As Miss Vanjie Makes Historic New Zealand Debut
Palmerston North is preparing to welcome visitors from across Aotearoa this October as Palmy Drag Fest returns for its sixth year, with more than 70% of tickets already sold for what organisers are calling the festival’s biggest and boldest celebration yet.
Headlining the festival is RuPaul’s Drag Race superstar Miss Vanjie, who will make her first-ever appearance in New Zealand, performing exclusively at Palmy Drag Fest. She joins an all-star lineup including Kita Mean, Elektra Shock, Vybe, Hugo Grrrl, Rita Menu and more than 20 performers from across New Zealand and Australia.
“This is a huge moment not just for Palmy Drag Fest, but for New Zealand drag,” says Artistic Director Henrique Beirão, also known as Rhubarb Rouge. To welcome an international icon like Miss Vanjie for her New Zealand debut is something we have dreamed about for years. It shows just how far the festival has come and puts Palmerston North firmly on the map as a destination for world-class drag entertainment.”
Running from Thursday 1 October to Saturday 3 October, the festival begins with Drag Bingo before continuing with a programme of drag, entertainment and community events, with further festival events to be announced.
The celebrations culminate on Saturday with two of the festival’s biggest attractions. The Rainbow Fair returns to the Palmerston North Conference & Function Centre from 10am to 2pm, offering free entry thanks to Local Health. With more than 45 stallholders already registered, the fair will bring together local businesses, artists, community
organisations, performers and makers in a vibrant celebration of rainbow communities.
The festival then takes over the Regent on Broadway for its biggest main show yet, featuring more than 20 performers and an ambitious circus-inspired production packed with spectacular costumes, comedy, dance, live entertainment and high-energy drag.
“Every year we raise the bar, but 2026 is on another level,” says Beirão. “We have sold out year after year, and with more than 70% of tickets already gone, we are encouraging people to book now. The festival brings visitors into Palmerston North, supports local hospitality and accommodation providers, and gives audiences another reason to make a full weekend of their visit.”
Palmy Drag Fest 2026 runs from 1–3 October, with the main show at the Regent on Broadway on Saturday 3 October.
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