival’s Artistic Director Ruby, for the ‘Colour My World Greater Shepparton Banner’ project.

Price: Free

Date: Wednesday, November 6 to Saturday, November 16

Time: Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 11am to 4pm

Location: The G.R.A.I.N. Store, 24 Blake St, Nathalia

Accessibility: The front door has two steps and the back door is a big sliding door with no steps. There are two all-gender toilets, but no all-access toilets. The backyard has a gravel ground.

Latte with an LLO

Get to our local LGBTIQA+ Liaison Officer’s from Victoria Police, Shepparton.

Join Leading Senior Constable Brooke Alexander and others for casual and informal chat over a cup of coffee or tea – share stories, make connections.

Inside the space is a couch, tables and chairs, shelving of second-hand items, pride merchandised and other items.

Price: Free

Date: Wednesday, November 6

Time: 10am to noon

Location: GV Pride Hub, Shop 4, 222 Maude St, Shepparton

Accessibility: There is a small step over the threshold of the door. Public toilets are available within a one-minute walk of the GV Pride Hub. These bathrooms have binary gender toilets labelled; female and male, a parent’s room, and an all gender/accessible bathroom.

Making rainbows

Learn the basics of using polymer clay including conditioning and colour mixing guided by the well-experienced polymer maker and proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community, Cody.

While our focus is earrings, you will also have the option to turn your rainbows into badges or pendants with the findings we provide if that’s your preference.

You’ll finish the workshop by assembling all your earrings, ready to walk out the door sporting a pair completely made by you.

Price: $69

Date: Wednesday, November 6 and Thursday, November 7

Time: 10.30am to 12.30pm on Wednesday and 6pm to 8pm on Thursday.

Location: Violet Birdy, Shop 3, Tower Arcade 224 Maude St, Shepparton

LGBTQIA+ carers cuppa

The Carer Support team at FamilyCare and the Carer Gateway are hosting an LGBTIQA+ Carer’s Cuppa this OUTintheOPEN festival.

It will be a space to relax and unwind, build knowledge and understanding and connect socially with other LGBTIQA+ carers.

It will also be a great chance to talk to the FamilyCare Carer Support team about what supports are available and ask questions.

Price: Free

Date: Wednesday, November 6

Time: 1pm to 3pm

Location: GV Pride Hub, Shop 4, 222 Maude St, Shepparton

Accessibility: There is a small step over the threshold of the door. Public toilets are available within a one-minute walk of the GV Pride Hub. These bathrooms have binary gender toilets labelled; female and male, a parent’s room, and an all gender/accessible bathroom.

Opening night pyjama party

Join the OUTintheOPEN festival 2024 opening night in November at Shepparton Library.

Enjoy a Pyjama Party with story time, a film screening, painting, and refreshments. All ages welcome and PJ's encouraged!

Price: Free

Date: Wednesday, November 6

Time: 6pm to 9pm

Location: Goulburn Valley Libraries Shepparton branch, 41-43 Marungi St, Shepparton

Accessibility: The Shepparton Library is an accessible venue for people of all abilities. There is car parking in front on the library and in the surrounding streets.

Kids craft activities

Rainbow Families, LGBTIQA+ allies and friends, get the kids involved at this year’s festival with free kid’s craft activities– all welcome.

Head along to the Shepparton Library after school and enjoy some craft activities with Al from Find Your Feathers.

Price: Free

Date: Thursday, November 7

Time: 4pm to 5pm

Location: Goulburn Valley Libraries Shepparton branch, 41-43 Marungi St, Shepparton

Accessibility: The Shepparton Library is an accessible venue for people of all abilities. There is car parking in front on the library and in the surrounding streets.

Pride film screening

LGBTIQA+ people, allies and friends, watch Pride together during a special screening of this icon film – all welcome.

Head along to the Shepparton Library this free movie screening of the much-loved queer classic, Pride.

Price: Free

Date: Thursday, November 7

Time: 6.30pm start

Location: Goulburn Valley Libraries Shepparton branch, 41-43 Marungi St, Shepparton

Accessibility: The Shepparton Library is an accessible venue for people of all abilities. There is car parking in front on the library and in the surrounding streets.

Mapping rural pride

Rural Pride Australia invites you to Mapping Rural Pride in Goulburn Valley.

This initiative aims to create a national digital map showcasing LGBTIQA+ life in rural areas, highlighting local stories, services, and safe spaces.

The project seeks to enhance visibility, safety, and inclusion, while collecting local LGBTIQA+ stories.

Price: Free

Date: Friday, November 8

Time: 10am to 2pm

Location: Uniting Vic. Tas, 136-142 Maude St, Shepparton

Accessibility: Uniting Vic. Tas. Offers eight free parking spaces, including one accessible spot. Entry features a ramped incline. The venue has large windows, fluorescent lighting, and mixed flooring. All-gender and accessible bathrooms are available. Lunch and seating are provided.

Author talk Michael Earp

Join Michael Earp at Shepparton Library to explore a diverse pirate anthology featuring rebels and misfits.

This collection includes seven long-form pieces, such as a graphic and verse novella, edited by trans and non-binary writers.

Discover unique characters, found families, and queer pirates navigating grey morals and adventure.

Price: Free

Date: Friday, November 8

Time: 6pm to 7.30pm

Location: Goulburn Valley Libraries Shepparton branch, 41-43 Marungi St, Shepparton

Accessibility: The Shepparton Library is an accessible venue for people of all abilities. There is car parking in front on the library and in the surrounding streets.

Queer quiz

Join the Queer Quiz hosted by Cliterally and Frock Hudson at Out in the Open. Enjoy trivia, campy drag shows, and prizes.

Form a team or join one solo for an evening of fun and mayhem. Test your wits against drag queens and savor food and drinks from Eve's menu starting at 6pm.

Price: $15

Date: Friday, November 9

Time: 6pm to 10pm

Location: GV Hotel, 223 High St, Shepparton

Accessibility: The venue features all-gender, accessible bathrooms, dim lighting near tables, and brighter lighting in bathrooms and the bar area. Entry includes a gentle ramp, with smooth, level flooring throughout, and a closed outdoor courtyard.

Carnival day

Carnival Day in Shepparton is a free, family-friendly celebration featuring live music, entertainment, market stalls, pride merchandise, and food trucks.

Enjoy activities for all ages under the shady trees of Queen's Gardens. LGBTIQA+ community, allies, friends, families, and furry friends are welcome to join this annual celebration of queer joy.

Price: Free

Date: Saturday, November 9

Time 10am to 3pm

Location: Queen's Gardens, Shepparton

Accessibility: Queen's Gardens features sealed paths and grassy areas, with accessible, all-gender bathrooms. Expect live music, food trucks, and a bustling atmosphere. Bring a picnic rug for seating. Volunteers in branded attire and Victoria Police LGBTIQA+ liaison officers will provide support. Pets on leads are welcome.

Neon sparkle party

Continue the celebration after Carnival Day at the Neon Sparkle Party, an 18+ event. Dress in vibrant colours and dance to DJ Cliterally's beats.

Enjoy entertainment, dinner (available downstairs 6-8pm), and drinks at bar prices. Celebrate pride and have fun into the night.

Price: $20

Date: Sunday, November 10

Time: 8pm to 11.30pm

Location: 223 High St

Accessibility: GV Hotel features multiple bars, a dining area, and gaming machines. Accessible entrances are available; call ahead for specific needs. This ticketed event includes loud music, performances, and optional audience interaction. Accessible bathrooms are provided.

Big Bold Brunch

GV Pride's BIG Brunch returns for OUTintheOPEN festival 2024 at Elsewhere at SAM. Enjoy big coffee, breakfast, and vibrant community vibes by the lake. Your ticket includes one big food item and one bold beverage.

Price: $35 to $40

Date: Sunday, November 10

Time: 9am to 11am

Location: Elsewhere at SAM, 530 Wyndam St, Shepparton

Accessibility: SAM offers accessible parking and paths, with some outdoor noise from the nearby road and lake. Accessible entrances and a lift are available. All-gender, accessible bathrooms are near the café. Inside seating can be noisy, while the gallery is quieter. Financial support is available; contact gvpride@gvpride.org.

Homophonic!

Homophonic! The RESPECT Project celebrates queer history through emotive music by voices and strings, inspired by intergenerational conversations.

Presented by Miranda Hill and ensembles, it preserves cultural history with humour and outrage. Supported by Creative Victoria and Australia, it champions LGBTIQ+ composers and has won the 2024 Victorian Luminary Award.

Price: $10 to $20

Date: Sunday, November 10

Time: 3pm to 4.30pm

Location: Shepparton Brewery, Edward St, Shepparton

Queer sunset adventure

Join the Queer Sunset Awe-dventure on November 10 at Reedy Swamp, part of the OUTintheOPEN festival 2024. Experience awe in nature with activities like exploring, bird watching, and sunset viewing.

Enjoy a light meal at 6pm, followed by storytelling around a campfire. Bring a chair, sturdy shoes, insect repellent, and binoculars or a camera.

Price: $10 to $50

Date: Sunday, November 10

Time: 6pm to 8pm

Location: Reedy Swamp, Reedy Swamp Rd, Shepparton

Accessibility: Reedy Swamp outdoor classroom is in Lower Goulburn National Park, accessible by car only. Parking is available. Access involves dirt paths, possibly requiring assistance for wheelchairs. No toilets on-site; nearest facilities are 6km away in Shepparton.

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