Mr First Nation: Blak Excellence And King Energy
Image: Image: Melt Festival
One of the standout additions to MELT Festival’s 2026 program is Mr First Nation, Australia’s first national Blak drag king competition.
Building on the success of Miss First Nation, which saw Kitty Obsidian take home the crown at The Brisbane Powerhouse in 2025, this new event celebrates the talent, creativity and visibility of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander drag king performers from across the country. It’s another refreshing new event for Brisbane that showcases the unique diversity and talent that this city is continuously known for.
Created by producer Ben Graetz, best known as Miss Ellaneous, Mr First Nation offers a platform for First Nations excellence while highlighting the diversity and strength within Blak LGBTQIA+ communities.
This inaugural pageant is more than a competition: it is a celebration of creativity, culture, connection and community, bringing new voices and king energy to the festival stage. The competition comes in response to the thriving drag king culture that is having its own renaissance in Queensland, with more and more performance spaces opening and opportunities opening up for our brothers in drag.
The competition unfolds over three nights at The Brisbane Powerhouse. Heat One, held on Wednesday, October 21, invites contestants to dazzle in the Best National Costume category. These looks will draw inspiration from each performer’s home, Country, community or heritage, transforming the runway into an expression of identity and pride.
On Thursday, October 22, Heat Two will turn the spotlight on Mr Talent. Anything goes as competitors showcase their skills through stand up comedy, soulful singing, mesmerising dance, storytelling, cabaret and other fearless, fun performances.
The excitement reaches its peak at the grand final on Friday, October 23, on the eve of Pride Fair Day, when one contestant will make history by becoming the first Mr First Nation to be crowned king.
Audiences can expect unforgettable performances, fierce competition and, above all, a joyful and powerful celebration of culture, identity and self expression. Whether you are a long-time drag fan or discovering the artform for the first time, Mr First Nation promises to be one of the festival’s most memorable and meaningful events.
21-23 October
Brisbane Powerhouse, New Farm
melt.org.au
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