Auckland Pride 2022: Your guide to the biggest events of the festival
Friday, 14 January 2022
Tāmaki Makaurau is set to once again fly the rainbow flag, as Pride month approaches.
More than 180 events will take place across the region throughout February for Auckland Pride 2022.
This year will honour 50 years of Pride in Aotearoa, with the festival theme ‘Ki Te Whai-Ao – To the Glimmer of Dawn’.
Aucklanders will be able to enjoy dance, theatre, music, cabaret, comedy, live art, film, drag performances, ballroom, circus, craft, literary events and public art exhibitions from February 1 through to February 27.
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This year there is a strong focus on the arts, with more than 90 events in the category – the largest number of arts offerings since Auckland Pride began.
Here’s a round-up of some events you won’t want to miss.
The main events:
Tuwheratanga
Pride festival is officially opened with a dawn blessing on February 1. It will begin at 6am at Albert Park Caretaker’s Cottage.
The blessing is a time to acknowledge mana whenua and takatāpui as well as reflect on the history of Pride on its 50th anniversary.
Pride Gala
On February 3, the Pride Gala will be held at Auckland’s Town Hall.
The gala, under the direction of Pride’s new creative director, Elyssia Wilson-Heti, will have a number of performances to get people into the spirit of the month.
Hosted by 2022 Billy T Award nominee Janaye Henry and Pasifika performer Paul Fagamalo, the gala will include ballroom showcases, previews of cirque show Carnies & Queers, spoken word, songs and poems.
Te Tīmatanga
A brand new month-long public arts and cultural festival will take place celebrating the talents of Aotearoa’s takatāpui.
It will host an array of Māori artists throughout Auckland central.
Ending HIV Big Gay Out
Big Gay Out returns to Pt Chevalier’s Coyle Park on February 13.
It’s an event suitable for all ages filled with music, markets, the thirst trap Vogue ball by House of Aitu, and what promises to be “the gayest dance party ever”.
A free event ticket and vaccine certificate will be required for entry.
Pride March
This year’s Pride March will kick off at Albert Park on February 26 at midday.
Queer-owned markets, chant practice and a sign-making station will be available at the park before speeches at the rotunda and a march into Aotea Square.
Pride party
Also on February 26, at 6pm, the Pride Party will be held in Aotea Square.
Two stages will showcase a variety of artists, and attendees will be able to grab a summer cocktail from one of the licensed bars in the area.
Family events:
Pride Family picnic
Presented by Auckland Council's Proud Centres, the family picnic takes place on February 12 at 11am, at Craigavon Park in Blockhouse Bay.
There will be bouncy castles, face painting, games and activities. Bring a picnic and a blanket and enjoy the entertainment.
Pride dance
A free dance session for all will be happening on February 11 at 10am at Albany Village Library.
The dance session will be led by two librarians outside under the Summer shade. Attendees are encouraged to wear their most festive rainbow clothes to show their support for pride month.
Theatre:
The Creeps
The Creeps is a dark, semi-improvised solo show, rooted in elements of physical clown theatre.
The show will be running at Q Theatre Loft from February 2 to February 5 at 6.45pm.
Sirens of the silver screen
Cabaret drag sensation Les Femmes are back at Pride with a brand-new show.
Accompanied by their seven-piece band, the show goes through a cinematic adventure with musical moments from famous films.
The show will run at the Civic Wintergarden on February 10 and 12 from 8pm.
Comedy:
No Homo: Queer Comedy
This night of comedy will showcase some of Aotearoa’s best queer comedians, including acts by Eli Matthewson, Janaye Henry and James Mustapic.
It’ll take place on February 10 at Q Theatre Rangatira at 8pm.
She’s Crowning
Netflix’s popular show The Crown has been adapted for the stage in a way you would never have expected.
The show will take place at the Basement Theatre from February 22 to 26 at 7.30pm.
Free Events:
Many of the events throughout Pride are free to enjoy – here’s a sample of a few.
Wildest Dreams and Game Changers
Wildest Dreams and Game Changers is a black orientated visual arts exhibition featuring artists from the rainbow community.
It runs from 9am at Q Theatre from February 1 right through to March 5.
Family Portraits
Auckland Council's Proud Centres, in partnership with Corban Estate Arts Centre, is hosting a photographic portrait series by Samora Kake and Edith Amituanai, which focuses on LGBTTQIA+ BIPOC (black, Indigenous and people of colour) communities.
The exhibition will run throughout February at Corban Estate Arts Centre in Henderson.
TEASE
Some of the best voguers in Aotearoa – House of IMAN and the Sistrahs – will perform in Freyberg Square in Auckland’s CBD.
The show will take place on February 4 at 7pm.
Vaccine passes are mandatory for all events within Pride and details of individual events’ Covid-19 plans are published on their event listing on the Auckland Pride website.