Christchurch Pride Festival is in full swing with a full calendar of events offering something for all rainbow communities to attend and enjoy.
Christchurch Pride Festival is back with a full month of celebration, connection and unapologetic visibility across Ōtautahi. After the success of last year’s expanded programme, organisers are once again delivering 31 days of events designed to bring our communities and allies together in solidarity and joy.
Chair of the Board of Trustees Jack Mould says continuing the month-long format was an easy decision. “Last year was the first time doing a month, and we heard from the community that they loved it,” they tell us. “We’re trying to outdo ourselves with bigger and better things.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TICKETS TO CHRISTCHURCH PRIDE EVENTS CLICK HERE
Bigger & Better Events:
Throughout the month, the programme balances high-energy nightlife with thoughtful, inclusive spaces. “It’s Bingo, B*tch!” returns on 18 March at 6pm, promising outrageous calls, cheeky banter and prizes from local Ōtautahi supporters. OG Bingo Queens Aunty Pipi and Meryl Vale take the reins for an R18 evening designed for laughter, mayhem and just enough structure to keep the numbers rolling.
On 14 March, URGE lands at Exchange Christchurch (XCHC) in collaboration with YOUR EX. With four distinct areas to dance, chill or explore — including a dark room for the adventurous — the party aims to celebrate the raw essence of gay culture. DJs Gregor, Division 4 and Everett Wayne will soundtrack the night from 9pm. Organisers stress a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and emphasise that consent must be explicit, enthusiastic and ongoing.
For those seeking something more restorative, Hot Pools – After Dark at He Puna Taimoana in New Brighton offers a ticketed soak on 24 March from 8pm to 10pm, complete with music and entertainment. The following evening, 25 March, shifts focus to empowerment with The Gay (Financial) Agenda. Led by Tsarina Dellow of Trailblazer Accountants and Jackie Thomas of Paradise Financial, the relaxed session aims to build money confidence within the LGBTQ+ communities through practical, judgment-free guidance.
The festival will close on 28 March with the Love and Light Pride Closing Party at The Core Bar on St Asaph Street. With multiple DJs and roving performers, organisers promise an atmosphere filled with connection and electric energy — a final opportunity to gather and glow together. A community Dog Walk is also scheduled for 29 March, with details still to come.
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TICKETS TO CHRISTCHURCH PRIDE EVENTS CLICK HERE
Why It Matters
For Mould, Pride remains deeply personal. Reflecting on past festivals, they recall the first walk along Cashel Street, with flags lining the road and hundreds turning out in support. “That experience, to see that visibility in our city, was amazing,” they say. “It’s the young kids being able to see themselves as a queer adult… and being able to show that there is a community here.”
In a shifting global climate, Mould believes this year’s festival carries added weight. “We want this Pride to be about love, about sharing who you are unapologetically, and pretty much screaming it from the rooftops,” they say. “It’s all about that community this year — coming together and standing strong.”
For more information on these and many other events, visit chchpride.co.nz.
