Gay Games XII Comes to Valencia
Categories: sport.
TOURISTIC AREA: City of Arts and Alameda
More than 30 different sports will take centre stage at the Games of Diversity.
Equality, inclusion and diversity will come to the city with the Valencia Gay Games from 27 June to 4 July 2026.
This is an international sporting and cultural event held every four years and built around participation, respect and personal achievement.
Sports at the XII Gay Games
The Gay Games feature a total of 39 sporting disciplines open to people of all genders.
From the endurance of the marathon and half marathon to the precision of chess, including aquatic sports such as artistic swimming, diving and water polo.
There will also be team sports such as football, basketball, rugby and volleyball, alongside individual disciplines including tennis, padel, fencing and triathlon.
As a new addition, visitors will be able to discover and try two local exhibition sports: colpbol and pilota valenciana.
Cultural Events at the Gay Games 2026
Music will play a leading role at the Valencia Gay Games, while visual arts, performing arts and pyrotechnics will also have their place in the Games programme.
Take a look!
27 June to 3 July – Band Festival: The Sound of Diversity
Musicians from around the world will perform together under a single conductor at venues across the city, from street bands to a major concert.
Programme:
- 27 June – Opening Concert – Estadi Ciutat de València
- 29 June – Pop-Up Concert Pep Bands with Choirs & Color Guards – Venue to be announced
- 30 June – Pop-Up Concert Pep Bands with Color Guards – Venue to be announced
- 1 July – Pop-Up Concert Pep Bands with Choirs & Color Guards – Venue to be announced
- 2 July at 7:30 p.m. – The Gay Games Valencia Bands Festival Concert – Palau de la Música
- 3 July – Pop-Up Concert Pep Bands with Choirs & Color Guards – Venue to be announced
30 June at 7:30 p.m. – Choir Festival – Palau de les Arts
This event will bring together choirs from different countries at the Palau de les Arts for a programme of performances and activities celebrating diversity through song.
Various dates – Cheerleading and Entertainment – L’Alqueria del Bàsquet and Estadi Ciutat de València
The colour and energy of the Gay Games come courtesy of the cheerleaders.
In addition to their own competition, taking place on 30 June and 1 July at L’Alqueria del Bàsquet, where visitors can enjoy pair and group acrobatics as well as a variety of activities, they will also appear in the opening parade at Estadi Ciutat de València on 27 June, encourage athletes at sports venues throughout the Games and take part in the closing ceremony on 4 July.
Are you coming?
3 July at 6:00 p.m. – Pink Flamingo presents “MADE IN SPAIN: LONG LIVE THE CLICHÉS!” - Piscina parque del Oeste
Pink Flamingo has the perfect plan to round off the IGLA+ World Championships 2026.
What is it? A party where Spanish stereotypes, such as always arriving late, take centre stage.
Expect music, dancing, snacks and grandstands offering the perfect view of incredible make-up, outfits and choreography.
Show off your favourite stereotype, bring your friends and let the Spanish spirit shine.
In addition to all this programming, Gay Games Valencia 2026 will also feature a major sporting event on 27 June from 8:30 a.m.: The International Rainbow Memorial Run, which is open to participants of all levels.
Details
- Event dates
-
From:
27-06-2026
-
To:
04-07-2026
Gay Games Opening Ceremony
Gay Games XII Closing Party XII
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED ON
Valencia’s Circuit Ricardo Tormo 2026 Calendar 2026
Check out the Circuit Ricardo Tormo de Valencia calendar. 2026 is going to be packed with events ranging from MotoGP, GT and NASCAR to marathons.
Lateen sailing exhibitions at l’Albufera in Valencia
Enjoy countless lateen sailing exhibitions in València's Albufera until October and let yourself be captivated by a truly traditional scene.
Valencia Premier Padel P1 Tournament 2026
Come and watch the Valencia Premier Padel P1 matches at La Fonteta and enjoy the great stars of world padel from the 6 to 14 June.