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Wellington is widely regarded as New Zealand’s cultural capital, hosting a busy calendar of events throughout the year. From contemporary dance at St. James Theatre to festivals that celebrate local creativity and multiculturalism, the city is a lively centre for arts, culture, and community. The city’s events highlight its reputation as a creative and inclusive destination.
Overview of Wellington’s Events Scene
Wellington events are diverse and a key part of the city’s economy and identity. The city hosts a broad range of major festivals, sports, and arts performances year-round, drawing both local and international visitors. The summer season from December to March is especially active, with over 70 events including comedy, music, food festivals, sports, and family activities. This period alone recently generated around $15.9 million in visitor spending and attracted over 210,000 attendees.
Major Events and Festivals
One of Wellington’s major events is the World of WearableArt Awards Show, a globally recognised event that displays innovative wearable art designs. Wellington’s music scene also thrives with Jim Beam Homegrown – an annual music festival showcasing local artists in multiple venues. Meanwhile, Beervana is a popular craft beer festival celebrating New Zealand’s brewing culture, attracting both locals and visitors alike.
Other notable Wellington events include BOWLZILLA, a national skateboarding championship held every February at Waitangi Park; The Performance Arcade, a long-running free summer arts festival along the waterfront with live performances and interactive installations; and the Newtown Festival, a large music and street fair in early March known for diverse music stages, cultural acts, and food markets.
Cultural Events and Exhibitions
Prominent cultural events include the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts – the nation’s largest contemporary arts celebration with performances in music, dance, theatre, and literature. In addition, there is CubaDupa, a two-day street festival that showcases Cuba Street’s creative spirit through music, dance, and art. Another key cultural event is the Wellington Pasifika Festival, a free celebration of Pacific art, language, food, and live performances.
City Gallery Wellington hosts a variety of modern and contemporary New Zealand and international art exhibitions, including painting, photography, sculpture, and multimedia works. The Wellington Art Club’s annual Matariki Exhibition celebrates the Māori New Year with artworks from local artists available for purchase. On the other hand, the NZ Art Show is the country’s largest curated art show featuring thousands of contemporary works by hundreds of artists.
Sporting Events
Sport plays a big role in Wellington’s calendar. The city has hosted major international events such as the ICC Cricket World Cup (2015, 2022), the 2017 British and Irish Lions rugby tour, FIFA World Cup qualifiers, and regular rugby fixtures featuring the All Blacks and Black Ferns at Sky Stadium.
Rugby union features prominently, with Sky Stadium hosting both Black Ferns and All Blacks test matches, including a notable July 2025 double-header with the Black Ferns playing Australia and the All Blacks facing France. The Hurricanes Super Rugby team and Wellington Lions compete in their respective domestic competitions at various venues.
Soccer is popular with Wellington Phoenix FC playing home matches at Sky Stadium and Porirua Park, with fixtures like an exhibition match versus Wrexham AFC in July 2025 attracting significant crowds. National and international soccer matches also occur regularly.
Food and Drink
Wellington hosts several well-known food and drink events. Visa Wellington On a Plate, held every August, is New Zealand’s largest food festival, featuring hundreds of small events such as masterclasses, pop-up dinners, and a creative burger competition called Burger Wellington. It attracts food lovers from across the country and is one of the most anticipated Wellington events each year.
The Wellington Food Show usually takes place in late August or early September at Sky Stadium. It offers food tastings, cooking demonstrations, masterclasses with celebrity chefs, and a range of exhibitors from local producers to international cuisine, including themed zones for BBQ and drinks.
The Wellington Wine & Food Festival occurs in summer, highlighting beer, cider, wine, champagne, and cocktails alongside local restaurant dishes. The Newtown Festival also features extensive food markets offering local and international cuisines, street food vendors, and artisan producers.
Event Venues and Hosting
Wellington offers a wide range of venues suited for conferences, weddings, corporate functions, performances, and social gatherings. Key venues include the Michael Fowler Centre, a modern auditorium for large conferences and concerts; St James Theatre, known for its classic architecture and as home to the Royal New Zealand Ballet; and TSB Arena, the city’s largest indoor venue for exhibitions, concerts, and sports.
Venues Wellington manages several locations and provides support services for event production, catering, and sustainable operation to ensure well-organised events across Wellington.
Planning Your Trip to Wellington Events
Booking accommodation early is advisable during peak periods of events. Central city hotels or apartments usually offer convenient access to venues and nightlife. The compact city layout is easy to explore on foot, with reliable public buses and taxis available. All of the event tickets should be purchased through official event websites or trusted agents, and note that while some events are free, others may require advance booking.
FAQs
What are the best annual events to attend in Wellington?
World of WearableArt Awards Show, Beervana craft beer festival, and Visa Wellington On a Plate stand out. Jim Beam Homegrown offers live music from local bands, while CubaDupa and Newtown Festival highlight creative spirit and cultural diversity.
Where can I find a calendar of upcoming Wellington events?
The Wellington City Council’s official events page showcases major festivals and cultural events, while Eventfinda offers a detailed searchable list of concerts, exhibitions, and community happenings. WellingtonNZ also provides information on ticketing and performances.
Are there any free or family-friendly events in Wellington this weekend?
You can join guided glowworm night tours at Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, or visit Capital E for creative children’s craft sessions. Wellington Museum offers exhibitions suitable for all ages. These family-friendly options provide cost-free, enjoyable outings for whānau during the weekend.
