OUT & About Wānaka is excited to welcome visitors to today’s (Saturday November 16) Wānaka Pride Street Party, the pinnacle event of Wānaka Pride Week 2024.

The free, family-friendly celebration of inclusivity will include live music, DJs, comedy, dance performances, local food vendors, a craft market and activities for all ages, plus much more.

Organisers said highlights will include the Pride fashion show, performances by drag queens on the Love Loud stage throughout the day, the craft and info market featuring handmade creations from Wānaka artisans, and the raffle and auction.

Wānaka Pride Week began on Monday (November 11) and OUT & About Wānaka volunteer Catrin Aeron told the Wānaka App it had got off to a “fantastic start”.

“We kicked things off with a full house at the Queer Film Fest at Rhyme X Reason [and] every seat filled!” she said. “It was such a lovely, chilled vibe, and the films sparked some really meaningful conversations.” 

The craft and info market will return for today’s event.

“The whole evening had this beautiful, supportive energy that set the tone for the week.”

Tuesday’s Living Library event at the Wānaka Library had “another fantastic turnout,” she said.

“So many people from our community came to listen to the experiences of five 'books'—members of the rainbow community who shared their personal stories.

“We had some laughs, a few touching moments, and plenty of thoughtful questions.”

Other events this week have included ‘Queer Quarterly Reads’, a queer-themed book club at The Last Chapter, plus Pride Pledge training sessions designed to support inclusivity and understanding in workplaces and communities; as well as drag bingo, drag karaoke and more.

“We’re feeling incredibly grateful to everyone who’s joined us so far,” Catrin said.

The Wānaka Pride Street Party will be held at the Lake Wānaka Centre from midday.

St John and Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) will be present to ensure a safe, enjoyable day for all, organisers said.

Highlights will include performances by drag queens, a craft and info market, a fashion show, and more organisers said.

Night-owls can continue on after the pride street party with Pride After Dark, also at the Lake Wānaka Centre (from 7pm), which will feature DJs, burlesque, go-go dancers, drag queens, aerial silks and more.

Pride After Dark is a ticketed event. Book here.

PHOTOS: Deanna Gerlach