A GUIDE TO THE AUCKLAND RAINBOW PARADE

The Auckland Rainbow Parade returns to Ponsonby Road on Saturday 21 February with an electric, joyful and unapologetic atmosphere. Our guide will help you get the best out of your day and partying into the night.

WHAT TO EXPECT

If you’ve never been to the Auckland Rainbow Parade before, here’s the moment that gets everyone every year: the first float turns the corner, the crowd roars, and suddenly you realise you’re part of something much bigger than yourself.

This year, that feeling hits even harder. At a time when the world can feel fractured — even within our own communities — the parade arrives as a genuine moment of unity. It’s not just the rainbow community showing up, but the wider community standing alongside us. Differences fall away. Everyone’s welcome. More than a celebration, it’s a reminder of the power of coming together.

Pro tip: Arrive from 5.30pm to catch the build-up. That’s when the energy really starts to hum.

ARRIVE EARLY FOR…

The party starts well before the parade rolls.

Steam Train — making a very welcome return

Face painting — because glitter improves everything

AK Samba — bringing rhythm and movement to Ponsonby Road

Drag shows at Ponsonby Road Food Court at 6.00pm and Ponsonby Central at 6.35pm

Start your day on Ponsonby Road itself. Wander, shop, grab a drink or a bite to eat, then settle in as the street transforms around you.

WHERE TO WATCH THE PARADE

For Big party energy: Longroom — especially with local drag legends like Miss Kola and Miss Ribena on MC duty.

For Families: The first stretch between Three Lamps and Franklin Road is usually quieter, with great visibility and all the vibes.

For Accessibility: Ponsonby Road is highly accessible overall, but the quieter end tends to have smaller crowds and clearer sightlines.

For Photographers: The corner of Ponsonby and Richmond Roads is perfect for capturing floats as they round the bend.

For Those Who Want The Best of The Best: The Smirnoff Grandstand at the top of Western Park is ideal for first-timers, solo attendees, or anyone wanting a guaranteed front-row view. Commentary brings the parade to life, crowds are easier to navigate, and you’ve got food, drinks, toilets, and accessibility all sorted.

FUEL UP

Great for a drink before or after: Chapel Bar & Bistro, Jacuzzi, Tobi, Daphne’s, Blue Breeze Inn — especially if you love outdoor seating and being right in the thick of it.

Underrated refuel stops: Bodaga (trust us on the sandwiches), The Tinted Rose, EST 1901, Lime Bar, Nami Record Bar, Café 39, Ponsonby Social Club.

Flying solo? Start on the steps at Ponsonby Central — great energy, easy conversations. Or book the Smirnoff Grandstand for an instant sense of belonging.

WATCH OUT FOR…

The dance groups — pure energy, full street-wide joy.

The faces in the crowd on the opposite side of the road: smiles, laughter, cheering, connection.

The invisible work behind the scenes — a huge volunteer team coordinating safety, timing, spacing, and flow so the parade feels effortless and welcoming.

When it finally rolls past after months of planning, the feeling is simple: pride. This parade exists because volunteers believe in how special it is — and because giving back to community matters.

TIPS FROM A PARADE PRO

Pick your side of the road early — barriers make crossing tricky once the parade is close.

Charge your phone (or bring a power bank).

Prepare for Auckland summer: sunscreen and a hat… or a rain jacket and umbrella. Probably both.

Bring a handheld fan if it’s hot.

Travel light.

Bring your loudest cheering voice.

Feeling nervous? Talk to someone next to you. It’s one of the friendliest events of the year. Look out for each other — that’s the whole point.

WHY IT MATTERS

The Auckland Rainbow Parade represents unity, inclusivity, and safety — a visible, joyful reminder that everyone deserves to feel seen and celebrated.

Showing up matters. Being there is a way of thanking those who paved the way, supporting people still finding their feet, and showing allies what visible support looks like.

If people leave feeling a little lighter, a little more connected, then the world is a slightly happier place.