Palmerston North is preparing to welcome drag fans from across Aotearoa this October, with more than 70% of tickets already sold for Palmy Drag Fest 2026.
Returning for its sixth year, organisers are promising the festival’s biggest and boldest celebration yet, headlined by RuPaul’s Drag Race superstar Miss Vanjie.
The international drag icon will make her first-ever appearance in New Zealand exclusively at Palmy Drag Fest.
She joins an all-star line-up featuring Kita Mean, Elektra Shock, Vybe, Hugo Grrrl, Rita Menu and more than 20 performers from New Zealand and Australia.
“This is a huge moment not just for Palmy Drag Fest, but for New Zealand drag,” says artistic director Henrique Beirão, also known as Rhubarb Rouge.
“To welcome an international icon like Miss Vanjie for her New Zealand debut is something we have dreamed about for years. It shows just how far the festival has come and puts Palmerston North firmly on the map as a destination for world-class drag entertainment.”
Three Days of Drag and Community Events
Palmy Drag Fest will run from Thursday, 1 October, until Saturday, 3 October.
The festival begins with Drag Bingo before continuing with a programme of drag performances, entertainment and community events. Further activities are expected to be announced closer to the festival.
The celebrations will culminate on Saturday with two of Palmy Drag Fest’s biggest attractions.
The Rainbow Fair returns to the Palmerston North Conference & Function Centre from 10am until 2pm, with free entry supported by Local Health.
More than 45 stallholders have already registered for the fair, bringing together local businesses, artists, community organisations, performers and makers for a lively celebration of rainbow communities.
Festival’s Biggest Main Show Yet
Later that evening, Palmy Drag Fest will take over the Regent on Broadway for its largest main-stage production to date.
More than 20 performers will appear in an ambitious circus-inspired show featuring spectacular costumes, comedy, dance, live entertainment and high-energy drag.
“Every year we raise the bar, but 2026 is on another level,” Beirão says.
“We have sold out year after year, and with more than 70% of tickets already gone, we are encouraging people to book now. The festival brings visitors into Palmerston North, supports local hospitality and accommodation providers, and gives audiences another reason to make a full weekend of their visit.”
Palmy Drag Fest has grown into a major destination event for drag fans, showcasing established stars alongside performers from throughout New Zealand and Australia.
With Miss Vanjie making her historic New Zealand debut and tickets already selling quickly, organisers are encouraging audiences to secure their seats early.
Palmy Drag Fest 2026
1–3 October 2026
Main show: Saturday, 3 October at the Regent on Broadway
