Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts
24 February – 15 March 2026
From international sporting fixtures to arena spectacles, street parties to spine-tingling concerts, Wellington's event scene is buzzing. From hosting world cups to blockbuster premieres, there's something for everyone. WellingtonNZ works in partnership with the event sector to bring these exceptional events and experiences to the city and region. We aim to enhance Wellington's reputation as an outstanding host city for world-class events, and bring the energy of the events experience to locals and visitors alike.
As a compact, walkable city with world-class venues, a sparkling harbour and lush green hills, Wellington is a city that was born to host.
Major events by the numbers
For the 2024/25 financial year.
$56,388,679
in visitor spend
497,725
attendees
bed nights
90%
average satisfaction rate
of local attendees agree hosting major events makes Wellington a more enjoyable place to live
Wellington's major events
See all eventsHow WellingtonNZ supports major events
Major events are a key contributor to Wellington’s regional economy, attracting visitation, generating spending, and creating new jobs across multiple sectors. WellingtonNZ works in partnership with the event sector to maximise the economic, reputational, and social outcomes to the region. We attract, invest and partner with major events to enable them to succeed. Our work includes:
- major event attraction and feasibility
- sponsorship marketing and promotion
- logistical and venue support
- feasibility studies and major event bids
- all-of-city response and activations
- planning, management, risk management and coordination.
Major events funding
WellingtonNZ manages the Major Events Fund for Wellington. We take a portfolio-wide approach to event attraction and investment decisions in the city to deliver significant outcomes to Wellington. Read the criteria and find out how to apply.
Regional Events Calendar
Sign up for regular updates of events being held in the wider Wellington region over the next six months. The calendar is designed to help with business and operational planning. It only includes publicly announced events with anticipated audiences of over 500 people.
Get in touch
Talk to the Major Events team for advice and information about hosting your event in Wellington.
Major events news
More newsAt start of items
Major events deliver significant economic and social boost for Wellington
WellingtonNZ’s calendar of major and regional events continues to make a positive impact — driving visitation, boosting the economy, and strengthening local pride across the region.
Wellington Rises in Celebration of 20 Years of WOW in the Capital
To mark 20 years as the home of the World of WearableArt Show, the city celebrates with a WOW Wanderer minibus, new WOW sign, and special retail and dining offers.
High Tide Festival Eyes Growth with Move to Waitangi Park
Premier summertime music festival to move to Wellington waterfront in 2025.
$323M and Counting: The WOW Effect on Wellington
Wellington Celebrates 20 Years as the Home of World of WearableArt Show in 2025.
One NZ Warriors to play historical Anzac match in Wellington
Aotearoa’s favourite NRL team to play at Sky Stadium on 25 April 2026
Ed Sheeran’s brand-new concert tour headed for Wellington
Wellington is in for a treat this summer, with music megastar Ed Sheeran heading back to his “favourite city in the world” with his brand-new show, the ‘Loop Tour’ at Sky Stadium.
Wellington to host Wrexham AFC vs Wellington Phoenix FC match at Sky Stadium this July
Record-breaking Welsh side will play a match in the capital as part of its Australia and New Zealand tour this winter.
Wellington’s summer of events delivers $15.9m economic benefit to the capital
Newly released figures highlight the positive impact of the city’s summer schedule of major, regional, and performance events.
Venue for the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific Championship in 2026 announced
The R&A and the Asia-Pacific Golf Confederation (APGC) have announced that the eighth edition of the Women’s Amateur Asia-Pacific (WAAP) championship will be held at Royal Wellington in New Zealand from 12 to 15 February 2026.
Rugby delivers boost to Wellington
Wellington is set for a tidy economic win of more than $5 million with the announcement of three rugby tests scheduled for the city next year, according to WellingtonNZ.