Out and Proud! 12 Best Ways to Celebrate Auckland Pride (Rainbow Pride)
Every February, the city of Auckland celebrates Aotearoa’s largest pride festival. Auckland Pride brings the rainbow community and allies together to showcase queer unity through entertainment, music, dance, art and the iconic Auckland Pride Parade on Ponsonby Road.
Across the month of February, the Auckland Pride Festival aims to connect people with the purpose of promoting equality, freedom, and dignity, especially for New Zealand’s Rainbow communities! The city of Auckland enjoys several weekends loaded with youth events, drag theatre, the pride march and so much more.
Start with the Dawn Ceremony
To kick off the festival, Auckland Pride starts with a moving Dawn Ceremony. The Dawn Ceremony takes place at Western Park with a ritual called karakia, which summons protection of the festival, followed by a kaikaranga call.
Start your Pride celebrations by attending this cultural ceremony.
The Category Is: Pride Gala
The Auckland Pride Gala is an incredible display of New Zealand queer talent through the art of cabaret. Hosted at Auckland Town Hall, this ticketed event explores the wonder of gay theatre through performance art and dance.
The Pride Gala is only held on one day of the festival, and is undoubtedly not to be missed!
Auckland Pride March Is a Must
If you’re going to see any events for Auckland Pride, it must be the Auckland Pride parade! The Auckland Pride Parade will be packed full of love, light and colour when Aotearoa’s largest and loudest carnival of change and diversity processes up Auckland’s hippest strip on Ponsonby Road.
This Pride March won’t be a drag. The parade route travels along Ponsonby Road in a south direction taking place between 6pm to 8pm. Be sure to head down to Ponsonby Road early and get the best view. To make sure you see everything, we recommend hanging near the Three Lamps towards Western Park.
Whether you are a small business or a big brand, the pride parade is all about supporting Rainbow Pride Auckland.
Get Out and Proud at the Pride Party
One of the biggest events of the entire festival is the Pride Party at Aotea Square. The Pride Party comes to life showcasing the most talented artists in the LGBTQIA+ community. With two stages, drag artists, DJ’s and more to bring the entire festival to a fabulous close.
With free entry, show off your Rainbow Pride at the end of February at the Pride Party in Aotea Square.
Check Out Pride in Aotea Square
Aotea Square in Auckland is the cultural hub of the festival with performances taking place in the square and the surrounding venues. This open-air venue is loaded with colour, and sees all walks of life participate in the Auckland Pride Festival.
With live music, youth events and dance performances, all ages can enjoy the celebration of all queer groups.
Support HIV Big Gay Out
HIV Big Gay Out is one of the major events of the Auckland Pride Festival. Participate in this all day celebration with queer music from headline artists, food, markets and more. This mini festival supports safe sex to prevent a disease that disproportionately impacts the gay community.
Find Your Inner Artist, Yas Queen!
You are the masterpiece, but why not create one? Pinot & Picasso is running sip and paint classes throughout the month of February. With over 100 artworks, there is an artwork for every king and queen to create their very own masterpiece of colour, all while sipping on your favourite drink.
Each studio is available to be booked out in its entirety meaning you can celebrate pride with your loved ones with a sip and paint pride party.
Celebrate Your Rainbow Family at Auckland Museum
One of the best youth events for the Auckland Pride Festival is the Pride Family Fun Day at the Auckland Museum in Parnell.
This New Zealand venue hosts arts & crafts activities and entertainment in a safe and inclusive space for the rainbow communities and allies of all ages.
Dance With the Rainbow Community at the Top Gay Bars
Hit the licensed bars on the weekends during Auckland Pride Festival. Sip on a summer cocktail, sing along to LGBTQIA+ icons like Lady Gaga and Kim Petras, and dance the night away in celebration with the gay community. Here are the best gay bars in Auckland:
1. G.A.Y
2. Caluzzi Bar and Cabaret
3. The Eagle
4. Magenta Bar
Head on down to Karangahape Road and immerse yourself during the loudest carnival in New Zealand in February.
Be Impressed at a Pride Poetry Slam
Along Ponsonby Road is Studio One Toi Tū which hosts the PRIDE Poetry Speakeasy. This festival event brings LGBTQIA+ poets together as well as those who enjoy the art of poetry slam.
There is also an open mic for those who would love to participate in this judgement-free event.
Laugh at Some Queer Comedy
Need to have a good laugh? The No Homo: Queer Comedy event is bound to have you in stitches from some of Aotearoa’s best rainbow comedians.
The line-up of New Zealand comedians is first class and absolutely hilarious. Don’t be scared of audience participation either!
Get Dramatic at Q Theatre
Looking for dramatic and contemporary events during the Auckland Pride Festival? The Q Theatre hosts a range of ticketed performances throughout the month of February.
These shows touch on the major themes of the LGBTQIA+ society including, coming-out stories.
FAQ’s
What Does Rainbow Community Mean?
The Rainbow community is an umbrella term used throughout the LGBTQIA+ group. The term covers the diversity of sexual orientations and identities.
When Was the First Pride Parade?
The first Pride Parade in New Zealand was in the 1990s. It was formerly known as the Hero Parade.
Why Is the National Pride Month in June?
Pride Month is celebrated in June following the events in June 1969 in New York. The riots at the Stonewall Inn was the major catalyst of the LGBTQ rights movement.
