1. Courtenay Carnival
Thursday 31 December 2026 | Courtenay Place
Wellington’s biggest New Year’s Eve street party takes over Courtenay Place for an electric, all-ages celebration to send off the year. The precinct shuts down to traffic and fills with live music, roving street performers, food trucks, and pop-up activations from local venues. Running from late afternoon through to midnight, it’s the ultimate central hub to catch the vibes before counting down to 2027.
2. Gardens Magic
12–31 January 2027 | Botanic Garden ki Paekākā
Three weeks of free outdoor concerts in the Botanic Garden remains one of Wellington’s ultimate summer traditions. Running Tuesday through Sunday evenings at the Soundshell (7:00pm–9:15pm), every night kicks off with a warm-up soloist at seven before the headline set at eight.
This free event fills up fast on a fine evening so aim to arrive by 6:30pm with a picnic rug and a spread. Expect a broad mix across brass, jazz, reggae, ska, and hip-hop; the official lineup drops in December.
The Light Display: Once the sun sets (9:00pm–10:30pm), light installations transform the surrounding gardens into an illuminated wonderland.
Daytime Activities: Kids can explore the Kids' Garden Trail or pop into Wednesday Explorer Days in the Discovery Garden.
3. Wellington Pasifika Festival
Saturday 13 February 2027 | Waitangi Park
Waitangi Park comes alive from 11:00am to 5:00pm for a massive day celebrating Pacific culture. The waterfront venue hosts live performances across the main stage, alongside dedicated art and language activities.
For many, the real drawcard is the extensive food truck lineup serving up authentic island cuisine. Keep an eye out for the return of the Council’s Ētū rere pā'ata youth theatre programme featuring original local productions. The full vendor list will be released early in the new year.
4. Island Bay Festival
7–13 February 2027 | Island Bay & South Coast
Spanning a full week along the south coast, the Island Bay Festival celebrates the suburban heritage, coastline, and local community spirit of the area. The week features neighbourhood events, sporting highlights like the Tangata Manu Birdman competition, and coastal activities. The festival culminates over the weekend with Day in the Bay—a massive seaside fair featuring market stalls, live music, food, and family games along Shorland Park.
5. Newtown Festival
Sunday 7 March 2027 | Newtown
Newtown Festival holds the title as New Zealand’s largest free street party and fair. Riddiford Street and its surrounding avenues are closed to traffic to host over a dozen outdoor stages, featuring hundreds of live musicians, dance troupes, and performers. Combined with several hundred food, craft, and community stalls, it’s a vibrant showcase of Wellington's diverse cultural heart.
6. CubaDupa
Late March 2027 | Cuba Street Precinct
Closing out the summer festival run, CubaDupa turns the iconic Cuba Street district into a multi-sensory street takeover. Bringing together street theatre, live music stages, wearable art, immersive installations, and outdoor dining, it brings Wellington’s creative capital energy into full display across one unforgettable weekend.
