A head and shoulders shot of a person wearing spiky headphones, embellished shoulders, and diamantes on their head. The background is a pink and purple geometric design.

World of WearableArt (WOW) Show

The WOW Show is New Zealand’s single-largest theatrical production and the capital’s not-to-be-missed annual event.

Enter a portal to another planet as the 2023 World of WearableArt (WOW) Show: BEYOND comes to Wellington in September. For its 33rd iteration, WOW will take place across a three-week season, bringing the TSB Arena stage to life with incredible works of wearable art.

At the heart of the show is the World of WearableArt Competition. The competition draws designers from across the globe, working in radical and innovative ways in the mediums of fashion, art, design and costume. These creations are showcased each night on stage in a theatrical spectacular, alongside dancers, aerialists, captivating music, and moments that will take your breath away.

Competition entries are divided into categories, with sections of the show themed around them. The 2023 show includes three return sections, Aotearoa, Avant-garde, and Open, alongside new sections Mars and Beyond, Gold, and the return of an iconic WOW favourite, Bizarre Bra.

Also taking the stage will be five headline performers from across Aotearoa, covering music, dance, performance, and DJ sets. Indie R&B artist Deva Mahal and her sister, folk R&B artist Zoe Moon will be joined by Aotearoa choreographer and dancer Taiaroa Royal, actor, singer and performing artist Jaxson Cook, and DJ, Aroha Harawira.

The 2023 WOW Show: BEYOND, will take audiences on a journey to a futuristic world beyond your imagination. Tickets are on sale now.

BEYOND in Wellington

Wellington goes BEYOND for the World of WearableArt season with plenty of extras to eat, see and do. Check out what’s on offer across the city in our digital map below including special events from some of Wellington’s favourites. Look out for the colourful window decals throughout the CBD, marking the special offerings.

Look out for these colourful window decals throughout Wellington, marking special offerings for WOW.

If the map does not work, open it in a new tab

Special events

Share to Win

Share your WOW in Wellington experience on social media with the #BEYONDinWellington and go in the draw to win yourself two tickets to attend WOW 2024 and enjoy a $2,000 shopping spree with this year’s participating businesses at the same time next Spring.

*Terms and Conditions apply. Businesses are responsible for their own incentive offerings.

Be WOWed in Wellington

In the 2006 World of WearableArt show, people are dancing on stage with large feathers as confetti rained down. A large chandelier made of pink material hangs above them.

Your ultimate guide to WOW

Everything you need to know to have a fun and fabulous World of WearableArt weekend in Wellington this September.

Dame Suzie Moncrieff posing in between two mannequins wearing World of Wearable Art costumes. In the background there are shelves and boxes.

The Art of Passion with Dame Suzie Moncrieff

The annual WOW Show season is a major fixture in the Wellington events calendar and hotly anticipated around the motu. WOW founder Dame Suzie Moncrieff is now an ambassador and a 2023 WOW judge.

Looking up at the Bucket Fountain during the day, an iconic kinetic sculpture located in Cuba Mall in Wellington.

Your guide to WOW: Cuba and Ghuznee Streets

Wellington goes BEYOND for the World of WearableArt season with plenty of extras to see and do. Check out what’s on offer in the Cuba and Ghuznee Street area and add them to your itinerary.

Street view of Courtenay Place at sunset, people crossing the street and cars parked on the side of the road with buildings either side.

Your guide to WOW: Courtenay Place

Wellington goes BEYOND for the World of WearableArt season with plenty of extras to see and do. Check out what’s on offer in and around Courtenay Place and add these spots to your itinerary.

Your guide to WOW: Lambton Quay

Wellington goes BEYOND for the World of WearableArt season with plenty of extras to see and do. Check out what’s on offer in and around Lambton Quay and add them to your itinerary.

Your guide to WOW: Victoria and Willis Streets

Wellington goes BEYOND for the World of WearableArt season with plenty of extras to see and do. Check out what’s on offer along Victoria and Willis Streets and add them to your itinerary.