Mar 24, 2021 Travel
Where to go and what to do in our capital city.
CHIHARU SHIOTA: THE WEB OF TIME
TILL LATE 2021
Here, the night sky is studded not with stars but a constellation of numbers, all representing a meaningful date at some point in history, whether that’s collective or personal. “We share dates that are important to us, and they help us understand ourselves,” Shiota says of her installation.
Te Papa, tepapa.govt.nz
WHAT IF THE CITY WAS A THEATRE?
5 FEBRUARY-28 MARCH
The city becomes a stage in this free citywide programme of dancers, opera singers, drag artists and more — think circus tricks at bus stops and performers swinging from construction cranes.
Various locations, citytheatre.co.nz
WELLINGTON PRIDE FESTIVAL
13-27 MARCH
Spread out over two weeks, there’s set to be more than 80 events with some core highlights to look out for, including Out in the City — free, fun and family-friendly — and the official opening gala, He Tāngata, a “grand celebration of the cross-section between queer and indigenous culture”.
Various locations, wellingtonpridefestival.com
MĀORILAND FILM FESTIVAL
24–28 MARCH
Māoriland is the largest indigneous film festival in the Southern Hemisphere, showcasing a programme of creative works from around the globe. Beyond film, there’s art, emerging technology, industry workshops, kōrero and more, plus chances to meet the film-makers behind the stories.
Various locations, Ōtaki, maorilandfilm.co.nz
CUBADUPA
27–28 MARCH
“Beautiful disruption” is this year’s theme for CubaDupa, a free family-friendly street event which blurs the lines between audience and artist. 470 performances, 20 parades, 1700 artists (including Troy Kingi!) and over 100 food vendors. Did we mention it was free?
Cuba Precinct, cubadupa.co.nz
PEACHY KEEN
3 APRIL
With a local line-up featuring mostly women, Peachy Keen, a new all-ages festival, brings together household names and emerging talent to reflect our diverse music scene in New Zealand. You’ll be able to see Benee, Gin Wigmore, Ladi6, Paige, The Beths, Kita, and more. We’re peachy keen.
Basin Reserve, sopeachykeen.com
WELLINGTON LANTERN FESTIVAL
16–17 APRIL
It’s the Year of the Ox, the noble sign for those individuals born in 2009, 1997, and every 12 years before that. If that’s you, get yourself down to the Lantern Festival to celebrate. And if that’s not you, do it anyway — there’ll be food, lights, sculptured lanterns, and a line-up of celebratory entertainment.
Wellington Waterfront, wellingtonlanternfestival.co.nz
FEATHERSTON BOOKTOWN
6-9 MAY
There are 22 “booktowns” around the world, and one of them is right there in the Wairarapa. For three days, Featherston becomes a town of books, awash with a programme of literature, workshops, book sales, demonstrations, panels and live readings.
Various locations, booktown.org.nz
HIGHBALL FESTIVAL
7–8 MAY
The best two days of the year for cocktail and spirits purveyors in New Zealand, Highball is all about booze-based deliciousness, including mixology sessions and exhibitors, plus tasty food and sweet music. The following week is Wellington Cocktail Week, which sees the restaurants and bars get involved.
Dominion Museum Building, highball.co.nz
TEDXWELLY
8 MAY
It’s hard to exist in the 21stcentury without having seen a TEDx talk, whether that’s in person or on YouTube, so you know the drill: TEDx is all about sparking important conversation. Live speakers encourage discussion and connection among the audience, and, maybe, get you to think about something a little differently.
Michael Fowler Centre, tedxwellington.com
JERSEY BOYS
21 MAY–6 JUNE
The story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, seen by 26 million people around the world, and now including you, maybe.
The Opera House, jerseyboys.co.nz
WELLINGTON JAZZ FESTIVAL
9-13 JUNE
There’s a lot of jazz to be heard over these five days, with lively tunes weaving through the many streets, cafes, bars, live music venues of our capital city.
Various locations, jazzfestival.co.nz
VISA WELLINGTON ON A PLATE
1-31 AUGUST
It is the biggest food festival in all of New Zealand; a line-up of popups, guest chefs, talks, special oneoff dishes, and, oh yeah, burgers. No matter who or what is on the programme, Visa WOAP is always a reliably good time, thanks to the especially delicious kai flying out of Wellington’s kitchens during this month.
visawoap.com
This content was created in partnership with WellingtonNZ.
