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Folsom Down Under Melbourne 2025

Folsom Down Under Melbourne brings a taste of fetish fun and Berlin and San Francisco vibes to Australia.

  • Event Dates

    From: Awaiting dates
    To: Awaiting dates

  • Key Highlights

    • Nudity
    • Street Fair
    • Sex Scenes
    • Dance Music
    • Queer Subculture

Folsom Down Under Melbourne 2025

Folsom Down Under Melbourne brings a taste of fetish fun and Berlin and San Francisco vibes to Australia, aiming to nurture, protect, normalize and celebrate sexually adventurous queer subculture. The event brings some of the hottest day and night parties to Melbourne.

  • Stay at the “Fabulous” rated Lyall hotel and Spa, with beautifully decorated rooms and perfect location, close to all of Melbourne's top attractions and the gay parties.

Highlights of Folsom Down Under

  • The inaugural Folsom Down Under festival takes place in March each year with a series of parties, events, and BBQ/picnics.
  • For adults 18 years and over only, expect Nudity, Sex scenes, Strobe lights, Smoke/haze and smoking on stage. Higlights include:

Perversion Melbourne

  • This event was postponed yet again! – Moved to September  29th 2023  –  9.45 pm to 5 am. Chasers Nightclub – The flagship dance party of Folsom Down Under.
  • Perversion is the ultimate sub-culture dance event presented by Folsom Down Under – the official Australian partner of Folsom Street Events San Francisco. Transmundane; provocative; inclusive. A party that celebrates sexually adventurous queer subculture through dress code, exhibitionism, and dirty, filthy dance music.
  • Stay at the Ovolo South Yarra, another “Fabulous” rated hotel with chic rooms, a complimentary mini-bar and considered one of the coolest hotels in Melbourne.

Deviants Melbourne

  • Awaiting dates for the 2024 edition – UBQ Collingwood The definitive PERVERSION recovery party presented by Folsom Down Under.
  • Deviants is a social afternoon for adults of all identities across the spectrum of queer subculture. Come enjoy a sausage and beer in gear, or in your own particular flavour of kink.

The Venues

  • Chasers Nightclub – 386 Chapel St, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia. Chasers is a luxe nightclub with plush, retro decor, plus multiple dance floors with mirror balls and lasers.
  • UBQ Collingwood – Gay & lesbian organization in Collingwood, Australia with a bar, event space and restaurant.

Where to stay during Folsom Down Under

Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to all the action:

Hotel Crown Towers,    Cosmopolitan,    Waratah Stay,    The Como

Gay Map of Melbourne

Melbourne’s gay bars & clubs are located in St Kilda and South Yarra south of the city or in Collingwood, Richmond and Fitzroy north of the city and one in Yarraville.

Address: Corner Exhibition St & Lonsdale St, Melbourne VIC 3000

  • Upscale five-star hotel in Melbourne’s central business district.
  • Walkable location near theatres, dining, and retail streets.
  • Large rooms with classic styling and strong soundproofing.
  • Indoor heated pool and gym support longer stays.
  • Restaurant delivers solid breakfasts and modern local dishes.
  • Reliable service attracts business travellers and weekend visitors.
  • Website

Address: 8 Whiteman Street, Southbank VIC 3006, Australia

  • Luxury riverside hotel linked to the Crown complex.
  • Oversized rooms with marble bathrooms and skyline views.
  • Full-service spa and large indoor pool elevate the stay.
  • Direct access to restaurants, bars, and entertainment.
  • Short walk to Southbank arts venues and the CBD.
  • Popular with luxury travellers seeking space and convenience.
  • Website

Address: 51 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

  • Boutique hotel in Melbourne's CBD near theatres and Chinatown.
  • Offers 113 individually furnished rooms and suites.
  • Features a 24-hour gym and complimentary Wi-Fi.
  • Daily hosted hour with free drinks for guests.
  • Rooftop terrace with fire pit and city views.
  • Continues to be a popular accommodation choice.
  • Website

Address: 19 Little Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

  • Design-focused boutique stay in Melbourne’s theatre precinct.
  • Playful interiors mix colour, art, and modern comfort.
  • Compact rooms use space well and support short stays.
  • Extras such as minibar perks add practical value.
  • Walkable setting near theatres, dining, and nightlife.
  • Appeals to travellers seeking style without formality.
  • Website

Address: Vault 13, 397 Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

  • Gay men's sauna in Melbourne's CBD.
  • Open 24/7 with various facilities and amenities.
  • Hosts regular themed events throughout the week.
  • Features a café, bar, and renovated wet area.
  • Continues to be a popular venue in the LGBTQ+ community.
  • Open: Mon–Sun 24 hours
  • Facebook

Address: 162 Wellington St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia

  • Gay sauna in Collingwood with a large heated pool.
  • Steam room, spa, cabins, and cruise zones onsite.
  • Busy weekends attract a steady male crowd.
  • Licensed bar adds space to relax between sessions.
  • Regular themed nights bring variety each week.
  • Open: Mon-Thu 12pm-2am, Fri-Mon 24hrs
  • Website

Address: Unit 1/255 Chapel St, Prahran VIC 3181, Australia

  • Rooftop nightclub in Prahran with stylish, eclectic decor.
  • Plays hip-hop, R&B, and dance music.
  • Popular among the LGBTQ+ community, especially women.
  • Features illuminated stairs, VIP booths, and vibrant dance floor.
  • Hosts events like "Mother" nights catering to women.
  • Open: Friday–Saturday 9pm–3am
  • Facebook 

Address: 99 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

  • Weekly gay party at Yah Yah's in Fitzroy.
  • Features rotating DJs and drag performances.
  • Known for its vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
  • Popular spot in Melbourne's queer nightlife.
  • Continues to be a staple event every Thursday.
  • Open: Thu 9pm–5am
  • Website

Address: 351 Wellington St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia

  • Recurring LGBTQ+ event in Melbourne.
  • Held at The Fox Hotel in Collingwood.
  • Features drag performances, DJs, and entertainers.
  • Emphasizes consent and respect among attendees.
  • Continues to be an active part of the city's nightlife.
  • Open:  Typically Saturdays, 6pm–1am
  • Facebook

Address: 164 Church St, Richmond VIC 3121, Australia

  • Long-standing gay pub in Richmond, Melbourne.
  • Features drag shows, karaoke, trivia, and BBQs.
  • Offers a cozy interior and vibrant beer garden.
  • Known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.
  • Continues to be a staple in Melbourne's nightlife.
  • Open: Wed 4pm-11:30pm, Thu-Sat 4pm-1am, Sun 2pm-11pm
  • Facebook

Address: 230/232 Gertrude St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

  • 1980s-themed diner and disco in Fitzroy, Melbourne.
  • Offers American-style menu with vegan options.
  • Features neon lighting and a spacious dance floor.
  • Hosts regular events like drag bingo and bottomless brunches.
  • Known for its inclusive and lively atmosphere.
  • Open: Wed 4pm–late, Thu–Fri 4pm–1am,
  • Sat 11am–1am, Sun 3pm–late
  • Website

Address: Level 1, 103-105 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

  • Gay fun venue in Fitzroy, Melbourne.
  • Features drag shows, karaoke, and community events.
  • Offers a cozy interior and lively beer garden.
  • Known for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Continues to be a staple in Melbourne's nightlife.
  • Open: Wed 6pm–3am, Thu 6pm–3am, Fri 6pm–3am,
  • Sat 6pm–3am, Sun 6pm–11pm
  • Website

Address: 386 Chapel St, South Yarra VIC 3141, Australia

  • Gay nightclub in South Yarra with a large dance floor.
  • Strong focus on house, techno, and pop.
  • Drag shows and themed parties shape the nights.
  • Guest DJs and high production elevate the experience.
  • Draws a loyal crowd from across Melbourne.
  • Open: Sat 10pm-6:30am
  • Website

Address: Level 1, 86-88 Hopkins St, Footscray VIC 3011, Australia

  • Community-owned LGBTQIA+ bar and nightclub in Footscray.
  • Hosts drag shows, comedy, karaoke, trivia, and cabaret events.
  • Features a main dance floor and a separate cocktail lounge.
  • Located on the first floor without elevator access.
  • Continues to be a vibrant hub for the local LGBTQIA+ community.
  • Open: Fri 9pm–3am, Sat 7pm–3am
  • Website

Address: 2 Acland St, St Kilda VIC 3182, Australia

  • Historic pub in St Kilda, Melbourne.
  • Offers a range of beers on tap and refined pub classics.
  • Features restored Art Deco design elements.
  • Popular spot for locals and visitors.
  • Continues to be a staple in Melbourne's pub scene.
  • Open: Mon–Wed 7am–10pm, Thu 7am–11pm,
  • Fri 7am–12am, Sat 8am–12am, Sun 8am–10pm
  • Website

Address: 103-105 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

  • Gay bar and nightclub in Fitzroy, Melbourne.
  • Features DJs, drag performances, and themed events.
  • Upstairs area offers pool tables and a relaxed setting.
  • Inclusive venue welcoming a diverse LGBTQ+ crowd.
  • Continues to be a popular spot in Melbourne's nightlife.
  • Home to the ADAM NUDE Party
  • Open: Thu–Sun 9pm–3am
  • Website

Address: 185 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

  • Gay cabaret bar in Fitzroy, Melbourne.
  • Hosts dynamic drag, burlesque, and live music performances.
  • Features a retro-inspired interior and vibrant dance floor.
  • Offers a selection of cocktails and Pan-Asian cuisine.
  • Continues to be a cherished venue in the local nightlife.
  • Open: Thu 7pm–3am, Fri 11pm–3am, Sat 11pm–3am
  • Facebook

Address: 149 Gipps St, Abbotsford VIC 3067, Australia

  • Gay men-only venue in Abbotsford, Melbourne.
  • Hosts events like pool competitions and underwear nights.
  • Features multiple bars and a spacious beer garden.
  • Offers boutique-style accommodation upstairs.
  • Continues to be a cornerstone of LGBTQIA+ nightlife.
  • Open: Tue 6pm–11pm, Wed–Sat 6pm–12am, Sun 4pm–10pm
  • Facebook

Address: 46 Peel St, Collingwood VIC 3066, Australia

  • Established gay nightclub in Collingwood with a strong reputation.
  • Large layout with several bars, dance floor, and open-air courtyard.
  • Late finishes make it a go-to for after-hours clubbing.
  • Drag shows, guest DJs, and themed parties shape the program.
  • Draws a mixed gay crowd spanning ages and styles.
  • Open: Fri-Sat 10pm-7am
  • Facebook

Address: 95–97 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia

  • Gay bar and event space in Fitzroy, Melbourne.
  • Hosts drag cabaret, trivia nights, karaoke, and themed parties.
  • Offers cocktails, small bites, and pizza.
  • Cozy atmosphere with intimate seating and welcoming staff.
  • Continues to be a popular venue in the LGBTQIA+ community.
  • Open: 95–97 Smith St, Fitzroy VIC 3065, Australia
  • Website

Address: Varies by event

  • A male-only, nude techno party in Melbourne.
  • Held at venues like Top Yard and Inflation.
  • Dress code: nude with enclosed shoes; phones cloaked.
  • Features techno music and a respectful environment.
  • Ongoing event, not permanently closed.
  • Open: Varies by event; typically 10:00 pm – 7:00 am
  • Facebook

Recommended Hotels in Melbourne By Booking

Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Melbourne that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars

Crown Towers
5 Star, Luxury

Crown Towers Melbourne
Booking.com
  • 5-Star, City or Bay Views
  • Close to the gay district
  • Floor-to-ceiling windows
  • Offers spacious luxury rooms with stunning views, ideal for an opulent and immersive experience

Lancemore Crossley St
5 Star, Readers Choice

Lancemore Crossley St. Melbourne
Booking.com
  • 5-Star, Fitness Centre, Terrace
  • Close to the gay district
  • Non-smoking rooms, free WiFi
  • Near Princess Theatre, perfect for a stylish stay with fitness facilities and a relaxing terrace

Melbourne Marriott
5 Star, Great Value

Melbourne Marriott Hotel
Booking.com
  • 5-Star, Swimming Pool, Sauna
  • Close to the gay district
  • Spacious, high-speed internet
  • In the heart of Melbourne CBD, features a pool and sauna, great for a comfortable, central stay

Ovolo Laneways
4 Star, Location

Ovolo Laneways
Booking.com
  • 4-Star, Heart of Theatre District
  • Close to the gay district
  • Luxurious bathrooms
  • Located on Little Bourke Street, offers artistic decor and easy access to Melbourne's vibrant culture

Video Of Melbourne

Melbourne City Gaycation

Crown Metropol

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