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The second annual Winter Pride is upon us, featuring multiple events each day that cater to many tastes. Heres how express is planning to fill our week in the town of Queens.  

With three top ski fields in the area, it’s a great option to spend the first couple of days working out which powder you prefer! The Remarkables have their Pride Open Day on Saturday 31 August, Cardrona follows with a Welcome Day on Sunday 1 September and Coronet Peak launches on Monday. A special Pride Bus will deliver you to and fro, and the ski fields will feature a DJ on deck, a Pride zone and guided Pride tours. 

Getting to know the bevvy of handsome hunks who are travelling to our shores from Australia, the US and further beyond is a crucial goal you want to achieve early on in your Winter Pride experience. So on Saturday the 31st of August, we recommend charming the pants off them at the SkyCity Speed Dating event from 6.30pm, before migrating over to World Bar for the Club Tropicana-themed opening party to pay tribute to George Michael. RIP. 

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There’s nothing quite like a man in uniform brandishing a big weapon, so you can count us in for the Military Party on Sunday, September 1st at Loco. But we don’t want to drink too much there, because the next day is the first of two Winter Pride hikes. On Monday, this takes you up to the Basket of Dreams sculpture for beautiful views of the Remarkables and Lake Wakatipu. The second hike on Wednesday follows the Ben Lomond track, which will give heaps of photo opportunities for selfie-lovers. 

Monday’s Cards Against Humanity games night at Ballarat (hosted by Hugo Grrrl) sounds like a perfect chill evening activity after the busy start to the week. A lazy day is called for on Tuesday, and the Gibbston Valley Long Lunch fits the bill perfectly with lunch and wine tasting at the picturesque vineyard. An afternoon nap may be required afterwards, to ensure we’re ship-shape for the Pride Party Cruise. Judging from last year’s photos, this was one not to be missed. Hello Sailor! 

Post-hike on Wednesday we’ll be joining our old friends Kita & Anita for Cabaret Wars – Queenstown’s Got Talent at Winnie’s. Where professional performers and amateurs alike are invited to take the stage. Should be interesting! 

On Thursday, September 5th, it’s a must to return to the slopes for Cardrona’s Pride Onesie Day! I’m thinking of wearing my Chewbacca but might opt for Pikachu, because bright yellow is always flattering! 

Picking my fetish will be even more challenging. I could choose Urge’s Underwear Party at Vinyl Underground on Thursday night or opt for the Leather & Lace Party at Loco on Friday. Hell, I’ll don leather underwear and do both. 

Reminiscent of the great Wigs on the Waterfront; Pride in the Park held lakeside at Earnslaw Park, features live family-friendly entertainment including drag, DJs and dog shows. It’s the perfect way to spend the afternoon on Friday 6 September, before returning to Cardrona on Saturday to fly the rainbow at their Pride Ski Flag Parade Day! 

What could be a more appropriate way to end Winter Pride than a White Party! Propaganda White at the Memorial Centre will feature Australia’s most fabulous DJ, the internationally renowned Kitty Glitter, so prepare to shake it til 3 am. 


Check out the schedule at winterpride.co.nz to find the events that float your boat. Expect a hangover for the flight back!   

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