Six years, countless queens and one unforgettable tequila-filled gumboot later, Rhubarb Rouge looks back on the rise of New Zealand’s biggest drag festival and explains why its return in 2027 will depend on finding financial support.
Locals, Tickets And The Local Economy
Surprised, but the reaction has been so supportive and positive. There’s a real sense of excitement when people discover we’re hosting New Zealand’s biggest drag festival in their hometown.
People also recognise what it brings to the local economy. Around half of the 1,300 tickets sold were to people from out of town. That’s a lot of visitors booking accommodation, eating at local cafés and restaurants, shopping and spending money while they’re here. It’s lovely to see something we’ve built for our rainbow community also bringing so much to the wider city.
A Legacy Of Belonging
I’d love its legacy to be that we made people feel they belonged and that we showed what’s possible. We managed to sell out New Zealand’s biggest drag show in a city surrounded by farming communities, somewhere better known for gumboots than high heels!
Beyond the show, I hope we helped people understand our rainbow community a little better. Sometimes that starts with simply coming along, having a laugh and realising you have more in common with the person on stage than you expected.
Palmy Drag Fest 2026 Memories
I feel incredibly proud—and still a little tired! This was the first year I felt fully relaxed and could really enjoy it. The team were almost scared by how chilled I was! We all worked so hard, but there was real trust, good communication and so much laughter.
I couldn’t do any of this without Jack Tankersley, my co-producer and amazing friend over the past six years. I have the crazy ideas, and he’s the one who helps make them happen! Jack pointed out that, for the first time, at 3pm I actually handed the show over to him and let go. I even made it to the meet and greet on time!
Singing happy birthday to Vanjie and watching her drink tequila from a gumboot was pretty unforgettable—what a way to celebrate in Palmy! And the finale will stay with me forever. I got to live my Madonna fantasy, surrounded by incredible performers, looking out at a sold-out theatre.
Dream Guests And Homegrown Talent
My dream guests would be Bob the Drag Queen and Sasha Velour. Bob’s wit and ability to command an audience are incredible, and Sasha’s creativity and visual storytelling are extraordinary. They both show how exciting and different drag can be.
I’d also love to bring over legends like Lady Bunny, Jackie Beat and Sherry Vine. Drag has such a rich history beyond Drag Race, and those artists are absolute comedy gold. They would bring the house down in Palmy!
What I think is underrated about New Zealand drag is our performers’ ability to tell a story. They’re incredibly theatrical and conceptual, creating a whole experience with a character, an idea and something to say.
Rita Menu is a perfect example. Every year, her performances celebrating her culture and heritage get a standing ovation at Palmy Drag Fest. That connection with the audience shows how powerful drag can be.
Community, Drama And Backstage Stories
The community is what keeps me coming back. Seeing the happiness in the audience, people laughing, having fun and feeling free to be themselves—that’s the best part.
When we started in 2021 at the Globe Theatre, I hoped we could create something special for Palmy. It grew into a whole festival, with international performers, local talent and events bringing different parts of our community together. There’s a lot more to organise now, and bigger expectations, but the heart of it is still the same: bringing people together and putting on a show that leaves them feeling happy.
When you put more than ten drag performers under one roof, there are bound to be a few big personalities and the occasional clash of egos!
But our backstage vibe is very much about fun and family, and we work hard to keep it that way. If something comes up, we talk it through and keep everyone focused on putting on a great show. Good communication and making people feel respected go a long way.
The first year, we gave all the performers a bottle of gin backstage as a thank-you gift. We quickly learned those gifts are best handed over the following day, just before they leave for the airport!
One performer said, “I can’t drink gin—I only drink tequila. Can you go and get me some?” So we did… and by the time we got back, the gin bottle was already empty!
And I’ll never forget the amazing Buckwheat and the fabulous Tess Tickle asking for a ride to KFC, then bringing the bucket on stage for the finale bows. Forget flowers!
Trust me, there have been a few! But my lips are sealed. What happens in Palmy stays in Palmy!
Will Palmy Drag Fest Return In 2027?
After six years, we need a little time to rest and recharge, but ultimately, a return in 2027 will depend on funding and sponsorship.
We’d love to come back if we can secure the support to make it happen—even if it’s for one last amazing hurrah! There’s so much involved in putting on a festival of this scale, and ticket sales alone can’t cover it.
We’ve built something beautiful over the past six years, with an amazing community around it, and it would be hard to let that go. The love and enthusiasm are still there; we just need the financial backing to give it the future it deserves.
If you would like to help Palmy Drag Fest reach out to info@palmydrag.com.
