Aotearoa Explore

Explore festivals and cultural events

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

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Pacific Dance Festival

Jun 1-30, 2026 Auckland

The Pacific Dance Festival returns in June 2026, celebrating contemporary Pacific identity in Aotearoa (New Zealand). It features performances and workshops from artists across the Moana, primarily held at various venues in...

Pacific Dance Cultural Festival +6

Watercare’s Central Interceptor exhibition

May 29 - Jun 30, 2026 Auckland

Watercare’s Central Interceptor exhibition is a photography display showcasing Auckland's massive underground wastewater tunnel project. Featuring 30 large-sized images by award-winning photographer Simon Runting, the exhibition offers a rare glimpse inside the...

Photography Exhibition +6

The Onion Field: Pinhole Photography Exhibition

May 29 - Jun 30, 2026 Waiuku

The Onion Field: Pinhole Photography Exhibition, featuring works by Leonie Richardson and David Collier, will be held at Stable Light Gallery in Waiuku, Auckland, from May 29 to June 30, 2026. This...

Photography Art exhibition +3

Madagascar JR

Jun 25-28, 2026 Manukau

StageAntics South Auckland presents a musical theatre production of Madagascar JR, featuring young actors from across the Auckland region. Held at the Due Drop Events Centre in Manukau, the show includes both...

Musical Theatre Youth Performance +4

100th Rakaia Ploughing Match

Jun 27, 2026 Rakaia

The 100th Rakaia Ploughing Match was held in Rakaia on 27 June 2026, bringing together a record 31 competitors across six classes, including contemporary, vintage, farm and horse ploughing. Prizegiving and evening...

Heritage Event Ploughing +6

Wellington Winter Zine Fest

Jun 27, 2026 Wellington

The Wellington Winter Zine Fest is a market for zines held at The Design School, 139 Vivian Street, Wellington. On Saturday, June 27, 2026, it features store holders open for swap or...

Zine Market +6

Woof Market

Jun 27, 2026 Porirua

The Woof Market is a dog-friendly market in Porirua, New Zealand, offering a wide array of dog stalls and products. Held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 10 am to 3 pm...

Dog Market Pet Friendly +4

Heartland Bank Schools’ Music Festival

Jun 16-18, 2026 Ashburton

The annual Heartland Bank Schools’ Music Festival brings together 200 young voices from 13 primary and intermediate schools for three nights of musical performances. Held at the Ashburton Event Centre from June...

Music festival School Event +4

Dunedin Midwinter Carnival

Jun 13-14, 2026 Dunedin

The annual Dunedin Midwinter Carnival, celebrating the winter solstice, takes place on June 13-14, 2026, in Dunedin, New Zealand. Now in its 29th year, the popular event is held over two nights...

Midwinter Carnival +8

Generations in Play: Reviving Traditional Indian Games & Stories

Jun 7, 2026 Auckland

Generations in Play: Reviving Traditional Indian Games & Stories is a community cultural event in Auckland designed to strengthen bonds between different age groups. Held at the Fickling Convention Centre, the program...

Indian Culture Traditional Games +6

NZ’s BIGGEST Philippine Independence Celebration

Jun 7, 2026 Auckland

New Zealand's largest celebration of Philippine Independence, this annual event commemorates the nation's declaration of independence. Held at the Auckland Showgrounds, the festival features the Filipino News Filipino-Kiwi Hero Awards Ceremony and...

Cultural Festival Independence Day +4

Aotearoa Music Awards

May 29, 2026 Auckland

The Aotearoa Music Awards took place on May 29, 2026, at The Civic Theatre in downtown Auckland. During the event, Dame Lynda Topp delivered a powerful speech criticizing the New Zealand government...

Music Awards Arts +5

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