Rainbow groups and events

Creatives & Coffee

A Wellington-based group of crafters - knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, cross-stitchers, ceramicists, and other types of artists. They meet once a month, alternating between Wellington City and Petone, usually on the first or second Saturday, and have a coffee and a chat. Some take their crafts along, others don't - it's up to you! More info on facebook

Next event Saturday 18^th April, 11am-2pm @ Petone Library 7 Britannia St. ... facebook event page

Wellington Wanderers

A rainbow community walking group and open to all. Join a group of lovely people, take part in banter and traverse our beautiful scenery mostly on Saturday mornings. All walks are events in the facebook group. Join by simply turning up.

Wellington waterfront walk Sunday 19^th April 10:30am

Meet near the front entrance steps to Circa Theatre/Chouchou and we'll walk in the direction of Oriental Bay. We'll walk for about an hour or so and then turn around and head back. Optional coffee at the end.

For each walk bring water to drink, snacks and/or lunch, sunscreen and hat, dogs (optional if allowed) on leads. Wear appropriate footwear [tracks may be muddy], suitable clothes for the weather [incl rain/wind proof jacket for exposed walks].

Rainbow Dragon Club

Sunday 26^th April 6pm @ Newtown Community Centre cnr Rintoul and Colombo Streets
You are welcome to bring along your own games, miniatures, and paints. Or just bring yourself and try out a game in their collection! Follow on facebook

Rainbow Wellington movie fundraiser - The Devil Wears Prada 2

Light House Cuba Thursday 30 April 5:50pm

Join us for a special fundraising screening of The Devil Wears Prada 2 in support of Rainbow Wellington. This community movie night is a chance to glam up (if you want to) come together, enjoy a great film, and support the important work being done to strengthen and celebrate Rainbow communities in Wellington.
Set a decade after the original movie, TDWP2 revisits the OG cast and some great outfits with Miranda Priestly struggles against Emily Charlton, her former assistant turned rival executive, as they compete for advertising revenue amid declining print media, while Miranda nears retirement.
Very limited tickets are available ... more info incl tix link on the facebook event page

LGBTI history walk tours

Sunday 3^rd May: Violet tour

Join this 90-minute walk tour of inner city Wellington, New Zealand and learn about:
- Homosexual Law Reform
- LGBTI rainbow personalities
- Churches and LGBTI rainbow communities
- Imprisonment on Matiu Somes Island
- A WW1 same-sex love story
More info on the Walktours webpage and on the facebook event page.
The tour is free but please register at walktours.nz. No bookings no walk!>

Walk Tours NZ is a Volunteer group that offers free, accessible, inclusive and community-focused walking tours around Wellington highlighting the city’s rich LGBTI rainbow heritage. Usually held on the first Sunday of the month. They walk on flat, accessible public footpaths. Tours are limited to approximately 20 walkers.

Rainbow Wellington

Rainbow Wellington is an LGBTI+ organisation that focuses on networking, events and lobbying. Their website has information about past and present campaigns as well as directories of local LGBTI+ businesses, groups and activities. Follow on facebook

Social mixer events are held in a congenial bar on the second Friday of the month [usually] - check the website or facebook for updates ... and on other occasions.

• Friday 8^th May 5:30pm @ S&Ms, 176 Cuba St. facebook event page

Rainbow Wellington Grants

Rainbow Wellington operates a small grants programme to support individuals experiencing hardship, and people or groups that work with Rainbow and Takatāpui people in Pōneke. Grants are generally under $1,000, unless it is a large project or event that will benefit hundreds or thousands of people in Pōneke. There is a quarterly system:
- round one opened 15 November, closed 16 January - esp. for Pride events
- round two opens 1 April, closes 15 May
- round three opens 1 July, closes 15 August
- round four opens 1 September, closes 15 October
More info on the Rainbow Wellington grants webpage.

CampGround Rainbow Comedy Night

Thursday 14^th May 8pm @ Ivy Bar and Cabaret, 63 Cuba St.

A comedy showcase of our best LGBTQAII+ standup comedians, [usually] on the second Thursdays of the month usually. Featuring polished pros and hilarious up-and-comers. Support your community by laughing with us!

The Glamaphones

The Glamaphones are Wellington's all-inclusive rainbow choir based at St Andrews on the Terrace. They are a friendly mixed choir and welcome anyone who wishes to sing - no auditions! They sing a range of music including pop, classical, spirituals, world, choral, musical, and jazz classics. Follow the Glamaphones on their website. Rehearsals on Thursdays 6.30pm (usually) at St Andrews on the Terrace.

Wellington Rainbow Youth Choir

Wellington Rainbow Youth Choir is a new choir welcoming rainbow rangatahi and their allies aged 13+ from across the Greater Wellington region. They rehearse from 5-6 pm on Wednesdays during school term.
Find them in Community Room 1 at Te Matapihi ki te Ao Nui, the central library on Victoria Street, Wellington City Centre
No auditions or singing experience needed to join a rehearsal!
More info on their facebook page including registration.

Same sex dancing classes

The Sunday night DANSS classes are for the LGBTI community and friends who wish to learn some classical Ballroom, some funky Latin American and some elegant New Vogue dance moves. A partner is not necessary however an attitude in wanting to learn and having fun is required.
Classes are held at the Thistle Hall, corner of Cuba and Arthur Streets.
Beginner's class start at 7 pm and the Intermediate classes start at 8 pm. Payment is by koha/donation.

Check the DANSS facebook page or website for more information.

Gay bars

Ivy Bar and Cabaret

James Smiths Basement, 49 Cuba Street - ivybar.co.nz - they have lots of shows and events

S&M's - Scotty and Mal's Cocktail and Lounge Bar

176 Cuba Street - www.scottyandmals.co.nz - also has a busy events programme

facebook and other social media groups

• The Rainbow Forecast - weekly Wellington queer events guide
• Rainbow Hutt Valley | Te Ngākau Kahukura o Te Awa Kairangi
• Rainbow Wellington Dogs (& their owners)
• Creatives & Coffee - a Wellington-based group of crafters - knitters, crocheters, embroiderers, cross-stitchers, ceramicists, and other types of artists. Meet monthly
• Queer crafters in the Hutt
• Queer whānau building Pōneke
• Queer Network NZ - Wellington Chapter - information sharing network
• Queer Wellington
• Tīwhanawhana is a takatāpui community group in Wellington that welcomes people of all diverse sexualities and gender. The kaupapa of Tīwhanawhana is primarily for takatāpui: building community, telling our stories and leaving legacies.
• Out at Work - union group
• UniQ Victoria - facebook groups for queer students
• UniQ Massey Wellington
• Lost Gay Wellington
• Queer Network NZ Wellington Chapter
• Vinegar Hill Gay Camping for rainbow people and their families over Christmas and the New Year holiday period

and no doubt there are many many more ...