Inclusive festivals provide spaces for people with disability to come together and celebrate their unique strengths, abilities, backgrounds, and cultures in a safe environment. Many events offer accessible facilities such as wheelchair ramps, Auslan interpreters, quiet spaces and support workers (and much more) to ensure people of all abilities can join in on the fun.
From music festivals to art exhibitions, there are heaps of inclusive activities happening across the country this year. They all offer opportunities to take part in activities that match your interests while connecting with others who share similar experiences.
At Like Family, we know how important it is to build connections and make memories that will last a lifetime. So, here are some of the most popular inclusive festivals and events for people with disability in Australia to attend in 2023.
Ability Fest 2023
Ability Fest Melbourne 2023 promises to be a unique and vibrant celebration of inclusion and diversity! This one-day event will be held in the heart of Melbourne, Australia on 25 March. The festival will bring together individuals to celebrate activities that embrace ability rather than disability – from art and music to sports and games.
The activities at Ability Fest Melbourne 2023 promise to be more accessible than ever. There will be elevated platforms, pathways, a dedicated sensory area, quiet zones, companion tickets, ramps and more! All these initiatives will help make Ability Fest an inclusive and enjoyable environment for everybody.
Throughout the day, Ability Fest will offer support and information about inclusion and accessibility in our communities. There will also be a variety of merchandise stalls where attendees can purchase items that celebrate ability over disability. Find a support worker to go to Ability Fest 2023 with you.
Sydney WorldPride 2023
Whether you’re a local Sydneysider or travelling from farther away, Sydney World Pride 2023 has something special for everyone. The festivities will begin on Saturday 18 February and end on Sunday 5 March, opening with an official pride ceremony before kicking into the iconic Mardi Gras parade.
Not only will there be plenty of events for the LGBTQIA+ community to celebrate and enjoy, but there will also be activities for people with disability in mind. Activities such as art gallery exhibitions, live music performances, theatre shows and more have been tailored so that no one is left out.
Alongside these amazing offerings, there will also be plenty of opportunities for learning and engagement. Essential conversations about topics like gender identity, sexual orientation and diversity in the media will be part of the Sydney WorldPride 2023 agenda. The event organisers are committed to creating an inclusive and safe environment for everyone, encouraging open conversations and promoting understanding and acceptance. Find a support worker to attend Mardi Gras with!
Gold Coast Festival of FUN
The Gold Coast Festival of FUN is an annual event that celebrates the power of community and togetherness. It features a wide array of activities and events for people with disability, their families and carers to enjoy. The 2023 event will take place on 18 November. Some of the activities taking place include:
- Meet & Greets with leading sportspeople and sports providers
- A sports arena that will provide an opportunity to test-drive a range of sports
- An All About You Expo to create to help foster dialogue and interaction between service providers and people with disability
- A fun fair filled with fun markets and stalls
- Field of Fun to enjoy picnics, music, singalong opportunities, and more.
- A picnic-blanket-style “FUN Singalong”
The Festival of FUN will have several wheelchair access ramps so that everyone can join in on the festivities. Additionally, volunteers will be available throughout the festival to help ensure everyone is able to enjoy the event.
Amplifii Music Festival Adelaide 2023
Amplifii Music Festival is an exciting event for all music lovers. It will be held in Adelaide, South Australia on Saturday 21 January 2023 and will provide a unique opportunity for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the biggest music festival in the area.
The festival’s lineup includes some of the best national and international music acts spanning a variety of genres. Activities and events for people with disability are provided throughout the day including accessible seating, Braille maps, sign language interpreters and wheelchair access.
The Amplifii Music Festival team also works closely with disability organisations such as NDIS, Making Music Accessible (MMA), Australian Disability & Accessibility Alliance (ADAA) and more to ensure a great experience for everyone attending.
Undercover Artist Festival Queensland 2023
Running from 20 to 23 September 2023, Undercover Artist Festival Queensland 2023 aims to promote performing artists with disability. Everyone is invited to be part of this unique experience that promotes creativity, collaboration and connection within our community.
Onsite there will be plenty of activities to keep guests entertained all day long. From interactive art installations with professional artists to live music performances by some of Australia’s best-known performers – the possibilities are endless. So come along to the festival and join in on all the fun!
Want to attend inclusive festivals & events this year? Like Family is here to help!
At Like Family, we understand that attending festivals and events can sometimes feel daunting without someone to share the experience with. We can help you find a Social Carer (support worker) to enjoy all kinds of activities with, like music festivals, art fairs and cultural gatherings. Whether you want a companion for an outdoor event or an experienced guide for a city tour – our Carers are here for you!
Get in touch today to find a Social Carer, or visit our Events page to see what other inclusive festivals are happening in 2023!