Valencia has presented a cultural program running parallel to the 12th Gay Games, which will begin this Friday , June 19, and run through July 4, featuring more than 20 activities focused on Valencian creativity. The complete schedule, with times and dates, is now available on the event’s official website.
Opening and closing ceremonies featuring leading artists
The competition will officially kick off on Saturday, June 27, with the opening ceremony at the Estadi Ciutat de València at 7:30 p.m., hosted by the Valencian artist Choriza May. The lineup includes performances by Fruela, Soraya Arnelas, and Mónica Naranjo, along with appearances by the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington, D.C., and the Cor a Cor de València.
That same morning, the old riverbed of the Turia will host the International Rainbow Memorial Run, a charity run of approximately three kilometers in tribute to victims of discrimination.
The week will conclude on Saturday, July 4, at the Font de Sant Lluís Pavilion, with a closing ceremony hosted by She-La Fletcher and performances by Rebeca, Nebulossa, and Suri DJ. The event will also serve to pass the torch to Perth 2030, the next host city of the Gay Games.
Art, film, fashion, and LGTBIQ+ history
During the event, the exhibition ‘Valencia Queer: Contemporary Artistic Identities,’ curated by Óscar Segrelles, will also be held at the Museu de la Ciutat, bringing together the work of eight artists residing in the city. It will remain open from June 19 to August 30.
The schedule also includes the Pride in Motion film festival, dedicated to LGBTQIA+ themes in sports; a mural spanning nearly 400 square meters along the Turia Riverbed, created by Febra Estudio; and the València Queer Fashion Show, featuring over 40 designs by local creators such as Modis Studio, Jaime Piquer, JustinCarV, and David Juan.
Music and events at iconic venues
Throughout the week, the Cors & Chorals Festival will take place at the Palau de les Arts and the Band Festival at the Palau de la Música, in addition to concerts at venues throughout the city.
The program also features the cheerleading competition and gala at l’Alqueria del Basket, the Memorial Moment at the MuVIM, the Memorial Quilt exhibition at the Complex Esportiu Cultural de la Petxina, the Sport Kiki Ball, and the ‘Out Loud’ lecture series at the Meeting Point.
