Events
A dancer in a white outfit performs contemporary choreography under a spotlight.

Experience a biennial celebration of Tāngata Whenua, Tāngata Moana, and Indigenous arts in Wellington.

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Festival attendees gather outside of St James Theatre with the Aotearoa New Zealand Arts Festival displayed on the marquee.

Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts

February to March 2026

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

CubaDupa

28 – 29 March 2026Cuba Street Precinct

Andi Crown

World of WearableArt Show

17 September – 4 October 2026TSB Arena

Burlesque performer Dita Von Teese splashes soapy water in an oversized, ornate martini glass on a pink stage.

Dita Von Teese

28 August 2026The Opera House | R18

Principal Laurynas Vejalis and Artist Cadence Barrack

Royal New Zealand Ballet 2026 Season

25 February – 7 November 2026St James Theatre

The exterior facade of Circa Theatre.

Circa Theatre Season 2026

24 January – 20 December 2026Circa Theatre

Manon Pene Pati

Wellington Opera — Manon

1 – 7 August 2026St James Theatre

Eight aerialists pose, some do handstands, on a dark stage.

More festival fare — grab a second helping

A deeper dive into the Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts programme reveals more performance treasures.

Tanea Heke

Ask a professional: Tanea Heke’s picks for the festival

Tanea Heke has been a driving force in Aotearoa’s creative sector for decades. Her career spans acting, producing, arts management, and education. She shares her picks for the upcoming Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts.

Jesus Christ Superstar

18 – 28 November 2026St James Theatre