Orange's Rainbow Walk Expands to Summer Street

The annual celebration of unity and inclusion moves to a more prominent location in the city center.

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Orange's Rainbow Festival is set to take place in early March, with the signature Rainbow Walk event moving to Summer Street this year. The walk, which begins at the Sale Street car park and proceeds east to Robertson Park, marks a significant milestone for the growing festival and its message of inclusion, pride, and community connection.

Why it matters

The relocation of the Rainbow Walk to Summer Street, a more central and visible location in the city, demonstrates the increasing significance and community support for the event. This visibility sends a powerful message about Orange's commitment to celebrating diversity and fostering a welcoming environment for the LGBTQIA+ community.

The details

The Rainbow Walk will begin at 3 pm on Saturday, March 7th, starting at the Sale Street car park and proceeding east along Summer Street to McNamara Street before heading into Robertson Park. Several streets will be closed to accommodate the event, including the eastbound lane of Summer Street between Sale and McNamara Streets. Following the walk, a Community Gathering in Robertson Park will feature food, market stalls, music, drag shows, and a performance by the cast of the Orange Theatre Company's production of The Rocky Horror Show.

  • The Rainbow Festival will take place from March 4-8, 2026.
  • The Rainbow Walk is scheduled for Saturday, March 7, 2026, starting at 3 pm.
  • Street closures will begin at 1:30 pm on the day of the event.

The players

Orange City Council

The local government body that organizes the annual Rainbow Festival and Rainbow Walk event.

Cr Marea Ruddy

The Chair of the Orange City Council's Services Policy Committee, who spoke about the significance of the Rainbow Walk's move to Summer Street.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It shows just how far the festival has come, becoming a major event that takes centre stage in the middle of our city. This visibility sends a powerful message about the value we place on inclusion, pride and community connection in Orange.”

— Cr Marea Ruddy, Chair, Orange City Council Services Policy Committee (Mirage News)

What’s next

The city is encouraging everyone to register for the event in advance to help coordinate the day's activities.

The takeaway

Orange's decision to move the Rainbow Walk to the more prominent Summer Street location demonstrates the growing significance and community support for the event, which celebrates diversity, inclusion, and pride in the city.