What’s happening
Wellington Pride Festival officially runs from 6 - 22 March, but you’ll find our events here on either side of that as well, as Pride is not just a two week thing.
Prefer browsing on paper? Download a copy of our print programme for 2026. Please note the most up to date information will be online.
The majority of these events have been created by the community. However, the Wellington Pride Festival Committee produces the following Signature Events:
6 March - 22 March: Rainbow Windows of Wellington
14 March: Pride Youth Ball
15 March: Pride Hīkoi
15 March: Out in the City
15 March: Pooches in the Plaza
22 March: Pride Picnic
Hugo's Rainbow Show
A musical, magical adventure exploring the science of the skies above. Expect original songs and stories, and of course outrageous costumes in this novel rainbow-reading-style experience about the magic of meteorology. Hugo's Rainbow Show is for everyone! But best for two to ten year olds and our neurodivergent whānau.
Pride Picnic
Join us as we conclude the Wellington Pride Festival 2026 with a vibrant community picnic!
As We Do - A Play Reading
As We Do by Ronald Trifero Nelson is set in 1987 Wellington, just after Homosexual Law Reform. This staged reading follows Sam and Trevor navigating the risky, often funny world of gay cruising, HIV anxiety, and desire.
Celestial Mechanics
Get ready to dance among the stars as you celebrate Wellington Pride like never before. Celestial Mechanics is Space Place’s dance party under the dome. Lose yourself under immersive 360° planetarium visuals and live music with DJs Hiriwini and Karl Moser. R18.
Dancing in Reverse - a queer poetry showcase
Come and join a cosy evening poetry reading featuring a host of queer, trans and Takatāpui voices as part of Wellington Pride Festival!
The Big Gay Bout
Roll into Pride with Pōneke’s very own Richter City Roller Derby as they join forces with Queer & Takatāpui Roller Derby to bring a really exciting bout.
MX Capital Drag 2026 Heats
New Zealand’s longest-running drag competition returns, bigger and bolder than ever. Mx Capital Heats 2026 brings fierce drag artists to the stage serving looks, laughs, and show-stopping performances — all fighting for a place in the Capital spotlight.
As We Do - A Play Reading
As We Do by Ronald Trifero Nelson is set in 1987 Wellington, just after Homosexual Law Reform. This staged reading follows Sam and Trevor navigating the risky, often funny world of gay cruising, HIV anxiety, and desire.
As We Do - A Play Reading
As We Do by Ronald Trifero Nelson is set in 1987 Wellington, just after Homosexual Law Reform. This staged reading follows Sam and Trevor navigating the risky, often funny world of gay cruising, HIV anxiety, and desire.
The Cha(i)se in Lace
A cheeky LGBTQ+ drag quiz night serving games, prizes, and live performances.
Pooches in the Plaza (at OITC)
Who’s a good boy/girl/they? Yes you are, yes you are!
See Pōneke’s best pups on stage.
Out in the City
Be part of our all-day family friendly fair event with stalls, stage performances, delicious food and drink and a jam-packed day of LGBTTQIA+ celebration and vibes.
ANTIFA'z: Masquerade/Cabaret
Inspired by Carmen Rupe's The Balcony, this year, Latin Cuirs and Vixen Temple unite forces to bring you ANTIFA'z: A Masquerde/Cabaret night + a party.
Pride Youth Ball
Get ready for the Pride Youth Ball, the most exciting and inclusive event for LGBTTQIA+ youth in Wellington! This year’s theme: Queeros - Icons of Pride
MarkeT4T / parTy4T: a fundraiser for PATHA
Trans and allies, let's get together to defend the right to puberty blockers while appreciating our amazing trans, nonbinary, intersex and takatāpui talent! This event starts with a market of crafts and arts, followed by bands, then the R18 evening will have comedians, drag performances and DJs! Fundraising for PATHA.
Pride After Dark: He Rā Whatiwhati Kō
Celebrate Pride within the maramataka season of ngahuru with an evening of waiata, talks, hands-on workshops, and kai, in the museum after dark.
Campground Rainbow Comedy Night
CampGround: Wellington's beloved monthly LGBTQIA+ comedy showcase celebrates Pride with our finest queer comedians! Since 2019, we've been the city's dedicated platform for rainbow talent—from polished pros to brilliant newcomers. Join us for laughter, community, and unapologetically queer jokes and stories.
Chosen Family Night
Chosen Family Night returns to Te Waka Huia Wellington Museum for a vibrant evening filled with queer history, art and community.
Hosted by Lilly Loudmouth, the festivities include rainbow history tours, drag and music performances, dirty poetry reading and wholesome crafts.
All welcome. Valid ID required for cash bar.
Lip Sync Assassins - A Drag Show Smackdown (Pride Edition)
Get ready for a drag showdown like no other this Pride Season, as Wellingtons Lip Sync Assassins hit the stage with high drama, higher heels, and killer performances that’ll leave you gagging for more!
Frisky Pride Wellington
Continue Wellington Pride Parade's celebrations at FRISKY PRIDE, the official parade afterparty. FRISKY PRIDE will be the perfect opportunity to dance the night away, dressed in head-to-toe rainbow glam, and to celebrate unapologetic queerness alongside the rest of our beautiful community.
We're Weird for Other Reasons
A world-first theatre project entirely devised by members of the Ace/Aro/Aspec community.
Bad Girls
Bad Girls brings Anna Dobbie and Meaghan Fisher, two of Wellington’s best new comedians, together for a one-hour show exploring gender, sexuality, what’s up with Brooke van Velden, the fascinating world of number plates, and perhaps the most unique striptease you’ve ever experienced.
Wellington Pride Parade
Show your support as we march for Pride at the Wellington Pride Parade! Cheer on the fabulous procession through Courtenay Place and Dixon Street, finishing at the iconic Cuba Street Rainbow Crossing. Then, dance in the streets with live DJs and performers.
Transcending - a Trans Pride Drag Show
A trans pride show with some of the best trans drag artists in the country.
We're Weird for Other Reasons
A world-first theatre project entirely devised by members of the Ace/Aro/Aspec community.
Bad Girls
Bad Girls brings Anna Dobbie and Meaghan Fisher, two of Wellington’s best new comedians, together for a one-hour show exploring gender, sexuality, what’s up with Brooke van Velden, the fascinating world of number plates, and perhaps the most unique striptease you’ve ever experienced.