Calling all queens, kings, queers and allies who can’t resist the call of a good time. Port Douglas is set to ooze fabulous as the inaugural Heatwave Festival takes over the tropics February 13th to 15th in a celebration of diversity, connection and being unapologetically YOU.
The vibrant new LGBTQIA+ festival will be serving up showstopping performances, internationally renowned DJs, iconic drag shows, dancers and top-tier energy across a 3-day glitter-fuelled talent-packed program that will leave you inspired and uplifted.
Tasked with keeping the good times coming are dancefloor-filling DJs Dan Murphy, Hayley Maree, Kate Monroe and Just Andy, and drag icons Penny Tration and Coco Jumbo. And that’s not all. Fans of Rupaul’s Drag Race will be shrieking with joy over the fashionably late addition to the line up – headliner and drag powerhouse Minnie Cooper!
Inducted into the Diva Hall of Fame in 2024, Minnie is one of Australia’s most iconic drag performers. Minnie has wowed audiences everywhere from the Sydney Opera House to LA with over 22 years of her high-kickin’, tap-dancin’, show-stoppin’ drag excellence – and now she’s flying into Far North QLD for a Heatwave extravaganza.
Divas Coco Jumbo and Minnie Cooper. If you know, you know.
More than just a [TRULY EPIC] 3 day party, however, Heatwave was born from a genuine desire to create something proudly LGBTQIA+, locally driven and welcoming, while also giving the region an economic and cultural boost.
“Port Douglas needed a little more colour, connection, and community heat in February – the region’s most quiet economic time,” Founder and Creative Director Andrew Dalbertanson explained. “This is a community-based festival that has been designed to build the economy and tourism…It’s passion meets strategy — with glitter.”
Not sure if it’s time to enter your Heatwave era? Leave the doubt at home. “Heatwave is LGBTQIA+ led and centred, but it’s for everyone who believes in inclusivity, respect, and having a damn good time. Allies are not just welcome — they’re part of the point,” said Andy. *snaps fingers*
So party people, start your engines!
THE PARTY BEFORE THE PARTY
Before Heatwave Festival officially lights up the Sugar Wharf for the opening party, the heat will be building at The Tin Shed.
The Heatwave Warm-Up Party is your relaxed lead-in before Neon Nights kicks off, easing into the night with sunset views, cocktails flowing, and your fellow party people. Make your way upstairs to the Bacardi Bar to soak up the atmosphere, catch up with friends, and set the tone for an epic night – and weekend – ahead.
If you’re heading to Heatwave, this is where the night begins. 3pm-5pm on Friday 13th
FRI 13th FEB – NEON NIGHTS @ SUGAR WHARF
The iconic Sugar Wharf & site of the soon to be iconic Neon Nights party. image: iStock/Gavin Guan
Don your brightest and boldest for the Neon Nights opening party on Friday 13th at the iconic Sugar Wharf. As the sun goes down over the Coral Sea, the vibes stay high and the party truly kicks into gear with DJs and drag shows heating up the dance floor. This is no time for restraint – let first night fever take over and bask in the consequences of your actions later.
SAT 14th FEB – SPARKLE @ THE CENTRAL HOTEL
Penny Tration sparkling like a true queen
The spectacular main event of the festival, Sparkle is set to shimmer and shine into the early hours of the morning. Think pumping dance floor, electric energy, pure celebration.
This event is what Director Andy is looking forward to most. It’s a culmination of passion and planning to bring together everyone for what is bound to an unforgettable night.
“That first moment when the music hits at Sparkle the main event; the crowd comes together, and you can physically feel the vibe shift. There’s nothing like watching something that started as an idea turn into a full-scale celebration with locals, visitors, performers, and allies all in the same space.”
SUN 15th FEB – H20HHH @ THE OAKS RESORT
The finale recovery party is your last chance to get wet and really make a splash. Headaches and low vibes, sashay away, we’re busy sipping margaritas by the stunning lagoon-style pool, with DJs bringing the beats and show-stopping drag queens injecting that signature sass.
“The pool party,” says Andy, “is pure Heatwave energy — iconic location, big personalities, zero pretence.”
TOP TIPS FOR HEATWAVE ATTENDEES
Planning to make your Heatwave debut? We got the inside word on what you should bring to make your festival experience a success.
- An open mind — the magic happens there.
- Neon clothes for the Friday night party and something VERY sparkly for Sparkle at the Central Hotel.
- Sun protection (this is Far North Queensland, after all) for H20hhh Pool Party at the Oaks Resort.
- A sense of humour and willingness to make new friends — you won’t leave with just photos.
- Tickets for the Campest Lunch on Saturday, 14 February in Harrisons’ ultra-glam dining room. A fabulous and air-conditioned three-hour lunch event with 4-course meal, welcome bubbles, live DJ, roaming drag artists, plus 3 show-stopping drag performances for $99? You’re basically losing money by not attending. You can get your ticket through Humanitix or check the Harrisons Facebook event.
Harrisons @ Sheraton Grand Mirage – We dare you to find a more glamorous dining room
As Shania once wisely said, let’s go girls! Get your tickets, prepare your outfits and let’s paint this town in glitter.
Heatwave Festival kicks off Friday 13 to Sunday 15 February. More information and tickets are available online via Humanitix or follow Heatwave Festival Port Douglas on social media .
