Winter Pride 2025 is shaping up to be an unmissable celebration of rainbow culture in Queenstown—and we’ve hand‑picked the events we’re absolutely buzzing for. Each one promises creativity, community and connection, surrounded by Queenstown’s stunning natural beauty.
Pride in the Lane
🌈 When: Saturday 16 August, 12–8 pm
📍 Where: Church Lane
💰 Entry: Free
Kicking off Winter Pride with a burst of colour, Pride in the Lane brings the festival spirit right into the heart of town. Expect drag extravaganza (even adorable doggy-drag!), live DJs, market stalls and a dedicated kids’ zone—perfect if you’re bringing the whole whānau. The vibe is relaxed, inclusive, and full of joy. An ideal introduction to the week’s festivities.
Why go? It’s family‑friendly, community‑oriented, and bursts with energy without costing a cent.
Hotel Lavender Lounge (Official Opening Night)
🎪 When: Saturday 16 August, doors 8 pm, show 9–11 pm + disco to 3 am
📍 Where: Memorial Centre
💵 Entry: $80 + $5.16 booking fee; R18
Get your sequins out—this is where Winter Pride hits full tilt. Created by Oblivion Westwood, the Lavender Lounge is a euphoric circus-cabaret explosion, with aerialists, burlesque, DJs—and yes, even a horse (and maybe a bathtub?). Honour disco’s legacy in LGBTQ+ liberation, relax in Vegas-level glam, and finish the night shakin’ it on the dance floor till 3 am.
Why go? Set to be the most theatrical, glitter-filled opening in Winter Pride history.
REMARKABLES – Onesie Day
❄️ When: Sunday 17 August, 12 pm
📍 Where: Remarkables Ski Field
💰 Entry: Free
Hit the slopes as a skiing unicorn, sloth or llama—your choice! Onesie Day brings whimsy to the snow at The Remarkables. Whether you’re zooming downhill or just soaking up the après scene, this is a magic mix of sports, silliness and celebration. Ski‑fit not required, just a playful spirit!
Why go? It’s a day on the mountain that breaks all the sporting stereotypes.
Queens Against Humanity
😂 When: Sunday 17 August, doors 7:30 pm, show 8–10 ish pm
📍 Where: SkyCity Queenstown
💵 Entry: $60 + $4.01 fee; R20
A hilarious spin on the popular card game—led by Kiwi drag royalty Anita Wigl’it, Aubrey Haive and Yuri Guaii. Hilarious responses, cheeky roasts and glitter-filled chaos await. Board games have never been more fabulous or inclusive.
Why go? It’s cheeky, raucous and interactive—perfect for sharing belly laughs.
Fierce Farmyard Dinner
🤠 When: Tuesday 19 August, boat departs 7 pm, back by 11 pm
📍 Where: Walters Peak Farm (boat pickup at Steamer Wharf)
💵 Entry: $200 + $12.06 fee; R18
Saddle up for this audacious barn‑yard drag spectacular atop a Queenstown icon—Walters Peak Farm. Overalls and boots optional, but your sense of humour is essential. Immersive comedy, DJs, queen‑powered performances—and a cheeky dinner with a farmyard twist! A boat shuttles you to and from Steamer Wharf for a fully curated night of uproarious fun and scrumptious eats.
Why go? It’s an experiential high‑camp treasure trove—an event you’ll be talking about into summer.
Aussie Outback Cowboys Party
🤠 When: Wednesday 20 August, from 9 pm
📍 Where: Lonestar💵
Entry: $80 + $5.16 fee; R18
After a cowboy-themed day on Cardrona’s slopes, pull on your chaps and head into the outback—Winter Pride-style. This beloved Western-themed bash is back with a fresh Aussie twist. Walk through Devil Burger into a fully themed outback saloon, complete with bull riding and country beats. It’s equal parts yeehaw and yas queen.
Why go? It’s a rustic riot where cowboy cosplay and queer pride collide.
SKYN Presents: Men’s & Ladies’ Nights
🩲 When: Thursday 21 August, 9 pm–late
📍 Where: Lonestar & The London
💵 Entry: $120 + $7.46 fee (Men’s), $50 + $3.44 fee (Ladies); R18
Thursday night is SKYN’s double-feature of desire, delivering not one but two iconic Pride parties tailored to the community’s most electric vibes. The Men’s Underwear Party returns with its wildly popular undie-only theme—think sweaty dance floors, sultry dancers, and more skin than fabric. It’s cheeky, cruisy and made for men who love men (including trans men and non-binary mates who feel this space fits). Across town, Ladies’ Night is a sapphic sanctuary—pure sapphic fantasy hosted by fierce DJs and queens with no boys allowed. Designed for women who love women, trans women, and non-binary guests who vibe with the space, it’s one of Winter Pride’s most beloved nights for letting loose and feeling seen.
Why go? These vibrant, inclusive spaces are built for real connection, freedom, and dancefloor euphoria.
Pride Wedding Expo
💍 When: Friday 22 August, from 10 am
📍 Where: Memorial Centre
💰 Entry: Free
Whether you’re planning your dream wedding or just daydreaming, this LGBTQ+ friendly expo is all about love. Get inspired by top wedding vendors, explore inclusive décor and fashion, and enjoy live music, entertainment and food trucks in a celebratory, supportive space.
Why go? This is a joyful space to celebrate queer love in all its forms.
