The Rainbow Festival will be held in Orange from March 19-23 celebrating inclusion and acceptance within our community.
In short: The Rainbow Festival will be held from 19 to 23 March 2025
This year's festival features five days of events including Orange City Council's signature events and fringe events hosted by local venues.
Visit www.rainbowfest.com.au for event information and bookings.
This year the city's LGBTQIA+ festival will build on the success of last year's inaugural celebration with a five-day program of events, including signature events, the Rainbow Walk and the 18+ Street Party, hosted by Orange City Council.
Orange Mayor Tony Mileto encouraged residents to get involved in the celebration with our local LGBTQIA+ community.
"It's exciting to see the festival has developed into a five-day event that really embraces and promotes our diversity as a community, Cr Mileto said.
Orange City Council's Services Policy Committee Chair, Cr Marea is pleased local businesses have come on board to host their own fringe events as part of the festival program.
"I hope the expanded program of events draws visitors from all across the region and the state to join in a colourful celebration that shows what a welcoming and inclusive community we are."
Orange City Council's signature events are:
- Rainbow Walk and Community Gathering: Saturday 22 March, 10am to 1pm, starting in Robertson Park and heading to the Civic Square South Court - featuring live music and a variety of stalls offering everything from tasty treats to valuable community services.
- Rainbow Festival 18+ Street Party: Saturday 22 March, 5pm to 10pm, McNamara Street - featuring a celebrity MC, big-name entertainment and DJ Jimi the Kween.
Fringe events hosted by local venues are:
Wednesday 19 March
- Queer Film Festival: 7.30pm to 10pm, Odeon 5 Cinemas, hosted by Charles Sturt University.
Friday 21 March
- Give it a go with Pinnacle Dragon Boating Club, 9am, Lake Canobolas, hosted by Pinnacle Dragon Boating Club
- Comedy Night featuring Rhys Nicholson and Kirsty Webeck, 6.30pm to 9pm, Orange Function Centre, hosted by Central West Comedy.
- 50 Years of Pride and Mardy Gras Anthem Dance Party, 6pm to 11pm, Parrot Distilling Co, hosted by Studio2800
Sunday 23 March
- Doggie Drag Queen Day Out, 11am, Heifer Station Wines
- Rainbow Garden Lunch, 12.30pm, The Oriana Gardens
- Last Drinks at Hey Rosey, 3.30pm, Hey Rosey
The 2025 Rainbow Festival is funded by Orange City Council ($30,000), Destination NSW ($20,000) and Newmont ($20,000), and supported by Orange360, along with sponsors Cheney Suthers and Yallungah Boutique Hotel.
