Wellington calls itself the events capital, and its calendar backs that up. The city's compact centre means most festivals are walkable once you arrive, but getting a group in from the Hutt, Kāpiti or the airport is easier with a booked coach.
This guide covers the events that return every year. Check dates with each organiser before you book.
Summer: January to March
NZ Fringe Festival (February to March)
More than three weeks of independent theatre, comedy and performance across the region.
Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts (February to March)
The national arts festival brings international and local theatre, dance and music to Wellington in late summer. Check whether it is running in your year, as it has not always been held annually.
CubaDupa (March)
A free two-day street festival in the Cuba precinct, with more than 200 acts and 70 food vendors.
Autumn and winter: April to August
NZ International Comedy Festival (May)
Stand-up and comedy shows at venues across the city.
Lōemis (June)
A winter festival of light, fire and performance.
Visa Wellington on a Plate (August)
New Zealand's largest food festival runs for the whole of August, with more than 200 venues and Burger Wellington.
Beervana (August)
The country's biggest craft beer festival, held over two days at Sky Stadium.
Spring and summer: September to December
World of WearableArt Show (September to October)
Wellington's most famous show runs for around three weeks at the TSB Arena.
Diwali Festival of Lights (October)
A free celebration on the waterfront with food, dance and performances.
High Tide (November)
A multi-genre music festival at Waitangi Park.
New Year's Eve
Free celebrations on the waterfront with live music and fireworks.
Getting a group to Wellington festivals
Most big Wellington festivals have road closures, limited parking and a designated bus or coach drop-off zone. A private minibus or coach keeps your group together and gets everyone home at a set time, without anyone needing to drive.
- For WOW and Beervana, ask about pick-ups from Wellington Airport and the Hutt Valley.
- Confirm the official coach drop-off point on the festival's transport page.
- Agree a pick-up time and a meeting spot before your group goes in.
- Book transport as soon as you have tickets, especially for long weekends.
Frequently asked questions
What is Wellington's biggest annual event?
The World of WearableArt Show and Visa Wellington on a Plate are two of the largest, both drawing many visitors from out of town.
Is CubaDupa free?
Yes. CubaDupa is a free street festival in the Cuba Street precinct.
Bus hire for Wellington festivals
Bus Hire NZ arranges minibuses and coaches for groups of all sizes, from 11-seat minibuses to 53-seat coaches, with professional drivers who know the venues, the drop-off points and the event traffic plans.
Tell us your event, date and group size through our quick quote form and our Wellington bus hire page, and we will come back with options.