The 2016 Gay Ski Week Queenstown boasts a fantastic schedule of events that make it bigger and better than ever before.
The 2016 Gay Ski Week Queenstown has a fantastic schedule of events to make it bigger and better than ever before.
Tickets are now on sale for the Southern Hemisphere’s largest Winter Pride event. Hundreds of queer people will converge on Queenstown between August 27 and September 3 for a week-long celebration of skiing, socialising and fun-fuelled evenings.
Organisers Sally and Mandy Whitewoods described this week’s event calendar as “action-packed,” with new events and some familiar favourites returning.
“Gay Ski Week QT is firmly established as a ‘must-do’ on the national and international Gay and Lesbian calendar and we’re always looking to make it bigger and better than the year before,” said Sally Whitewoods.
The program kicks off with a bang at the Broken Shed Opening Party at The World Bar on Saturday 27 August. Guests will start the night with a complimentary drink and nibbles before dancing the night away with some soon-to-be-announced DJs.
Partygoers are encouraged to climb aboard Southern Discoveries’ famous Spirit of Queenstown catamaran at St Omers Wharf and yell ‘Anchors Away’ as they head out for a fun night cruise on Queenstown’s stunning Lake Wakatipu on Sunday (28 August).
Laugh the night away at Queenstown’s favourite Italian restaurant, Sasso, at MoreFM’s fun and lively Comedy Night with the ever-fabulous Neil Thornton. Warm up with some beautiful food (included in the ticket price) as a great venue, great act and appreciative audience make for the perfect après-ski session after a day of spring skiing.
Award-winning Central Otago winery Gibbston Valley presents The Caluzzi Queens Cabaret Night on Wednesday. The night is a great excuse to dust off the ‘best frock’ and enjoy a complimentary drink before heading up the Skyline Gondola, with its stunning views of the township, lake and Remarkables mountain range.
“This is always a fantastic and slightly over-the-top night out and an opportunity to indulge in one of Skyline’s legendary cabaret dinners with live music from Auckland’s Caluzzi Girls, 450m above Queenstown,” said Whitewoods.
For those who’ve ever fancied themselves the next James Bond or Darth Vader, the Heroes and Villains themed final night dance party is definitely a ‘must-do’ on the social calendar. Presented by Family Bar & Nightclub, it’s back at the popular Queenstown Memorial Centre.
“From Superman to Catwoman or any hero or villain in between, the outfits that break out from the closet for this party are something to behold!” said Whitewoods.
Other highlights during the week include Queer Quiz Night, a fun and social quiz night with a glamorous host and fabulous prizes up for grabs, the infamous SKYCITY Casino Karaoke night hosted by Miss Ribena and a Desperado’s Foam Party held at Loco Cantina.
“Every year, more and more people attend and new sponsors and local businesses come on board and embrace the festival experience,” said Whitewoods.
“Queenstown comes alive during Gay Ski Week, it’s a great time of year to make the most of everything the resort offers for a fantastic winter holiday, and it’s a great opportunity for local businesses to get involved with the LGBT community.”
Tickets are now available here.
Visit the official Facebook Page.