What’s on at BGO 2026?
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BGO Mainstage
Hosted by the iconic Kita Mean and Anita Wiglit, the Big Gay Out mainstage features a line-up of exceptional performers from Aotearoa and around the world!
Mainstage MCs & Headliners
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VÏKAE is a fiercely original Ukrainian-born, Aotearoa-based artist whose work blurs the lines between dark-pop performance and alt-pop provocation. Drawing from her classical vocal training and life experience, she crafts music that’s at once cinematic, raw, and defiantly heartfelt, using her voice as both artistic expression and social commentary. Originally trained in classical music and later honored with a Bachelor of Music, VÏKAE’s songwriting has earned chart recognition and festival stages across New Zealand, from Baydreams to Mardi Gras. Her evolving project Doomsday Collective showcases her fearless blend of emotional depth, synth-driven hooks, and biting lyricism, inviting listeners into a world where resilience, identity, and defiance resonate with every beat.
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Born in South Africa with roots stretching across the African continent - and now living in Aotearoa, New Zealand, Jujulipps is a true child of the African diaspora. Moving to New Zealand with her family at age 12 her exposure to Māori and Pasifika performance art & culture encouraged her to reconnect with her own cultural roots. Originally the Jujulipps moniker was an insult used against her by high school bullies, but through her journey with music she has reclaimed Jujulipps as being a name firmly rooted in power and control. Now, instead of it being a schoolyard insult, Jujulipps is screamed out loudly by adoring fans as she commands the stage. Well before breaking out into the industry with her award-winning debut EP Get That Shot (in late 2023) Jujulipps has long carried the energy and aura of a seasoned superstar.
Jujulipps’ star has quickly risen to the forefront of New Zealand’s hip-hop industry. Accolades to her name include winning the highly coveted Best Independent Debut Taite Prize in 2024, sharing the stage with renowned artists like Cakes Da Killa and Sudan Archives, and a plethora of live performance appearances at festivals including Northern Bass, Rhythm & Vines, Eden Festival, NEST FEST, Cuba Dupa.
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Pilar Dizon is a DJ (Dr. D), tech/bass house producer, and physical therapist, whose breakout moment came on Netflix’s The Ultimatum: Queer Love. On the show, Pilar shared an emotional journey of love, growth, and self-discovery. Central to Pilar’s story is the courage she showed in facing her family’s rejection of her relationship with her long-term partner, Haley, a vulnerability that resonated deeply with viewers and helped cultivate a passionate audience drawn to her authenticity as much as her art. Since the show’s release, Pilar has connected with her audience beyond reality TV, creating a rare bridge between mainstream culture and the electronic music scene. With a unique blend of emotional storytelling and a love for music, cooking, and travel, Pilar uses her platform to explore the intersections of love, identity, and creativity.
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Anita Wigl’it and Kita Mean are two of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most iconic drag superstars, known for their razor-sharp comedy, high-camp glamour, and undeniable stage presence. Co-owners and resident stars of Auckland’s legendary Caluzzi Cabaret, they have captivated audiences across New Zealand and around the world through live performance, television, and touring shows. Both rose to international fame on RuPaul’s Drag Race — with Kita making herstory as the inaugural winner of Drag Race Down Under, and Anita becoming the first queen to be crowned Miss Congeniality twice across global franchises. Together and individually, they have fronted hit TV series including House of Drag, starred on major stages, festivals and screens, and continue to delight audiences with their warmth, wit, and unapologetic fabulousness.
Mainstage Set Times
Big Gay Dance Party (R18)
DJ Jordan Eskra returns for the biggest outdoor gay party of the summer – the Big Gay Dance Party!
Dance your way through six hours of non-stop, feel-good tunes with an epic DJ lineup featuring THROCAT, CHELS, and Jordan Eskra himself, bringing the energy from start to finish.
Expect show-stopping drag and dance performances throughout the afternoon and evening, featuring Crystal Quartz, Hugo Grrrl, Miss Geena, Rita Menu and Ruby Reveal, with dancers serving looks, attitude, and pure joy.
The Big Gay Dance Party is the ultimate celebration of pride, music, and community at Big Gay Out 2026 - come ready to move, cheer, and soak up the magic.
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Jordan is one of New Zealand’s favourite gay DJs. He began Dj'ng on vinyl over a decade ago and has since played parties in Australia, Canada and New Zealand. His crowd-pleasing mixes have filled dance floors at LGBT parties and nightclubs up and down the country. He can definitely rock a dance floor and brings incredible energy when he hits the decks. Averse to categorisation into one particular style his sets include house, pop, vocal house, anthems, electro, tribal and everything in between.
Jordan has played all of the biggest gay events in New Zealand including Big Gay Out, Auckland Pride, Proud, Wellington Pride, Propaganda, Homo House, TOP, Christchurch Pride, Gay Ski Week QT and Winter Pride. He has spun at Sydney Mardi Gras and World Pride. He has shared the stage with some of New Zealand’s most prominent DJ’s and some of the most famous faces in the gay party circuit, Kitty Glitter (AUS), Dan Slater (AUS), Sexshooters (UK), Dan Murphy (AUS), Hector Fonseca (US), Bimbo Jones (US), Moto Blanco (UK), Wayne G (UK), Jodie Harsh (UK) and the Freemasons (UK). He shows no stopping with more productions on the way and more exciting events yet to be announced!
Thirst Trap Ball 6
In partnership with the House of Givenchy, the Thirst Trap Ball is back - and for the first time, the dolls are hitting the BGO Mainstage!
Expect high-fashion fantasy, razor-sharp performance, and bodies doing the most as competitors battle it out across runway, performance, hands, and body categories. With $250 on the line for each category, this is a ball where confidence is currency and every detail counts. Come for the looks, stay for the attitude, lose your mind for the battles.
Presiding over the floor is an iconic judging panel — Prince Lewa Coven-Aucoin, Cheyenne De L’Amour, Princess 007, Ira Givenchy, and Cia Iman — with OA Mother Honey Givenchy commanding the mic as MC, Sistrah Gardenia delivering sharp commentary, and DJ Blush.MP3 setting the pulse from behind the decks. Whether you’re walking, cheering, or clocking the drama from the sidelines, Thirst Trap Ball 6 is pure ballroom excellence - unapologetic, electric, and unmissable at Big Gay Out 2026.
Big Gay Bar:
Alcohol (and non-alcoholic) options are available at our Big Gay Bar, located right next to the Big Gay Dance Party.
Hauora Hub:
We're hosting a range of incredible community groups and organisations in our Hauora Hub - this is a great opportunity to engage with some amazing kaupapa that support our communities.
HIV and STI testing:
Auckland Sexual Health Service will be onsite to provide free HIV and STI testing.
Low-sensory space
We’re delighted to offer a low-sensory environment at Big Gay Out this year, in partnership with Greyhounds As Pets. Check out for a bit, step out of the sun and the noise, even pet a friendly greyhound if you want!
Other BGO hot-spots
Southern Cross Big Gay Picnic:
Whether you’re getting kai from one of our delicious food vendors, or whether you’ve brought a cute little picnic from home, we have a dedicated space where you can chill out with your friends and whānau.
Big Gay Marketplace:
The Big Gay Marketplace is back, with over 120 vendors selling a range of products from kai to artisanal products from local queer retailers, and more.
Partners area:
Our partners will be out in force with a bunch of cool activations, freebies, giveaways, drag queens, and plenty of shade!
Financial District:
A collab of 7 banks coming together to support festivalgoers in a non-pressured environment - making money fun!