“Rainbow on the Plains Festival gave me a safe place to be who I truly am, there was no pressure or expectation on me to be anyone else. I have been to many pride events, and while it is not intended, often there is a sense of status or class, not at this action-packed weekend of fun in Hay. Thank you, I will be back next year”
Josh
Festival Attendee 2022
Under the umbrella of the Hay Mardi Gras Incorporated, the Rainbow on the Plains Festival is an annual event with a strong focus on celebrating rural and remote LGBTIQA+ communities. The uniqueness of the Rainbow on the Plains Festival comes from its roots.
With a small Board and an army of amazing volunteers, the annual Festival has continued to grow while still staying true to its vison. We pride ourselves in providing a weekend of inclusion, celebration, education, awareness and reflection.
The Festival also continues to focus on mental health and the challenges all rural and remote people have. With a year-round present in the Hay community, we ensure the conversation around mental health continues.
Throughout the Festival weekend, you can expect an all-ages concert packed with kid’s entertainment, food vendors and incredible entertainment, a street parade full of colour and cheer, a Fair Day for all to sit back and enjoy or do a little shopping, an adult only after party with DJs, drag performers and much more and the annual Rainbow on the Plains Pride Cup.
This year’s Festival is themed Titanium, which is a reflection on the strength and reliance all LGBTIQA+ community members have to carry with them always. We love welcoming everyone to our Festival from far and wide, and we hope you are able to join us as well.
Established in 2018, the Festival is solely community ran ensuring inclusion of everyone, encouraging conversations and acknowledging the allies who continue to stand strong with rural and remote LGBTIQA+ members. The goal is not to make profit but to make sure that no one is left behind.