Palmy Drag Fest 2025: Bigger, Bolder, Unstoppable

11 September 2025

Palmerston North is about to sparkle brighter than ever as Palmy Drag Fest returns for its 5th year – and it’s already shaping up to be the biggest celebration of drag Aotearoa has ever seen.

Headlining the extravaganza are global drag powerhouses:

• Lawrence Chaney – winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK Season 2

• Kween Kong – star of RuPaul’s Drag Race Global All Stars

• Lazy Susan – winner of Drag Race Down Under Season 4

• Gabriella Labucci – Drag Race Down Under finalist and Melbourne icon

They’ll be joined by some of Aotearoa’s fiercest talent, including Kita Mean and Robin YaBlind, in a line-up guaranteed to dazzle.

With over 80% of tickets already sold, fans are urged to book now before it’s too late. Other festival events are also nearly sold out, proving the hunger for drag in Palmy is stronger than ever.

A Festival Beyond the Stage

Palmy Drag Fest isn’t just about the main event – it’s about community.

The Rainbow Fair returns bigger than ever at the Fly Palmy Arena on Saturday from 10am – 2pm, proudly supported by Local Health. Featuring the largest number of stalls to date and free entry, it’s the perfect daytime celebration before a disco nap and the evening spectacle.

The Main Event

The Main Show kicks off with doors opening at 7pm, where DJ Hoera will set the tone before audiences are whisked away by Drag Dreams Airlines at 8pm sharp. Expect a non-stop journey of glamour, comedy, and show-stopping performances.

Standing Proud in the Face of Adversity

Producer Ricky Beirao (who is also the MC and Host of the event Rhubarb Rouge) says the festival isn’t just about glitter and glamour – it’s about resilience:

“Our online ads always attract comments about grooming, being the children of satan, or wasting money. Earlier this year at the Auckland Pride Parade, our group was stopped by Destiny Church protesters. In that moment, we felt the fear – but also the power of community. More than ever, we knew why events like this matter.

We aren’t going nowhere. Gay has always meant happy – and that’s exactly what we are bringing to Palmy. Joy, pride, and unity.”

Palmy – The Drag Capital of NZ

With sell-out crowds, international stars, and community support stronger than ever, Palmy Drag Fest continues to prove that Palmerston North is the beating heart of drag in New Zealand.

© Scoop Media