Welcome to
Gay Games XII València
Announcements
Announcements
Accreditation Opens on Tuesday
Welcome to València! We are very excited to have you here!
Drop your bags at the hotel, and head over to The “CAU” at the Petxina Complex where you can pick up you accreditation badge and start enjoying all the exciting events we have organised for you here at Gay Games XII València.
Remember to bring a valid photo ID. This is required for you to collect your accreditation badge and goody bag.
Accreditation is open from:
3pm to 7pm on Tuesday,
9am to 9pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
9am to 6:30pm on Saturday
11am to 9pm on Sunday
and 11am to 7pm on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday next week
Don’t forget to collect your accreditation badge before you attend any official Gay Games events or competition.
Schedule
Schedule
SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS
We’ll be posting all the essential information you need to enjoy each day of Gay Games XII València 2026 right here in “Today’s Highlights”. Make sure you come back every day to see what’s going on, or check the full schedule below to start planning your time here in València.
International Rainbow Memorial Run
Saturday 27 June @9am @ Exposición Bridge (Alameda Metro Station)
Whether you run, walk, or cheer from the side, join us to remember those who came before us and paved the way in LGBTQ+ sports and culture.
Opening Ceremony
Saturday 27 June @ 7pm @ Estadio Ciutat de València
One stadium, thousands of stories, one unforgettable beginning. Celebrate the opening of Gay Games XII with music, performances, and a party that starts the week in style.
This event is included in your registration for Gay Games València, both as Participant or Supporter.
Sports Mini Ball
Sunday 28 June @ 6:30pm @ The Cau Meeting Point
Lace up, strike a pose, and turn your favourite sport into your fiercest performance. No competition, no categories—just music, movement, and pure ballroom energy.
This event is included in your registration for Gay Games València, both as Participant or Supporter.
Queer Fashion Show
Monday 29 June @ 9:00pm @ The Cau Meeting Point
Where fashion meets freedom—experience a showcase of local queer creativity, inclusive design, and contemporary Valencian style. Bold looks, diverse voices, and self-expression without limits.
This event is included in your registration for Gay Games València, both as Participant or Supporter.
Gay Games Choral Festival
Tuesday 30 June @ 7:30pm @ Palau de Les Arts Reina Sofia
Join us on Tuesday at Les Arts for a spectacular evening of choral music as hundreds of voices come together in celebration of pride, community, and connection. An unforgettable night where music becomes the language we all share.
This event is free, but reservation is mandatory. Reserve your seat here
Memorial Moment
Wednesday 1 July @ 6:00pm @ Valencia City Museum
Here we take a moment to remember those we’ve lost over the years and celebrate their contribution to LGBTQ+ sports and culture, as well as their impact on our lives
This event is included in your registration for Gay Games València, both as Participant or Supporter.
Gay Games Valencia Band Festival
Thursday 2 July @ Palau de la Musica
Join musicians from across the globe for a spectacular concert in the iconic Palau de la Música de València. A world-class stage, a united band, and a celebration of music without borders.
This event is included in your registration for Gay Games València, both as Participant or Supporter.
Pink Flamingo
Friday 3 July @ 6:00pm @ Parque del Oeste Swimming Pool
Join our swimmers as they swap goggles for glamour and take to the pool in drag for a night of music, laughter, and gloriously exaggerated Spanish clichés. Expect bold looks, big energy, and a celebration of Spain that’s as fabulous as it is unapologetic—¡olé!
This event is included in your registration for Gay Games València, both as Participant or Supporter.
Dancesport Gala
Friday 3 July @ Pavelló Fonteta de Sant Lluís
The evening begins with a dazzling programme of performances featuring some of the most memorable couples and teams from the competition, including world champions. Afterwards, the spotlight shifts from the stage to the dance floor as guests are invited to join the celebration and enjoy an evening of social dancing with music for all styles and tastes.
This event is ticketed. Buy your tickets here
Figure Skating Gala
Friday 3 July @ 6pm @ Fun on Ice Bonaire
Featuring some of the competition’s most talented skaters, this celebration of performance and artistry brings together technical skill, creativity, and the spirit of the Gay Games for one unforgettable evening.
This event is included in your registration for Gay Games València, both as Participant or Supporter.
Closing Ceremony
6:30pm @ Pavelló Fonteta de Sant Lluís
Join us for one final celebration as medallists and participants take centre stage and the Gay Games journey passes from València to Perth. Then dance the night away with an unforgettable closing party and live performances.
This event is included in your registration for Gay Games València, both as Participant or Supporter.
The "Cau" - Meeting Point
The "Cau" - Meeting Point
El “CAU” - Meeting Point
When the competitions end, the Meeting Point comes alive. Join us each evening to celebrate, connect, share stories, show off your medals, and enjoy the community spirit of the Gay Games.
@ The Cau Meeting Point - Estadi de Turia, Tramo 3
We’ll post highlights from the schedule right here, later in the week. Watch this space…
Culture
Culture
CULTURE
Here you’ll find all the cultural activities that you can do here at the Gay Games on every day of your trip.
Out Loud: Pride Talks
Sunday 28 June to Friday 3 July @ The Cau Meeting Point
Out Loud brings together experts, athletes, and activists for thought-provoking conversations on the issues that matter to the Gay Games and València—from inclusion and accessibility to identity, visibility, and belonging. Listen, reflect, and join the conversation through dedicated moments of audience participation.
This event is included in your registration for Gay Games València, both as Participant or Supporter.
Pride in Motion. Queer Film Festival
Sunday 28 June @ Nave 3 Ribes
Tuesday 30 June @ Valencia City Museum
Wednesday 1 July to 4 July @ Nave 3 Ribes
Pride in Motion brings the stories of LGBTQIA+ communities to the screen through a curated programme of short films, feature films, and documentaries that explore sport, identity, activism, and lived experience. Join us at Nave 3 Ribes for a powerful and inspiring cinematic journey designed to move audiences, spark conversation, and celebrate the diversity of our community.
This event is included in your registration for Gay Games València, both as Participant or Supporter.
Valencia Queer. Contemporary Artistic Identities
Friday 26 June to 4 July @ Valencia City Museum
Valencia Queer showcases the richness and diversity of Valencian contemporary art through works created by LGBTQIA+ artists across painting, sculpture, photography, installation, and illustration. More than an exhibition, it is an invitation to experience the city’s cultural identity through stories of expression, freedom, and connection.
This event is included in your registration for Gay Games València, both as Participant or Supporter.
The Memorial Quilt Exhibition
Every day @ Petxina Sports Complex
Through fabric, memory, and shared stories, the Memorial Quilt Exhibition honours the people and moments that have shaped our community. Located at Petxina, this thoughtful and inspiring exhibition invites visitors to connect with the legacy of the Gay Games and imagine the future we continue to build together.
This event is included in your registration for Gay Games València, both as Participant or Supporter.
LGBTQIA+ Sports Mural
Every day @ Old Turia riverbed, Under Pont de Fustabridge
Head over to watch our local artists put together an incredible public artwork for our community.
Sports
Sports
sPORTS cOMPETIONS
Head over to one of our many sports venues today to watch and cheer on our athletes.
Note: Sports schedules are liable to last-minute changes. Please check for the latest information before visiting the individual locations
AQUATICS
Swimming
Freestyle, Backstroke, Breaststroke, Butterfly, Individual medley, Freestyle relay and Medley relay
Sunday 28 June to Friday 3 July
@ Parque del Oeste Swimming Pool
Waterpolo
Competitive and Recreational Division
Sunday 28 June to Friday 3 July
@ Sports Center Nou Moles, Sports Center Natzaret
Open Water Swimming
2.5km and 5km races
Friday 3 July to Sunday 4 July
@ Las Arenas Beach
Artistic Swimming
Solo, Duet and Free Competition
Thursday 2 July
@ Sports Center Natzaret
Diving
1m Springboard
Friday 3 July
@ [No info]
Sailing
Spinnaker (Competitive class) Without spinnaker (Recreational class)
Monday 29 June to Thursday 2 July
@ La Marina de València
Dragonboat
200m and 500m Race CoursesTuesday 30 June to
Thursday 2 July
@ La Marina de València
COURT SPORTS
Basketball
Preliminary Rounds followed by Classification Rounds
Sunday 28 June to Friday 3 July
@ Universidad Politécnica de València
Volleyball
Levels AA, A, B, BB, and C
Sunday 28 June to Friday 3 July
@ Sports Center Benicalap, Sports Center Cabanyal, Sports Center Malvarrosa, Sports Center Nou Moles
Beach Volleyball
Competitive and Recreational Divisions
Wednesday 1 July to Friday 3 July
@ El Cabanyal Beach
Dodgeball
Open Foam, Coed Foam, Open Cloth and Coed Cloth
Tuesday 30 June to Thursday 2 July
@ Sports Center Natzaret
DANCE
DanceSport
Formation and Showdance (Individual and Couple)
Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July
@ Sports Center Fuente de San Luis
Cheer
Partner Stunt, Group Stunt, Pom
Tuesday 30 June to Wednesday 1 July
@ L’Alqueria del Basket
Figure Skating
Artistic, Freestyle, Open freestyle, Spotlight, Pattern Dance, Free Dance, Pairs, Production, Ensemble
Wednesday 1 July to Friday 3 July
@ Fun on Ice Bonaire
Artistic Gymnastics
Floor Exercise, Vault, Balance Beam, Parallel Bars
Monday 29 June to Tuesday 30 June
@ Sports Center Cabanyal
COMBAT & STRENGTH
Wrestling
Freestyle Wrestling Tournament and optional No-gi grappling tournament
Monday 29 June
@ Lluis Puig Velodrome
Grappling
Grappling tournament and optional freestyle wrestling tournament
Tuesday 30 June
@ Lluis Puig Velodrome
Martial Arts
Empty Hand Forms, Weapons Forms, Musical Forms, Two-Person Forms, Team Forms, Self-Defense, Sparring
Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July
@ Lluis Puig Velodrome
Fencing
Individual Épée, Individual Foil, Individual Sabre
Thursday 1 July
@ Sports Center Benimaclet
Powerlifting
From Junior to Master IV
Monday 29 June to Tuesday 30 June
@ Sports Center Creu del Grau
FIELD SPORTS
Football
11 v 11 and 7 v 7 Football
Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July
@ Tram II Football Fields, Serrans Football Fields, Exposición Football Fields, Marxalenes Football Fields
Rugby
Rugby touch and Rugby XV’s
Wednesday 1 July to Friday 3 July
@ Sports Center Quatre Carreres
Field Hockey
Hockey Tournament featuring round robin followed by semi-finals and finals
Wednesday 1 July to Sunday 4 July
@ “La Carrasca” Field Hockey Field, Naranjos Field Hockey Field
Softball
Competitive, Recreational, Beginners, and 50+
Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July
@ Baseball Fields
RACKET SPORTS
Badminton
A+, A-, B+, B-, C+, and C- levels
Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July
@ Sports Center la Petxina, Sports Center Fontsanta
Padel
Recreational, Intermediate, Advanced, and Competitive Levels
Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July
@ Sport City Valencia
Squash
A, B, C, D, E categories
Monday 29 June to Thursday 2 July
@ Sports Center Cabanyal
Table Tennis
L1 to L3 levels
Sunday 28 June to Friday 3 July
@ Lluis Puig Velodrome
Tennis
Open to D Division
Sunday 28 June to Friday 3 July
@ Tennis Club Torrent, Sport Club Monte Real Torrent, Tennis Club El Collao, Spanish Tennis Club, Sporting Tennis Valencia, Club Malvarrosa Valencia Tennis Center, Club Santa Apolonia, Universidad de Valencia, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia
ATHLETICS
5km Run
Run along the old Turia riverbed through the centre of the city
Thursday 2 July
@ Assut de l’Or Bridge
10km Run
Run along the old Turia riverbed through the centre of the city
Monday 29 June
@ Assut de l’Or Bridge
Half-marathon
All gender, men and women
Saturday 4 July
@ Turia Stadium
Marathon
All gender, men and women
Saturday 4 July
@ Turia Stadium
Track and Field
100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 5000m, 110m (or 100m for women) hurdles, 400m hurdles, 3000m steeplechase, 5000m race walking, Long Jump, High Jump, Triple Jump, Pole Vault, Shot Put, Hammer Throw, Discus Throw, Javelin Throw, Men’s Decathlon, Women’s & All gender’s Heptathlon
Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July
@ Turia Stadium
Triathlon
Olympic and Sprint Distances
Saturday 27 June to Sunday 28 June
@ La Malvarrosa Beach
OTHER SPORTS
Golf
Individual and Teams Competitions
Thursday 2 July to Friday 3 July
@ Golf Course El Saler
Bowling
Singles, Doubles and Team events
Monday 29 June to Friday 3 July
@ Ilusiona Heron City Bowling Alley
Chess
Classical chess, Rapid chess, and Blitz chess
Tuesday 30 June to Thursday 2 July
@ Sports Center la Petxina
E-Sports
EA FC26 (Individual), and Overwatch (Team)
Friday 3 July
@ OWN Valencia
Cross Training
Scaled and Inter / RX
Wednesday 1 July to Thursday 2 July
@ KTB Crossfit Vara de Quart
Petanque
League format
Thursday 2 July to Saturday 4 July
@ Parc dels Congressos
Venues
Venues
VENUES
Accreditation
Petxina Complex
El “Cau” Meeting Point
Turia Stadium, Third Section
Multisport Complexes
Nazaret
Quatre Carreres
Benicalap
Cultural Spaces
LGBTQIA+ Mural
Espai La Granja
Hemisferic
Tourism
Tourism
TOURISM
Here’s our top 10 highlights for your trip in Valencia, when you’re not competing or participating in our cultural program.
City of Arts and Sciences
Valencia’s iconic futuristic complex featuring spectacular architecture, open spaces, museums, and unforgettable photo opportunities.
Jardín del Turia
A huge green park running through the city—perfect for walking, relaxing, exercising, and enjoying Valencia outdoors.
Valencia Cathedral & El Miguelete
Discover Valencia’s historic heart and climb the bell tower for panoramic city views.
Mercado Central
Explore one of Europe’s great food markets and sample local flavours in a beautiful modernist building.
Albufera Natural Park
Enjoy boat rides, rice fields, and one of the most beautiful sunsets in the region—the birthplace of paella.
Malvarrosa Beach
Relax on Valencia’s wide sandy beach and enjoy the city’s Mediterranean atmosphere.
El Carmen
Wander through Valencia’s old town with its lively squares, cafés, and vibrant street art.
L'Oceanogràfic
Visit Europe’s largest aquarium and discover marine life from oceans around the world.
La Lonja de la Seda
Step inside a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Europe’s finest Gothic landmarks.
National Museum of Ceramics
Visit an elegant palace and discover decorative arts in one of Valencia’s most beautiful interiors.
Behavior Guidelines
Behavior Guidelines
BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES
Dear participants, spectators, and guests,
Welcome to Gay Games XII València! The Gay Games celebrates LGBTQ+ inclusion, diversity, and respect, and we are proud to welcome people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and backgrounds.
As passions run high across our sports and cultural events, we ask everyone to remain mindful of their language and behaviour, ensuring it is always respectful and inclusive.
Any form of discriminatory, offensive, or LGBTQ+-phobic language or behavior will not be tolerated. The Federation of Gay Games and the Host City of València operate a zero-tolerance policy. If you experience or witness uncomfortable or unsafe behaviour, please report it to: behaviour@gaygames.net
All reports will be reviewed promptly. Where a breach of our Inclusion principles is confirmed, accreditation will be withdrawn and access to all remaining events revoked.
Let's celebrate our diversity with respect, safety, and joy — and have an incredible Gay Games together.
Thank you