Gardens Magic

Gardens Magic Concert Series

Āhea | When 7pm-9.15pm, Tuesday 6 – Sunday 25 January 2026
Ki hea | Where Botanic Garden Ki Paekākā | View on Google Maps
Te utu | Cost Free

The iconic Gardens Magic Concert Series will once again fill January summer nights with the sounds of our capital’s vivacious talent, set in the Botanic Gardens ki Paekākā Soundshell. The free concerts will start with a warm-up solo act from 7pm, before the main act at 8pm. Sunday afternoons are likely to be kept as a rain-day.

Visit this page later in the year for the Concert Series programme and Light Display, Kids Garden Trail, and Kids Explorer Days details.

2026 Gardens Magic performers call out

Applications are now open for individuals or bands to perform at Gardens Magic 2026. Applications close at 11.59pm on 1 September 2025.

Wellington City Council is looking to showcase a diverse range of family-friendly music from our Te Whanganui-a-Tara best and brightest local legends and rising stars. We welcome applications across all styles such as Māori music, classical, jazz, indie, pop, folk, rock, country, choral, avant-garde, blues, ska, reggae, world music, and more.

Applicants will need to be available between 6 and 25 January 2026.

In 2026 we are offering 2 performance slots each evening:

• 7pm-8pm Warm-up Solo Act - for soloists performing as the audience gathers.
• 8pm-9.15pm The Main Event - for bands and/or soloists.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Monday 1 September 2025.

To apply please complete the Gardens Magic performer application online form:

Gardens Magic performer application form

Highlights from Gardens Magic

Check out some photos from our previous Gardens Magic events.