Aotearoa Explore

This weekend in Aotearoa

A short list of festivals and cultural events active this weekend in Aotearoa.

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14 festivals this weekend

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New Zealand Improv Festival

New Zealand Improv Festival

Oct 2-10, 2026 Wellington
Upcoming

The New Zealand Improv Festival (NZIF) is set to return to Wellington from October 2 to 10, 2026. This festival features over a week of live, unscripted performances and workshops, primarily based...

Improv Theatre +4
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
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
Auckland Heritage Festival

Auckland Heritage Festival

Sep 26 - Oct 11, 2026 Auckland
Ongoing

The Auckland Heritage Festival returns for its 22nd year from late September to mid-October 2026. This two-week event features a wide array of free and low-cost activities across the region, focusing on...

Heritage History +9
Raglan Arts Weekend (RAW)

Raglan Arts Weekend (RAW)

Oct 2-26, 2026 Raglan
Upcoming

The Raglan Arts Weekend (RAW) is a long-running cultural event in Raglan, New Zealand, featuring a self-guided trail of 48 local artist studios. The festival begins with a major Preview Exhibition at...

Art Trail Exhibition +5
Outdoor Expo

Outdoor Expo

Oct 2-4, 2026 Canterbury Region
Upcoming

The Outdoor Expo is an exhibition at Canterbury Agricultural Park, New Zealand, from October 2 to 4, 2026. It will showcase over 250 brands dedicated to outdoor pursuits like boating, camping, fishing,...

Outdoor Expo Exhibition +7

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