Events and Festivals

Below is a selection of some of the most popular events and festivals that may be on during your time at Victoria University of Wellington. 

• Cuba Street Carnival: This biennial, two-day event includes town music and entertainment stages, street performers, an Outdoor Film Fiesta, markets and the award-winning Night Parade.
• Annual Fringe Festival: A three-week festival including live theatre, comedy, poetry, visual arts, dance, music and much more. 
• Asia Pacific Festival: This week-long festival allows you to experience contemporary and traditional music/concerts from the Asia Pacific region.
• NZI Rugby Sevens: The world’s top seven-a-side rugby teams compete at the Westpac Stadium over two days. People from all over the world come to Wellington to watch this event and participate in the festive atmosphere that is acclaimed by all to be the best in the competition.
• Montana World of Wearable Art Awards Show: Artists from New Zealand and around the world enter truly amazing garments that are presented in a two-hour show of movement, sound and light.
• Capital National Arts Festival: Quality performers from all over the world, carnivals and free events create a two-week arts blast.
• Meridian Energy Summer City: Summer celebrations with more than 100 free outdoor events – an amazing range of summertime entertainment including live music, cabaret and much more.
• New Zealand International Art s Festival: Three weeks packed full of dance, drama, music, lectures and more – the biennial highlight of Wellington’s late summer.
• Wellington Folk Festival: This weekend event includes a number of international and national performances.
• National Dragon Boat Festival: A festival extravaganza situated at the Wellington waterfront with teams from all over New Zealand competing for the Dragon Boat title.
• Botanical Gardens summertime concerts: Performances include an enormous range of genres, from jazz and virtuoso guitarists to brass bands, African and Latin sounds, blues, country, rock n’ roll and big band swing.
• The New Zealand International Comedy Festival: Enjoy three weeks of fun and comedy from local and international comedians.

A taste of other attractions Wellington has to offer

It’s not only the city’s annual events or festivals that you can enjoy. Wellington is home to a lively entertainment calendar all year round. You’ll find fantastic music and theatre venues within walking distance of the central city area, great bars and clubs, or enjoy a coffee sitting outside one of the city’s many cafes overlooking the harbour. There’s also a range of great walks around the region suitable for any level of fitness and much more.