What’s on at the Festival, by day
It's WEEK 1 of the Festival.
We're almost there! Join us to celebrate Tāmaki Makaurau in full colour and see the city in a new light, over 18 unforgettable days and nights.
Our team is hard at work dressing Aotea Square, where Island Vibes will be holding a FREE opening night concert on Thursday at 5.30pm.
Come on down after work, snap a selfie with our ♥ TĀMAKI and Evanescent artworks, soak up the atmosphere in the Festival Garden, and start planning your next three weeks us in the late summer sun.
Get your tickets. Discover more.
La Ronde
Music Portrait of a Humble Disabled Samoan
Julia Bullock with Auckland Philharmonia
ONO with Moana & the Tribe
Whether you’re after unadulterated thrills, incredible artistry or an experience for the whole family, there's something for everyone at the Festival.
Start planning your Festival by checking out one of our curated shows for FUN SEEKERS, ARTS LOVERS and WHĀNAU below 👇, booking your tickets and making a date with us in March.
Explore shows for FUN-SEEKERS
Explore shows for ARTS LOVERS
Explore shows for WHĀNAU
CITY ENCOUNTERS is back for 2026 — a series of FREE events and moments in Tāmaki Makaurau, all throughout the Festival in March.
Start by dropping into the Festival Garden in Aotea Square — your home base for exploring the arts precinct and the Festival at large. Then follow the buzz to discover live music, glowing artworks, whānau adventures and pop-up surprises — and experience the city as a sandbox of Festival fun.
No tickets required! Just show up 👇
Explore CITY ENCOUNTERS
How to Festival.
Planning a day of discovery, a big night out, or a full 18 days of Festival immersion? We've got you covered.
For Festival Box Office hours, transport and access points to the Aotea Arts Precinct, recs on where to eat and stay, a full suite of FAQs, and more useful info over the course of the Festival, check out:
