Gardens Magic

The Wellington summer nights just got warmer with the return of Gardens Magic. The capital’s talented musicians are on full display across January. The annual event, brought by Wellington City Council, presents a series of free concerts in the Botanic Garden Soundshell. 

Each year, a huge range of music genres is represented across three weeks. Choose from rock, folk, country and western, soul, jazz, pop, reggae and many more. Come early to grab a good picnic spot and sit back and enjoy the show with the whanau or a group of friends. Prolong your stay in the gardens by exploring the evening light display afterwards. The pathways near the Soundshell will be colourfully illuminated between 9 and 10:30pm every evening. During the day, the Botanic Gardens host a Kids Garden Trail and Kids Explorer Days. 

See the full 2026 programme online and keep an eye out for rain day announcements. This is your chance to join in on a beloved local tradition.