Tulip Time with a Twist: How Queer Creativity Blooms in the Highlands

Sweet Release
Sep 16
2 min read

Introduction

Each spring, the Southern Highlands comes alive with the Tulip Time Festival a celebration of flowers, colour, and community. But in recent years, another kind of bloom has joined the display: queer creativity. Drag performers, cabaret artists, and LGBTQ+ locals are finding ways to weave their flair into this iconic Highlands tradition.

Queer Presence at Tulip Time 2025

Kara Zmatiq will take centre-stage at Corbett Gardens on 4th October 2025 as the first Drag Queen to ever perform at Tulip Time Festival, having performed at local venues transforming them into glitter-filled celebrations.
Local bars and hotels from The Royal Hotel Bowral to Hide Out Bar & Grill Mittagong have hosted drag brunches and Pride-themed parties to coincide with Tulip Time crowds.
Community groups have pushed for LGBTQ+ visibility in floats, stalls, and side events.

Why Queer Creativity Matters

Tulip Time attracts thousands of visitors, making it the perfect stage for inclusion.

Visibility: A rainbow presence at a mainstream festival normalises LGBTQ+ identities.
Tourism: Queer events attract city visitors seeking inclusive regional experiences.
Community Pride: Local queer people see themselves represented in one of the Highlands’ biggest events.

Future Opportunities

Imagine:

A Pride-inspired float bursting with colour.
A “Tulips After Dark” cabaret featuring drag, burlesque, and circus.
Partnerships between queer creatives and local businesses to showcase diversity.

Conclusion

Tulip Time celebrates colour, but queer creativity takes it further, transforming it into a celebration of diversity, joy, and pride. This year, 2025, marks the beginning of embracing LGBTQI+ entertainers and bringing this to the stage with Tulip Time, starring Kara Zmatiq known as the 'Queen of the Southern Highlands', on 4th October 2025 in Corbett Gardens. With each performance and rainbow flag, the Highlands proves that inclusivity can bloom as beautifully as tulips.