FEATURE - HEAD TO THE HOT MESS PARADE!

On Saturday September 27, Rangebow 2025 will launch with a community parade from 10am and free entertainment at Kings Beach Amphitheatre from 11am till 4pm to prepare you for a feast of festival events from Thursday 9 to Sunday 12 October on the Sunshine Coast. 

With the support of major partners Sunshine Coast Council and Tourism and Events Queensland, the festival will deliver a program of unique events in the Hinterland and on the coast. 

Festival Director, Wayne Parcell said, “Join us at Kings Beach for what will become one of Rangebow’s most loved events: the Hot Mess Parade. 

“It’s a wild, joyful celebration of the kindness, colour, and fabulous diversity that make this region so special. Strut, roll, dance or march alongside Surf Lifesavers, First Nations mob, disability groups, drag queens, Scouts, musicians, the Rural Fire Service and more in this vibrant coastal parade.  

“Come dressed loud and proud—or just bring your best smile. This is Rangebow’s gift to the community: a big, bold thank you for being uniquely, beautifully you.”

The festival in October will open with an exceptional event, Glasshouse Dawn: a rare and breath-taking experience of a chamber orchestra as the first light of day spills over the Glasshouse Mountains. Not just a concert, but a moment in time.

Varied events include take a Walk on the Wild Side – Platypus Whispers which might have you face-to-bill with a platypus guided by global sensation, Neil Andison, The Platypus Whisperer. 

The quirky Drag Pageant  - Free to be . . . returns after previous sell-out years with new contestants performing with some of Australia’s leading drag performers – a night of sensational costumed characters. You can even join the cast after completing the Drag Workshop!

Swing into something a little slick, a little saucy, and seriously sensational with Trippple Trouble — the smoothest vocal cocktail shaking up Australia’s jazz scene. 

Everyone can experience the fun of the Pineapple Parfait Cup with a tennis and croquet challenge even where Wimbledon meets Alice in Wonderland.  Or, for something a bit more grown-up, there’s A bit ‘a Sweet Cabaret featuring comedian Anisa Nandoula, drag performer Jacqui Randa and ‘boylesque’ artist Rhys Lightning.

First Nations culture meets the spirit of community at the Mega Market Day in the hinterland with stories, art, knowledge, and creations with local produce, handmade crafts and pancakes.  With live music, hands-on workshops, and the Jarjum Kids Space, it’s a joyful day out for the whole family—where culture, creativity, and community come together.

The Rangebow Microfilm Fest & Competition offers screenings and cash prizes and is supported by the Sunshine Coast Screen Collective – something special for aspiring film-makers and film buffs.

Close out your festival experience with a wildly chaotic TV game show style event competition with prizes via Remote Control and a powerhouse tribute band performance of The Police, Sting and the one and only Blondie. 

Wayne said, “Our new mantra is No Barriers. No Boundaries. Everyone on Stage – it’s focused on community involvement, and the Hot Mess Parade is a perfect example of this message. Adding new events like this expands our geography, as we want everyone on the Sunshine Coast to experience the fun and inclusivity of the Rangebow Festival.

“We can’t keep all these special things to ourselves!” he concluded with a smile.

To see a full program of events, go to therangebowfestival.org or pop in to their new headquarters at 182 Main Street, Montville, where there will also be a changing exhibition of the stunning costumes and headpieces used in the festival each year.