Winter Pride NZ: Come Be Gay in the Snow!
Winter Pride is back this year- and gayer than ever! The festival is the largest winter pride in the Southern Hemisphere, running from August 15th to 24th. If you’re looking for a mid-Winter getaway, then this is the perfect opportunity. Mixing a ski trip with a gay festival- what could be better?
What is Winter Pride?
Winter Pride was founded in 2oo3 as Gay Ski Week by Mike Sanford, and is held annually in Queenstown, New Zealand. The festival boasts attracting people from all around the world as a queer event that blends the love for winter sport with a vibrant celebration of queer identities. It was renamed Winter Pride in 2017, under the new leadership of Mike Hughs and Martin King. Nowadays, the fabulous Sam Coulthard runs the ship, keeping Winter Pride as the iconic festival known all over the world.
Festival Highlights
Over ten days, you can immerse yourself in
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On-Mountain Activities: skiing, snowboarding, and scenic mountain walks in the gorgeous scenary of Queenstown.
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Off-Mountain Entertainment: Dance parties featuring renowned Australasian DJs, live performances, and of course, drag queens
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Community Engagement: Participate in events that support local youth and charities.
Lineup
The festival boasts a packed schedule of events across various locations:
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Opening Cocktail Reception: Kick off the festivities at Crowne Plaza on August 15
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Pride in the Park: Celebrate at Queenstown Waterfront on August 16
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Onesie Day: Hit the slopes at The Remarkables on August 17
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Togs in the Snow: Enjoy the fun at Cardrona on August 18
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Pride Colour Run: Participate in the vibrant run at The Remarkables on August 19.
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Ride ’em Cowboys: Experience the excitement at Cardrona on August 20.
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Drag on Ice: Witness dazzling performances at The Remarkables on August 21.
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Pride Wedding Expo: Explore wedding inspirations at Memorial Hall on August 22.
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Superhero Day: Embrace your inner hero at Cardrona on August 23
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Finale Party: Conclude the festival with a bang at Memorial Hall on August 23
Tickets and Access
Tickets for Winter Pride 2025 are available on the Winter Pride website.
We also have a special discount code for our readers, giving you a lovely discount for the Finale Party! Please
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