WellingtonEvents
Joyful CubaDupa Festival attendees wear colourful outfits and throw confetti in the air.

A street party like no other, CubaDupa is two days of culture, community and carnival-style fun.

CubaDupa takes over Wellington’s central city streets for another epic party from March 28 to 29. The free annual festival brings a carnival vibe to the end of the summer. It offers live music, street theatre, dance, parades, and other cultural experiences.   

CubaDupa is New Zealand’s largest outdoor arts and music festival. Suitable for the whole family, the festival has performances and activities running throughout the day and night. Multiple performance spaces showcase New Zealand’s emerging musical talent alongside established artists. This year’s local artists include: RIIKI REID, MOKOMOKAI, Dick Move, Lou’ana, Aro, Jeff Parsnips, and Tom Knowles. International acts include Melbourne’s Gut Health, marking their first performance on an Aotearoa stage. 

Dancers in colourful clothes pair up, hold hands and skip in circles.
Four people are eating at a picnic table.
Three members of Hiwa, a Māori cultural group, perform on an outdoor stage at CubaDupa.
A saxophone player in green performs for festival attendees at CubaDupa.

Beyond the main stages, unexpected delights await. In an exciting new partnership with the New Zealand Fringe Festival and the Cuba Street Summer Series, CubaDupa has supported artists to develop full-scale street performances that began life at Fringe Festival or during the 2025 Cuba Street Summer Series. You might discover flash mobs, mini-operas, or captivating circus acts. 

Check out the retail and hospitality businesses in the neighbourhood. Many of them host pop-up parties throughout the weekend. If you need a break, there are parks, cafés, restaurants, and bars, as well as visiting food trucks. 

Since its inception in 2015, CubaDupa has consistently delivered unforgettable moments. It aims to foster an inclusive atmosphere for all attendees. Previous parades include Bollywood dancers, tubas, and zombies. There has also been a huge LED-lit dragon taking over the streets, and a mass ukulele parade of over 200 performers.   

Wellington's Cuba Street is filled with people attending the CubaDupa annual street festival.

CubaDupa is organised by Creative Capital Arts Trust. The festival celebrates the best of Cuba Street and Wellington. This includes the hospitality of businesses, talented performers, and volunteers’ community spirit. Wellington’s inherent creativity and strong community ties are central to CubaDupa’s enduring success.   

CubaDupa is free for everyone. Wander the streets, soak up the atmosphere, and get your groove on. Share in the merriment as the city farewells the summer in the most Wellington way.

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