Labour Weekend 2025
Pride in Arts Festival Cambridge Town Hall
Pride in Arts Festival events are for everyone to attend!
The Pride in Arts Festival is a weekend celebrating artistic expression and the enduring contributions of queer creatives.
Experience captivating events, exclusive private art collections, and a specially curated film series at the Tivoli Cinema–including Andy Warhol: The American Dream and lively sing-along screenings. From cabaret and interactive creative workshops, there is something for everyone.
Opening Event: Drinks at Tivoli Cinema
Friday 25 October, 6pm
Ticoli Cinema Cambridge is a proud partner of the Pride in Arts Festival and the second home of the festival. Join us for welcome drinks before the first film of the Festival, the Andy Warhol: The American Dream.
Tivoli Cinema is running a series of films all weekend, from fun sing-along films (with optional dress-up) to those dedicated to queer icons. Tivoli is also the official cafe and drop-in hub for the weekend!
*The weekend film schedule will be released shortly!
GALA BALL
Black Tie meets Met Gala meets You
Saturday 25th October
Signature event: The Pride in Arts Festival this Labour Weekend will celebrate artistic expression and the enduring contributions of queer creatives. Our signature event is the Pride Gala Ball!
It’s the glamorous night everyone’s been asking for — a chance to dress up, shine, and enjoy an exquisite evening.
With entertainment from New Zealand's very own comedian/actor Chris Parker who we are lucky to have as MC for the evening, as well as live music from the outstanding covers band of the Royal New Zealand Air Force Band.
Canapés will be served throughout the night.
Proceeds from the evening go to the Cambridge Town Hall, and everyone over 18 (queer or not) is welcome!
Secure your tickets now for the most unforgettable Ball and stay for the long weekend with more events to be announced soon!
Tickets available through Humanitix
Private Art Collection Tour
Saturday 25th October
Join an exclusive house tour with local collectors at their private residence.
Step inside a grand estate and gardens filled with an impressive private collection, featuring works by some of New Zealand’s leading artists.
Limited to just 20 guests, this intimate afternoon tour includes refreshments and the chance to enjoy a unique setting surrounded by significant artworks gathered over many years.
Hamilton (location provided to ticket holders)
Tickets available through Humanitix
This Wasn't the Plan: A Musical Theatre Cabaret
Sunday 26 October, 5pm
Cabaret at the Cambridge Town Hall
Please take your seats in this cabaret classroom as lecturer, Glenn Horsfall, takes you through the twists and turns of a life imagined versus a reality lived. With beautiful songs and hilarious, heartfelt, often humbling stories, this show looks at what it means when the script of life gets rewritten.
SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Below are our confirmed events or recommended self directed attractions to visit. Cambridge and the Waikato have some stunning attractions to enjoy when not at one of our events. More events to be announced soon, so do check back in and plan your Labour Weekend in Cambridge!
Friday 24 October – Opening Night: Icons & Introspections
Tivoli Cinema
6:00pm – Opening Reception at the Tivoli Café Festival launch drinks and mingling in our cosy festival hub.
7:00pm – Tivoli Cinema, Film - Andy Warhol: The American Dream Premiere out October 2025
Saturday 25 October – Art, Gardens and a Ball
2:00pm - Art & Object Exhibits, Sue & Margaret’s Private Art Collection showcasing NZ finest artists
7:00pm - Pride Gala Ball - Black Tie meets Met Gala meets You!
Various Time - Film Screenings Continue at Tivoli Cinema, schedule to come
Sunday 26 October – Casual, Camp & Creative
Plan your own day or choose from below - there are heaps of options!
9:00am - 4:00pm - Recommended: Self-Guided Visit to Hamilton Gardens, a peaceful pause to enjoy and chill
10:30am – Stitch & Bitch (Tivoli Café) Yarn, coffee, and connection in a relaxed, inclusive space.
2:00pm - Life Drawing with Gayle (tickets on sale soon)
All day - Films at Tivoli continue
Cambridge Town Hall – Main Hall
5:00pm – This Wasn’t the Plan: A Musical Theatre Cabaret Glenn Horsfall’s laugh-out-loud, bittersweet show about life’s unexpected turns, featuring live vocals and music.
7:00pm - Evening event to be announced!
Monday 27 October – Slow Art & Sweet Endings
All day
Pop-Up Artist Market at the White Church
Films at Tivoli continue
Recommended: Self-Guided Visit to Hamilton Gardens , a perfect peaceful pause to close out the long weekend.
Evening – Closing Event
5:00pm – Closing Cocktails & Party with art installation - Venue TBC but sure to impress!
Festival Hub: Tivoli Cinema Café
Open all weekend for drop-ins, coffee, chats, and casual hangouts. A warm welcome for everyone.
