DRAGSTARS!

Think you've got what it takes to perform on the biggest drag stage in the lower North Island?

Dragstars is back for 2026! This is your chance to join the official Palmy Drag Fest Main Show and perform alongside some of the biggest names in drag.​

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What is Dragstars?​

 

Dragstars is Palmy Drag Fest's search for an outstanding drag performer to join the 2026 Main Show.

Whether you're a seasoned professional with years of experience, a regular performer looking for your next big opportunity, or someone who has only recently stepped onto the stage, we want to see what you've got.

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We are looking for drag performers from all corners of Aotearoa - drag queens, drag kings, drag things, and gender-diverse drag artists who are ready to showcase their talent, creativity, and stage presence.

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This isn't just a competition for emerging artists. It's an opportunity for drag performers at any stage of their journey to present a festival-ready act and earn a place on one of New Zealand's biggest drag stages.

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The winner will perform live at Palmy Drag Fest 2026 on Saturday 3 October at the Regent on Broadway, sharing the stage with an incredible lineup of local, national, and international drag stars.​​

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How to Enter

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Ready to throw your wig into the ring?

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Simply fill out the application form and give us all the details about you, your drag, and the performance you'd love to bring to the Palmy Drag Fest stage.

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As part of your application, we'll ask for:

✨ Your drag name and basic details

✨ A recent full-body photo in drag

✨ A photo showcasing your drag makeup

✨ A short bio telling us about yourself and your drag character

✨ A video of a recent performance so we can see you in action

✨ A short description telling us about your proposed Dragstars performance and why you want to do it at Palmy Drag Fest!

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For your short description about your proposed performance, we simply want to hear from you!

Tell us about your performance idea, what inspired it, why you think it belongs at Palmy Drag Fest, and why you'd love the opportunity to perform.

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Remember: this competition is all about finding an incredible performance for our audience. We want to understand your vision, your creativity, and what will make your act unforgettable.

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So dream big, get creative, and show us why you deserve a spot on the Palmy Drag Fest 2026 stage!

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What's Up for Grabs?​

 

The Dragstars Winner will receive:

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• A paid performance spot in the Palmy Drag Fest 2026 Main Show

• Return travel to Palmerston North

• Accommodation provided

• The opportunity to perform in front of a packed audience alongside national and international drag stars​

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Judging Process​

 

Applications will be reviewed by our judging panel based on:

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• Performance quality

• Creativity and originality

• Costume and visual presentation

• Makeup and character

• Song/performance concept

• Stage presence and entertainment value

• Overall potential

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The judging panel will select the Top 3 finalists.

The final result will be determined by:

• 80% Judging Panel Score

• 20% Public Vote

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The judging panel consists of a mixture of drag performers and audience members and will be revealed shortly.

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Important Dates​

 

• Applications Open: Monday, 22nd of June

• Applications Close: Saturday 01 August - 11:59 pm.

• Top 3 Finalists Announced: Sunday, 9th of August

• Public Voting Opens: Sunday, 9th of August

• Winner Announced: Wednesday, 26th of August.

• Performance Date: Saturday 3 October 2026

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Everyone is Welcome

 

Palmy Drag Fest celebrates diversity, creativity, and self-expression. We encourage performers of all genders, backgrounds, cultures, ages (18+), and experience levels to apply.

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This could be your moment to shine under the big top.

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The circus is calling... are you ready to become the next Dragstar? ​

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Additional Rules

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• Applications containing offensive, discriminatory, or illegal content will be disqualified.

• Participants grant Palmy Drag Fest and its organisers the right to use their application and images for promotional purposes only. 

• The winner must be available to travel and perform at Palmy Drag Fest 2026 (3rd October 2026) and comply with any event-specific requirements (e.g., rehearsal schedules, publicity calls).

• Flights and accommodation are provided for the winner only; additional travel companions are at the winner’s expense.

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For questions or submission issues, please email info@palmydrag.com