Aotearoa’s gayest day of the year. Join more than 10,000 rainbow people and their whānau and friends for a day of music, food, dance, and colour.
But, because of COVID-19 contact tracing requirements, all event attendees will be required to register for a FREE ticket. If you are taking the special bus from K Road to the event you will also need to pre-purchase a ticket here.
NOTE – information in this story provided by the New Zealand AIDS Foundation.
Who organises the Big Gay Out?
The Big Gay Out was saved by the New Zealand AIDS Foundation (NZAF), who also run Ending HIV, nearly 20 years ago. We took it on as we know how important this event is for many in the community – to have a space for our communities to all come together in large numbers and express our authentic selves, to connect with services and groups for our communities, and most importantly to celebrate our wins as a community and to advocate for more progress.
NZAF are not funded to organise this event, but our aim is to keep the event free and accessible every year for everyone. The event is funded through meaningful partnerships with organisations and funding from granting bodies, but this gets more and more challenging each year as expenses continue to rise. Please help us to keep it free by dropping a donation in one of the donation buckets dotted around the park.
How do I get there?
Street parking is even more limited this year, and we want to minimise the carbon footprint of the event – so please don’t drive (unless you’re car-pooling). There are public buses that will take you to Point Chevalier – plan your trip here. You may need to walk/scooter a short distance from the bus stop. Our Big Gay Buses are also an option – although they do have limited spaces on board so get in fast – we have added a Big Gay Bus route from Britomart to help those of you who live in the city or can catch the train, ferry or Northern Express Bus into the city.
What should I wear?
Anything you like, but make sure you’re comfortable, wearing appropriate footwear and sun-safe. We love to see you dressed in your best, donning your favourite outfits and literally wearing your pride on your sleeves in this very safe space – just remember that children will be there too, so please keep this in mind while planning your look for the big day.
Can I bring my pet?
Dogs are very welcome, and we’ve teamed up with SAFE to provide a nice shaded area and water for the doggies in the ANZ Big Gay Marketplace. While we would love to see other animals, it’s probably best they stay home.
What facilities are there if I have accessibility needs?
We have plenty of mobility parking spaces super close to the park and there are a number of wide accessways around the park (both concrete and grass) for you. There are also two large toilets that fit electric wheelchairs. If you have any questions, come to the event information tent at the entrance to the event.
Who is this event for?
If you’re a member of Aotearoa’s Rainbow communities (which includes people identifying as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, takatāpui, whakawāhine, tangata ira tāne, fa’afafine, fakaleiti, akava’ine, māhū, vaka sa lewa lewa, rae rae, fiafifine, fakafifine, palopa, kathoey, hijra, baklâ, genderfluid, genderqueer, pansexual, asexual, queer and questioning – as well as our whānau and friends) or an ally, then this is the day for you – so, please join us for the party – people of all ages and abilities are welcome! Please know that Big Gay Out first and foremost needs to be a safe space for our communities.
What is an ally?
An ally is someone who doesn’t necessarily identify as a member of these communities, BUT supports equal civil rights, gender equality, Rainbow social movements and challenges prejudice directed at these communities. An ally acknowledges that our communities face discrimination and aims to use their position in their own communities to challenge this discrimination in all its forms.
What should I bring with me?
We’re expecting a hot, sunny day – so come prepared for that with a water bottle, sun umbrella, hat and/or sun cream. There will be stations to fill water bottles and lather on more sun cream. Also bring money and an ID if you intend to access the R18 areas. Most stalls will have Eftpos and there will be cash out facilities too.
Is there good cellphone coverage at Coyle Park?
Not really, to be honest – so take a look at our map and plan ahead if you’re trying to meet up with people. On the best of days coverage is pretty bad, but with over 10,000 people at the park, it will still be a bit slower than you’re used to.
Where are the toilets?
All of the toilets are located under the trees by the ANZ Big Gay Marketplace. We know this is quite far away from the stage area, which always inconveniences a few people, but we are limited on flat, shaded areas for toilets to go, so they all have to go in this area. This way you can also enjoy the offerings in the marketplace as you pass through. There are a couple of larger accessible toilets in the area too.
What if it rains?
We’re praying for perfect weather, but if it rains then the event will still be on. Should an extreme weather event occur, then the event will be postponed to 28 February 2021.
Is there shade and water at the event?
We’ve done our best to improve the shade options this year, but at the end of the day it is a free, outdoor event in the peak of Summer. We allow people to BYO marquees to set up. Please check the event map for the location for this. It is first in first served, so come early if you want to do this. There is water available in the ANZ Big Gay Marketplace and there is free sunblock on offer at many of our stalls and the event information tent.
Can I bring my own food or alcohol?
You can bring your own food with you! There are a couple of bars at the event where those who are 18+ can purchase alcohol. BGO is a very lucky event as Coyle Park isn’t a liquor ban area. Anybody who brings a “picnic” along, we ask that they do so sensibly so that people can keep bringing “picnics” for many years to come 😉.
Can I smoke or vape at the event?
The event is smoke and vape-free. Please head down Pt Chev Road if you want to smoke or vape – but be respectful of our neighbours.
Is there a hashtag for social media?
We’d love to see your photos, so share them with #BigGayOut and #BGO2021 for all platforms with hashtags.
Where is the pre- or after-party?
There are no official Big Gay Out pre- or after-parties.
Where do I get that awesome Big Gay Out merchandise from?
Our merchandise tent is at the entrance to the ANZ Big Gay Marketplace. Come and grab it all! All proceeds are a donation to NZAF. Any merchandise leftover will be sold online after the event for those who couldn’t make it.
Can I hand out flyers/material at the event?
No. The event is strictly zero waste, so no group or organisation is permitted to distribute any unauthorised material. There is a harsh fine for anyone caught doing so, as it will put our council permit in jeopardy for future events.
Do I need to bring cash?
Most stalls will accept cash and Eftpos. There will be cash out facilities near the main entrance to the event for those who prefer cash – also, if you plan to catch the event buses, these will be $5 cash each way.
COVID-19 FAQs
What are you doing about Covid-19?
As with every major event happening this Summer we have put a lot of energy into ensuring the event is safe for people to attend. Everyone is required to get a free ticket that they will need to show to get in (this is for contact-tracing purposes). We’ll also supply plenty of hand sanitiser and soap for scrubbing those hands nice and clean. PLEASE STAY HOME if you are feeling unwell. The event is fabulous, but certainly not worth causing another outbreak and subsequent lockdown.
Why do I need a ticket?
We’re asking everyone to get a free ticket so that we can support the Ministry of Health to contact trace attendees ASAP if someone with Covid-19 attends the event. You can leave and return to the event on the same ticket.
Does my child need a ticket?
Children (if coming with a parent/guardian who has a valid ticket) do not need a ticket to enter the event. However if young people are attending without a parent/guardian they will need a ticket.
Do I need to show ID to match my ticket?
We will not be checking photo ID matches your ticket. We trust our community and know that everyone will register their details correctly when ordering their e-ticket.