Anti-Pageant: The Next Drag Monster 2026
Presented by Aracella.Arts | Created by The Den of Thurst
It's time to summon all ghouls, ghosts, goblins, zombaes, and, of course, our beloved theys for the return of Anti-Pageant this October 10th 2026.
Prepare for a night of twisted glamour and unholy talent as we crown Aotearoa's Drag Monster 2026. This is drag at its filthiest, fiercest, and most fabulously freaky.
Featuring a handpicked lineup of drag artists from across the motu, expect haunting looks, high drama, and performances that will leave you screaming (in the best way).
This year's competition is made up of two components.
Each performer will begin with a pre-recorded video inspired by this year's theme: Within the Woods
The woods are a place of stories, spirits, creatures, and transformation. Some are ancient. Some are playful. Some are unsettling. Some remain unnamed. Within the Woods invites performers to explore what exists beyond the path. These may be creatures born of imagination, folklore, instinct, or personal myth. They might crawl, watch, bloom, hunt, hide, guard, or dream beneath the canopy. What lurks within the woods is entirely up to them.
The second component is a live stage performance, where each competitor brings their own unique brand of drag to life in front of our judges and audience.
Come unleash your inner demon, revel in the weird, and celebrate the beauty of being unapologetically other.
We encourage everyone to come dressed in their best Halloween costume or spooky creation to join the celebration. There'll be a prize for Best Dressed!
Please note: Realistic-looking weapons or prop weapons will not be permitted inside the venue.
Show Details
Venue: Ivy Bar, 63 Cuba Street, Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington), Aotearoa New Zealand
Doors Open: 8:00 PM
Show: 8:30 PM – 11:30 PM
There will be three short intermissions throughout the evening.
Ticketing
Throne of Bones – Unallocated seated ticket.
General Admission – Unallocated standing ticket.
Seated Tickets
Seated tickets are limited. If you're attending with friends and would like to sit together, please contact us before the event. Otherwise, we recommend arriving early to secure your preferred seat.
Performers
Vixen Temple, Eborda Child, Vex, Deliria Hevelius, Ness Quick, Cailiah the Banshee
Accessibility
The venue is located downstairs and is primarily accessed via a staircase with a handrail. If you require an alternative access option, please contact Aracella before the event so we can discuss available arrangements.
A small number of seats have been reserved for patrons with accessibility requirements. If you need one of these seats, please get in touch with Aracella as soon as possible, as availability is limited.
Safety & Content Information
Content warnings will be announced at the start of the night.
As this is an alternative drag competition inspired by alternative arts, audiences may encounter:
Blood and gore (special effects)
Sexual references
Loud audio and intense visual effects
Simulated violence
Themes relating to mental illness (excluding suicide and self-harm)
Political and religious themes
Horror and gore
Depictions of death
Fake weapons
Strobe lighting
We have a strict zero-tolerance policy for abusive, discriminatory, or harassing behaviour. We want everyone to feel welcome while embracing the weird.
Contact
Email: luci.aracella.mcdougall@outlook.com
Social media: Aracella.arts
