Wellington Cup Day (January)
The jewel in Wellington Racing Club’s crown, Wellington Cup Day sees impeccably dressed crowds head to Trentham Racecourse to see the best horses in New Zealand compete for Wellington’s most prestigious horse racing trophy.
Greater Wellington Brew Day (February)
This craft beer festival features live music, seriously delicious food, seminars and brews from around the greater Wellington region in a beautiful outdoor setting. There’s also craft cider, wine and non-alcoholic beverages from some of the area’s top producers.
New Zealand Festival (February-March)
On even-numbered years, Wellington welcomes the world’s most outstanding artists, performers, musicians and writers for three incredible weeks of imagination and inspiration at New Zealand Festival.
CubaDupa (March)
Wellington’s hippest inner city street hosts a two-day festival of food, music and community. The CubaDupa street festival celebrates the vibrant, bohemian spirit of the world’s coolest little capital.
NZ Fringe Festival (March)
Experience bold, inspiring, unexpected and daring works at NZ’s oldest and largest Fringe festival. With over 1000 artists, the NZ Fringe Festival attracts talent from around NZ and all over the globe for this three-week season of cutting edge performance art housed in venues all over Wellington city.
Jim Beam Homegrown (April)
New Zealand music takes centre stage in on the Wellington waterfront for the Jim Beam Homegrown music festival.
LUX Light Festival (May)
Every May, winter in Wellington is lit up at LUX Light Festival. This illuminating festival transforms the darkest Wellington nights with an array of interactive and awe-inspiring artworks incorporating light with other audio-visual elements.
Wellington Jazz Festival (June)
Our biggest mid-winter music fest, the Wellington Jazz Festival brings you 100 gigs in five days and countless good vibes. International headliners and top quality local acts fill the city’s venues with soul tunes, cool jazz, bebop and more.
Visa Wellington On a Plate (August)
New Zealand’s largest culinary festival, Visa Wellington On a Plate, makes Wellington a foodie paradise every August. The city’s chefs and the regional producers go into creative overdrive for a fortnight of spectacular menus, competitions and events.
Beervana (August)
Beervana is a huge celebration of the magic and mayhem of brewing – think thousands of beer enthusiasts, hundreds of mind-bending festival beers, delicious food and great entertainment all in one hoppy spot.
World of WearableArt™ Awards Show (September/October)
Mind-blowing designs from visionary, creative folk take to the stage for the World of WearableArt™ Awards Show. An internationally acclaimed, fantastical blend of art, fashion and stagecraft.
HighLight: Carnival of Lights (October)
The beautiful Riddiford Garden in Lower Hutt is transformed by a four-day carnival of lights over Labour Weekend. HighLlight is a free all-ages event features immersive displays, live performance and interactive light features, plus family-friendly activities.
Kāpiti Arts Trail (October-November)
Don’t miss this explosion of colour and creativity during the Kāpiti Arts Trail, with over 100 artists taking over the region and displaying works across a range of mediums.
Summer City (December – March)
Every year, over 100 free events come together for Wellington’s own Summer City, kicking off from New Year’s Day. Join us for music, adventure and fun under the stars.
Toast Martinborough (November)
Savour fine wine, cuisine and music in the open air at Toast Martinborough. In the picturesque surroundings of this famous wine-growing village, right on the doorstep of Wellington, this a memorable day of fun in the sun.
