New in 2026: introducing Rainbow Windows of Wellington
Retailers, get your rainbows ready - Wellington Pride is challenging businesses to roll out the rainbow across the city during the 2026 Pride Festival. Businesses are invited to decorate their windows in the spirit of Pride from 6 - 22 March.
“Rainbows send a vital message to a marginalised community: you are welcome and you belong. Plus, they’re pretty. Who doesn’t want to brighten up the whole city!” says Wellington Pride Festival (WPF) committee chair Joanna McLeod. “The participating businesses will become a self-guided tour across the city, attracting eyes - and potentially wallets - to the rainbow-friendly stores.”
To add a (friendly) competition element, there’s a public vote and a to-be-announced expert judging panel to pick two winners.
Creativity needs fuel, so every participating business will receive a bag of coffee from Havana Coffee Works. Plus, fabulous sponsors have donated prizes so the winning retailers can celebrate with their teams:
Mini golf vouchers from The Witching Hour
Axe throwing from the Sweet Axe Company
$300 voucher for any Epic Hospitality business
$333 voucher from Z Energy.
People voting for their favourite windows will also have a chance to win a prize pack from Havana, a $50 Brewtown voucher and a $333 Z Energy voucher.
Although the Festival doesn’t start until 6 March, some retailers are already making plans for their windows.
“Colour brings us joy here - so we’re excited to have another reason to have a super bright window to take part!” says Tash, owner of Holland Road Yarn.
Unity Books are getting in on the action, too, “We’re delighted to take part in Rainbow Windows, and we can’t wait to see what our fellow retailers create as well,” says window decorator Sam.
“According to census data, Wellington is 11.4% queer,” says Joanna, “but with the queer population skewing younger - like retail workers, chances are pretty high there’s people in your business who’ll be celebrating this festival. But even if you’re not a member of the rainbow community, you should still join in the colour and fun. This is an invitation for everyone who comes with love and respect, whether they’re members of the rainbow community or allies.”
Want to get in on the fun? Businesses can register at https://www.wellingtonpridefestival.com/rainbow-windows - but entries close midnight, 28 February.
Voting will be open from 6-21 March, with winners announced at the Pride Picnic on 22 March.
WPF encourages businesses to consider sustainability in their choice of decorations. We hope this will be an annual event.
