The annual Rainbow on the Plains Festival is set to return to Hay from Thursday, November 13th to Sunday, November 16th, 2025, operating under the theme of "Transition."

IN SHORT:

• Dates & Theme: The annual festival runs from Thursday, November 13th to Sunday, November 16th, 2025, in Hay, operating under the theme of "Transition."
• Key Entertainment: The lineup includes high-profile performers Thndo, PAULINE & ZOE BADWI, and top drag acts like Shelita Buffet and Angel Cupcakes across four days of events.
• Economic Impact: The four-day event is expected to provide a significant economic boost for Hay and businesses along major travel routes, with travellers advised to book accommodation well in advance due to high demand.

The four-day Pride event is expected to attract visitors from across the region and beyond, promising an economic boost for businesses in Hay and bringing visitors together for the annual celebration.

The festival, which celebrates the LGBTIQA+ community and rural inclusion, has become a key date on the Riverina's events calendar, bringing much-needed foot traffic and tourism revenue to the wider western Riverina.

Local accommodation providers, service stations, and food vendors in towns along the key travel routes are tipped to benefit from the influx of attendees.

Festival Lineup and Key Events

Organisers have announced a diverse schedule of events catering to various age groups, highlighted by several high-profile performers.

The weekend kicks off on Thursday, November 13th, with an event at the South Hay Hotel hosted by drag performer Shelita Buffet. The main concert, "Rainbow on the Greens," takes place on Friday, November 14th, featuring singer Thndo, along with a lineup of drag performers including Angel Cupcakes and DJs, concluding with a fireworks display.

The iconic Street Parade will move through Lachlan Street on Saturday, November 15th, followed by the Angie Fair Day at Hay Park—a free family event with markets, food, and youth activities.

The festival’s adult-only closing event, the Saturday After Party (strictly 18+), will be hosted by Ringmaster ZA! N and headlined by performers PAULINE & ZOE BADWI.

The weekend wraps up on Sunday, November 16th, with a send-off brunch at the Hay Bakery.

Focus on Community and Inclusion

The "Transition" theme for 2025 is noted by organisers as a way to acknowledge and celebrate journeys of growth, self-discovery, and the resilience of the trans community.

The festival’s strength lies in its commitment to providing an inclusive space for rural and remote LGBTIQA+ community members and their allies, ensuring a welcoming environment for all attending from the surrounding areas.

For residents travelling from Central Darling, Carrathool, or Balranald, accommodation is expected to be tight in Hay. Visitors are advised to book well in advance or consider day trips or booking in nearby townships to support a broader range of regional businesses.

The free and family-friendly events, particularly the Street Parade and the Angie Fair Day, provide easily accessible ways for locals to engage with the festival without requiring paid tickets.

Festival organisers encourage visitors to check the official website and social media for ticketing and any schedule updates.

A History of Pride: The Rise of Rainbow on the Plains

The Rainbow on the Plains Festival has rapidly evolved from a small, local gathering into a significant annual event, shining a spotlight on rural LGBTQIA+ issues and bringing an economic boost to the western Riverina.

Established in 2018 in Hay, the festival's history is rooted in a simple idea that quickly gained momentum.

Grassroots Beginnings (2018-2019)

The Concept: The festival began as a grassroots initiative by local residents. It was originally conceived by a group of three local mothers as a small fundraising event where friends could gather to watch the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras television coverage.

Rapid Growth: The initial concept quickly expanded. With support from community partners like ACON, the idea snowballed into a three-day festival, dubbed 'Rainbow on the Plains.'

The First Parade: The inaugural 2018 festival was marked by enthusiasm, featuring its own street parade, local entertainment, and strong community engagement, designed to show that rural Australia is changing and welcoming to all.

Early Success: By the second festival in 2019, attendance had reportedly doubled. Organisers noted that the town's main accommodation was booked out for weeks, indicating a significant early boost not only for Hay but also for outlying regional towns whose accommodation capacity absorbed the overflow of visitors.

Navigating Challenges and Cementing its Role

The Drought and Funding: Even in its early years, the festival was recognised for its dual importance: promoting inclusion and providing a vital economic stimulus.

In 2019, the festival secured federal funding through the Tackling Tough Times Together program, explicitly aimed at keeping money flowing through local shops and supporting businesses during severe drought.

The Pandemic Interruption: Like many events, the 2020 and 2021 festivals were cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, interrupting the annual flow of tourists and revenue to the region.

Resilience and Return (2022 onwards): The festival made a strong return, continuing its tradition of high-profile entertainment and community-focused events.

The 2022 festival, for instance, successfully broke a national record for the largest "human rainbow," symbolising the number of allies the rural community has.

The Festival's Core Mission

Operated by the Hay Mardi Gras Incorporated and run solely by community volunteers, the festival has consistently maintained three core goals, which directly impact the wider region:

Inclusion and Visibility: Providing an important opportunity for rural and remote LGBTQIA+ individuals and their allies to be seen, heard, and acknowledged, fostering a more inclusive atmosphere across the Hay Plains.

Mental Health: Maintaining a focus on mental health and the unique challenges faced by all rural and remote residents.

Economic Benefit: Serving as a significant tourism drawcard, the festival's aim is not to make a profit for the committee, but to ensure that money is brought into the local economy.

The festival has clearly established itself as more than just a party; it is seen by its founders and supporters as an opportunity to change lives and create a welcoming, strong, and positive environment in the rural heartland.