Wānaka Pride Week will take place this month, and has expanded from a one-day event to a full week celebrating love, joy and inclusivity, organisers say.

The event, organised by OUT&About Wānaka, will run from November 11-17, with film screenings, a living library, pride bingo, drag karaoke and more, before the “highlight of the week”, the Pride Street Party on Saturday (November 16).

Festival director Oliver Harcus said Out&About Wānaka had created Wānaka Pride Week to “make sure our rainbow rangatahi feel seen and celebrated”.

Festivities will kick off on Monday November 11 with the Queer Film Festival, showcasing a selection of New Zealand and Australian short films, and the following day a ‘Living Library’ will provide an opportunity for participants to hear from local rainbow community members.

Other events include a free rainbow awareness training session On Friday (November 15), hosted by Pride Pledge, which is designed to build understanding and support for the rainbow community. 

Also on Friday is Pride Bingo, hosted by Lady Bubbles, and later in the night “glitzy performances” at Drag Karaoke.

The Pride Street Party will return on Saturday (November 16), featuring three stages, food trucks, face painting, and performances from local artists including poets, musicians, comedians, dancers, and drag queens.

With whānau-friendly activities and a welcoming, safe, atmosphere, it is the biggest event of Pride Week and a must-attend for everyone in the community, Oliver said.

The celebration is taking place to “make sure our rainbow rangatahi feel seen and celebrated”, festival director Oliver Harcus said.

Night-owls can continue on to the Pride After Dark party on Saturday night, which will feature performances by DJs, GoGo dancers, drag queens, aerialists, and burlesque performers.

Oliver said the last year had been a “huge journey” for OUT&About Wānaka, which has evolved in the last year from a grassroots organisation to a registered charity delivering a large-scale event.

“A massive thank you to everyone who's helped bring Pride Week to life,” Oliver said. “We can’t wait to share this incredible week with you all.”

Find the full lineup and ticket information at the Out&AboutWanaka Facebook page here.

PHOTOS: Deanna Gerlach