What’s On In Wellington In 2026
Alice Rich
Contributor & Former Editor | Urban List NZ
Arts and culture capital of Aotearoa, Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington is packed with an epic lineup of things to do all year round.
From fresh beats, to theatrical masterpieces, cultural workshops and festivals like CubaDupa, here’s the lowdown on Wellington events in 2026 that are worth peeling yourself off the couch for, even when Wellington weather is weathering.
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Jump to:
- What’s On In Wellington In July 2026
- What’s On In Wellington In August 2026
- What's On In Wellington Later In 2026
What's On In Wellington In August 2026
Alan Davies: Think Ahead
Michael Fowler Centre
Image credit: Alan Davies | supplied
Here's something Quite Interesting: after a decade away, beloved QI funny man, Alana Davies, is back on Kiwi shores. Touring nationwide with a brand new hour of material, Think Ahead sees him reckon with getting old. Aren't. We. All.
The Details
When: 8 August 2026
Where: Michael Fowler Centre, 111 Wakefield St, Wellington Central
Cost: $81.46
Find out more here.
Dita Von Tesse: Nocturnelle
The Opera House Wellington
Image credit: @fiestabanphoto | supplied
The ever-reigning queen of burlesque, Dita Von Teese, returns to New Zealand’s grand stages and awaits audiences in August 2026, with her most enchanting show to date. Nocturnelle will see Dita unveil a bewitching new vision: an exquisite blend of old-Hollywood allure, theatrical magic, and the high-art “Stripscapes” she is known for, all inspired by the magicians of the 19th century. You know the drill.
The Details
When: 28 August 2026
Where: The Opera House Wellington, 111/113 Manners Street, Wellington
Cost: $101.85-$203.80
Find out more here.
Check Out The Dreamgirls Art Collective Mural
Corner of Ghuznee and Leeds Streets
Image credit: Pandora | Supplied
As if we needed anymore reason to visit this corner of Ghuznee and Leeds Streets (hello, Garage Project, Shelly Bay Baker, and Customs Coffee...) Dreamgirls Art Collective have brought the carpark to life, with their mural inspired by the nine stars of Matariki. Designed in collaboration with Pandora, the mural celebrates the key ethos of Matariki; remembrance, connection, aspiration and renewal through Dreamgirls' bold, colourful and unmistakable style. If you find yourself wanting to hold onto that idea for a little longer, you can make your way to the Pandora store to check out the collection of corresponding charms designed by Dreamgirls Art Collective too.
The Details
When: Throughout August
Where: Corner of Ghuznee and Leeds Streets
Cost: Free
Find out more here.
What's On In Wellington Later In 2026
Chris Parker: Take A Good Hard Look At Me
St James Theatre Wellington
Chris Parker needs no introduction. And if you’ve been lucky enough to see him live on stage already, you’ll know this is one to snap up, stat. Returning to the St James Theatre Wellington, Chris brings his show Take A Good Hard Look At Me to the masses. Get amongst.
The Details
When: 4 September 2026
Where: St James Theatre Wellington
Cost: $49.90
Find out more here.
Matilda The Musical
St James Theatre Wellington
If watching Matilda as a young’un had you unable to look at chocolate cake in the same way ever again, this could be your chance to finally get some closure. Yes siree, Roald Dahl’s beloved book (and the Tony Award-winning musical) has hit our shores and it’s packed to the hilt with high-octane dance numbers and songs you’ll likely be singing long after the final curtain falls.
The Details
When: 23 September-11 October 2026
Where: St James Theatre Wellington, 77-83 Courtenay Place, Te Aro
Cost: Varies
Find out more here.
The Wiggles Live In Concert
TSB Arena
Clear the calendar, if you grew up with The Wiggles and you’ve now got sprogs of your own, it’s practically your civic duty to take the tikes along to experience the magic for themselves (or, like, relieve the good ol’ days). The four concerts are set at the very kid-friendly hours of 10am and 1pm so there’s nothing left but to snap up a haul of tickets and get ready to scream Fruit Salad, YUMMY YUMMY at the top of your lungs.
The Details
When: 11-12 October
Where: TSB Arena, 4 Queens Wharf, Wellington Central
Cost: $28
Find out more here.
Wellington Jazz Festival
Various
If a jazz crawl sounds like your vibe, you won’t want to miss this year’s Wellington Jazz Festival. Returning with an enormous lineup packed with over 100 gigs you can get your fix of soul, swing, funk, and more over this five-day musical palooza. Stay tuned for the full lineup here.
The Details
When: 15-19 October 2026
Where: Various locations
Cost: Varies
Find out more here.
The Sleeping Beauty
St James Theatre Wellington
This July, we’re set to be served an iconic fairytale—the ballet edit—with the Royal New Zealand Ballet’s rendition of The Sleeping Beauty. Designed by Gary Harris and with whimsical flourishes by Wētā Workshop, this spectacular display of the strength and fluidity of some of the best ballerinas in the motu is not to be missed.
The Details
When: 25 October-7 November 2026
Where: St James Theatre Wellington, 87/77 Courtenay Place, Te Aro
Cost: Varies
Find out more here.
NZSO Rhythm and Dance
Michael Fowler Centre
Be transported to the streets of New York as the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra brings Bernstein’s toe-tapping Symphonic Dances from West Side Story to life in Rhythm & Dance. Alongside this iconic slice of musical mastery, you’ll get to immerse in the Latin American-jazz venn that is Aaron Copland’s Clarinet Concerto, with a historic interlude provided by John Adams’ The Chairman Dances, plus bear witness to the NZ premiere of Grammy Award-winning Mexican contemporary composer Gabriela Ortiz’ Antrópolis. How good.
The Details
When: 4 September 2026
Where: Michael Fowler Centre, 111 Wakefield St, Wellington Central
Cost: Varies
Find out more here.
Want more? Check out:
- The Best Airbnbs In Wellington For A Slick Capital Vacay
- Wellington's Best Restaurants
- Everything You Should Have Done In Wellington By Now
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