Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland, was bursting with rainbow pride last night as Councillor Richard Hills officially opened the Rainbow Games 2026, kicking off four days of sport, spectacular performances and LGBTQ+ celebration.
The Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre at Auckland’s Aotea Centre became a celebration of queer talent, sporting spirit and community on Thursday 29 October, as competitors, performers and rainbow whānau gathered for the official Opening Ceremony.
Returning after its inaugural event in 2024, the Rainbow Games 2026 is bringing together nearly 800 participants from across Aotearoa, Australia and the Pacific for a weekend dedicated to inclusive sport and connection.
And if the opening night was anything to go by, Auckland is in for one fabulous weekend!
Drag Royalty And Rainbow Talent Take Centre Stage
Produced by Jordan Eskra and hosted by entertainer Luke Bird, the Opening Ceremony showcased some of Aotearoa’s brightest LGBTQ+ performers.
RuPaul’s Drag Race favourites Anita Wigl’it and Rita Menu brought their star power to the stage, alongside acclaimed musician and filmmaker Ramon Te Wake and dance music artist Ardon England.
The performers received enthusiastic applause from the crowd, including visiting Australian and Pacific Island teams who had travelled to Auckland to compete.
Combining music, drag, dance and a celebration of queer creativity, the evening highlighted the diverse talent within New Zealand’s rainbow communities.
Councillor Richard Hills officially opened the Games, welcoming athletes and supporters to Tāmaki Makaurau for the four-day event.
But beyond the performances and celebrations, the athletes themselves remained at the heart of the evening.
Nearly 800 Athletes Ready To Play With Pride
The Rainbow Games is one of the country’s largest LGBTQ+ multi-sport events, offering rainbow communities and allies an opportunity to participate in sport in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Competitors will take part in activities including badminton, basketball, football, kickball, netball, swimming, tennis and touch, with events taking place across Auckland.
The Games welcome participants with different levels of sporting experience, from social players looking to have fun and make new connections to competitive athletes chasing medals.
The emphasis is on providing sporting spaces where LGBTQ+ people, including takatāpui, transgender, non-binary and gender-diverse participants, can feel welcome and included.
The event also celebrates the cultural diversity of rainbow communities, bringing together people from Aotearoa and overseas through a shared love of sport.
More Than Just Medals
For many participants, the Rainbow Games is about far more than winning.
The event provides opportunities to build friendships, connect with chosen family and enjoy sport in an environment that celebrates diversity.
Established by the Pacific Rainbow Games Trust, the Games are guided by values including tūrangawaewae (belonging), mana motuhake (self-determination), hauora (wellbeing) and manaakitanga (care and support).
The 2026 event builds on the success of the first Rainbow Games, held in Auckland in 2024, continuing its mission to make sport more accessible and welcoming for LGBTQ+ communities.
With competitors travelling from across the region, the Games also highlight Aotearoa’s place in the wider Pacific rainbow sporting community.
Rainbow Games Continue Throughout The Weekend
The celebrations are far from over!
Rainbow Games 2026 continues until Sunday 1 November, with sporting competitions, community activities and social events taking place across Tāmaki Makaurau.
The weekend concludes with a Closing Ceremony at Longroom in Ponsonby on Sunday evening, bringing participants and supporters together to celebrate their achievements.
Spectators are also welcome at many sporting events, with free tickets available for designated venues.
For event schedules, venue information and spectator details, visit rainbowgames.co.nz.
From drag royalty to sporting champions, the Rainbow Games 2026 has officially begun — and Auckland is ready to play at full volume! 🌈🏅 Check out the pics from the evening below!
PHOTO CREDIT: Cuetone Media
