Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival was created for the people of Auckland, both residents and visitors. With the launch of our 2026 Festival, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what the Festival means to Tāmaki Makaurau and the benefits it brings to our city.
Since 2003, the Festival has entertained more than 2.4 million people, celebrating the culture and heritage of our diverse communities and enhancing the liveability and vibrancy of our region.
Each year, more than 100,000 people take part in Festival events and activities, contributing to a significant economic impact. The Festival supports hundreds of local workers, boosts city businesses, and fills hotels and restaurants as visitors come to enjoy the city at its creative best.
An impressive 83% of attendees agree that events like the Festival make them feel proud of Auckland, and that sense of pride and connection is at the heart of everything we do.
Below are some highlights from our 2025 Festival. We look forward to seeing what 2026 will bring, as locals and visitors continue to fall in love with Tāmaki Makaurau, its people, its places, and its pulse.
