Rainbow Games set to open in spectacular style on Thursday 29 October
Tickets are now on sale for the Opening Ceremony of the Rainbow Games in which Anita Wigl’it, Ramon Te Wake, Ardon England and Luke Bird lead a spectacular celebration of rainbow culture, community and sport at Auckland’s Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre
Rainbow Games 2026 has unveiled details of its spectacular Opening Ceremony, with tickets now on sale for the celebration that will officially launch four days of rainbow sport, culture and community in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
Taking place at the Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre, on Thursday 29 October, the Opening Ceremony will bring together some of Aotearoa’s leading rainbow entertainers for an unforgettable night welcoming athletes, supporters and rainbow whānau from across Aotearoa and the Pacific.
The show will feature RuPaul’s Drag Race favourites Anita Wigl’it and Rita Menu, acclaimed filmmaker and musician Ramon Te Wake, rising queer electronic artist Ardon England, and award-winning entertainer and television personality Luke Bird.
Rainbow Games Chair and Kaitohu Ao Māori Tux Hika says the Opening Ceremony will carry a distinctly Aotearoa welcome.
“Nau mai rā! The Opening Ceremony marks one of the first experiences players have of the Games. Grounding that welcome in te ao Māori and queerness signals from the outset that you are invited to show up fully as yourself, and that you belong here.”
Rainbow Games Programme Director Teresa Platt says the ceremony will set the tone for everything the Games represent.
“The kaupapa of the Games is inclusion and celebrating our diversity. The Opening Ceremony is loud and proud and will showcase this kaupapa from the minute you step through the doors of the Aotea Centre. Come along and play at full volume.”
The creative concept for the evening brings together rainbow culture, sport, performance and community in a bold theatrical setting, with the experience beginning from the moment guests arrive at Auckland’s Aotea Centre.
Inside the theatre, custom visuals, music, lighting, live performance and celebrations of the Rainbow Games athletes will combine to officially welcome participants before the sporting competition gets under way the following day.
Opening Ceremony Director Jordan Eskra, who also directed the inaugural Rainbow Games ceremony in 2024, says audiences can expect an even bigger celebration this time around.
“This year is going to be even more fabulous. With so much planned and our community coming together from all corners, we’re creating something truly special. It’s going to be an incredible celebration of Rainbow Artistry in Aotearoa.”
OPENING CEREMONY
Thursday 29 October 2026
Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre, Aotea Centre
Performance: 7pm–8.45pm
Tickets are available through Moshtix.
Early Bird: $20
Concession: $25
General Admission: $29.95
https://www.moshtix.co.nz/v2/event/rainbow-games-opening-ceremony/200130
Entry to the Opening Ceremony is included for registered Rainbow Games participants.
Registrations are open now at rainbowgames.co.nz.
