Events and festivals

Explore the many events and festivals that Wellington City Council produces and supports to make our city the vibrant cultural capital of New Zealand.

Anzac Day

With support from WCC, the RSA marks Anzac Day with a number of commemorative events.

Africa Day

With the support of WCC, the African Community Council Wellington celebrates African unity. Go to africancommunity.org.nz

Artsplash

The City Arts team presents: Artsplash, Wellington's annual primary and intermediate school arts festival.

Bee Aware Month

Bees make up a critical part of Wellington’s ecosystem. We’re doing our part in Te Whanganui-a-Tara to protect these vital pollinators.

Chinese New Year

With the support of WCC, the Asian Events Trust brings you an annual celebration of Chinese New Year in Wellington. Go to chinesenewyear.co.nz

CubaDupa

With the support of WCC and a WellingtonNZ partnered major event, a two-day festival celebrating the vibrancy and creative spirit of Cuba Street. Go to cubadupa.co.nz

Diwali

The City Arts and Events team, with support from CATNZ, presents Wellington's Indian and South East Asian communities' most vibrant cultural celebration.

Gardens Magic

Gardens Magic is taking a break in 2022. Instead, we are bringing you the Gardens Trail.

Gardens Trail

A self-guided daytime tour – featuring an enchanted Gardens Gallery of art and sonic installations. Running for three weeks from 11 January.

Homegrown

A WellingtonNZ partnered major event, Homegrown is the biggest party in the Kiwi music calendar. Go to homegrown.net.nz

Island Bay Festival

With the support of WCC, this two-day festival showcases the talent and diversity of the South Coast every February. Go to islandbayfestival.org.nz

Japan Festival of Wellington

Brought to you by the Wellington Japan Festival Trust with support from WCC and the Embassy of Japan, experience the flavours, sights and sounds of Japan.

Kids' Magic in the Dell

Kids' Magic in the Dell took a break in 2022. Instead, we brought you the Gardens Trail.

Local Food Week

Local Food Week is an annual autumn festivity that celebrates Wellington's local food producers and food system.

Māori Language Week

Supported by WCC, Māori Language Week is an effort to raise awareness of te reo Māori in New Zealand.

Matariki ki Pōneke

Nau mai, haere mai – celebrate Matariki with a stunning series of live and digital events.

Meri Kirihimete Pōneke

Come and enjoy all that Wellington has to offer this festive season.

Newtown Festival

With the support of WCC, Newtown Festival brings you a fabulous world of food, music and crafts with 15 stages and 450 stalls. Go to newtownfestival.org.nz

New Year's Eve

We’ve made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s celebrations due to COVID-19 uncertainty. Look towards the city at midnight as we light up the sky to welcome in 2022.

New Zealand Festival of Arts

With the support of WCC, New Zealand Festival of the Arts transforms Wellington into a buzzing culture zone. Go to festival.nz

NZ Fringe Festival

With the support of WCC and WellingtonNZ, The New Zealand Fringe Festival is Aotearoa’s largest open-access arts festival for cutting edge events. Go to fringe.co.nz

Pasifika Festival

Experience vibrant performances, and connect with friends and whānau at a day out with our tight-knit Pacific communities

ReCut

The City Arts and Events Team presents: ReCut, A free, dynamic, outdoor arts events around the city to showcase Wellington as Aotearoa New Zealand’s Capital of Culture.

Seniors' Week

The Community Services Team presents a series of community-led events for seniors in spring every year.

Spring Festival

The City Arts and Events Team presents: The Spring Festival.

St James Theatre celebrations

Join us as we celebrate the re-opening of St James Theatre.

Te Rā o Waitangi and Whānau Film Night 2022

The City Arts and Events Team presents: Te Rā o Waitangi. Join us for a celebration of Aotearoa’s national day.

World of WearableArt

With support from WCC and a WellingtonNZ Strategic Partner major event, WOW brings together the world’s most incredible works of wearable art in a spectacular show. Go to worldofwearableart.com

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