Aotearoa Explore

Explore festivals and cultural events

A nationwide overview of ongoing, upcoming, and recently closed festivals and events.

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Yarnarchy

Yarnarchy

Sep 19 - Oct 18, 2026 Christchurch
Ongoing

Yarnarchy is an annual public art festival in Christchurch that blankets the central city in knitted and crocheted installations. The event showcases handmade "yarn bombs," ranging from large-scale animals to small hidden...

Public Art Fiber Arts +5
MusicWorks Ensemble Festival Aotearoa

MusicWorks Ensemble Festival Aotearoa

Sep 21-25, 2026 Wellington
Ongoing

The MusicWorks Ensemble Festival Aotearoa (MEFA) is a national music festival held in Wellington from September 21-25, 2026. It gathers thousands of young musicians from across New Zealand for performances, competitions, and...

Music Youth +5
The Living Gulf: From Threats to Recovery

The Living Gulf: From Threats to Recovery

Sep 5 - Dec 5, 2026 Whitianga
Ongoing

The Living Gulf: From Threats to Recovery is an educational exhibition hosted at the Mercury Bay Museum in Whitianga from September to December 2026. This initiative focuses on the environmental health of...

Exhibition Marine Conservation +5
Taiohi Writing Competition

Taiohi Writing Competition

Aug 1, 2026 - Feb 1, 2027 Auckland
Ongoing

The Taiohi Writing Competition is a literary initiative for young people in Auckland, New Zealand, taking place from August 1, 2026, to February 1, 2027. Organized by Auckland Council Libraries, the event...

Writing Competition Youth Event +4
New Zealand Young Writers Festival 2026

New Zealand Young Writers Festival 2026

Sep 20 - Oct 4, 2026 Dunedin
Ongoing

The New Zealand Young Writers Festival 2026 is a literary gathering in Dunedin (Ōtepoti) that celebrates and supports emerging authors. The program features a two-week writer's residency, an intensive wānaka for selected...

Literary Festival Writing Workshop +5
An Taigh / The House: Held

An Taigh / The House: Held

Aug 15 - Oct 11, 2026 Timaru
Ongoing

An exhibition at Timaru's Aigantighe Art Gallery celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Friends of the Aigantighe. The event explores the gallery's Scottish Gaelic heritage and South Canterbury art history.

Exhibition Art +4