Global Gaze

Valencia, Spain is gearing up to host the Gay Games, June 27 to July 4, 2026
Valencia, Spain is making significant strides in its preparations for Gay Games 2026. Your next inclusive, sporting and cultural event, set to take place from June 27 to July 4, 2026. Following a productive working visit by the Gay Games Steering Committee, the city has reinforced the event’s core pillars: accessible sports, vibrant cultural programming, and strong community volunteer involvement.
AN INCLUSIVE AND ACCESSIBLE SPORTING EVENT
Gay Games Valencia 2026 will feature 37 competitive sports plus 2 demonstration events. Moreover, several disciplines will welcome athletes with disabilities, embodying the event’s spirit of inclusivity. Participants will enjoy diverse venues, from the iconic Turia Riverbed to centrally located or peripheral facilities, all ready to meet each sport’s requirements. And that’s not all, as 15 parallel cultural events will take place around the city, celebrating LGBTQ+ diversity.
VALENCIA: THE IDEAL TOURIST DESTINATION
Valencia effortlessly blends accessibility, sustainability, and leisure, making it a standout destination for travellers. The city boasts an efficient public transportation network—metro, buses, and trams—that ensures efficient connectivity. For those who prefer cycling, Valencia offers over 160 km of bike lanes and a convenient public rental system along with other bike rental shops, making it one of the most bike-friendly cities in Europe.
With sunny skies and mild temperatures in late June, the climate is perfect for beach outings and discovering the city’s rich urban life after the competition.
The Gay Games offer more than just sporting events—they’re a celebration of diversity, culture, and community. Visitors will enjoy vibrant LGBTQ+ neighborhoods like Russafa, Benimaclet, and El Barrio de Sagunto, known for their lively atmosphere and inclusive spirit. Culinary enthusiasts can savor Mediterranean cuisine, from traditional Valencian paella to avant-garde dishes in Michelin-starred restaurants.
Culturally, the city is equally impressive. Must-see landmarks like the City of Arts and Sciences, the Oceanogràfic, and a UNESCO-listed historic centre round out a destination that promises not just an event—but an unforgettable experience. Valencia Tourism Official Site | Visit Valencia
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN:
The countdown to Gay Games 2026 has begun, and spots are filling fast. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this iconic event—secure your place now at gaygamesvalencia2026.com. Don’t wait for tomorrow—join us and enjoy 2026 in Valencia!
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
- Dates: June 27 – July 4, 2026
- Official website: Gay Games XII Valencia 2026
- Social media:
- Instagram: valenciagaygames2026
- X: https://x.com/valenciagg2026
- Facebook: GaygamesValència2026
About the Author
Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist based in Toronto with a focus on tourism, lifestyle, entertainment and community issues. He has written several travel articles and has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He’s willing to take on any assignments of interest, attend parties with free booze, listen to rants, and travel the world in search of the great unknown. He’s eager to discover the new, remember the past, and look into the future.