Save these dates! Art, music, books, and even an obstacle course is on the horizon this October…
Nelson Arts Festival
Nelson
19 – 29 October
The 29th Nelson Arts Festivaloffers 11 days of must-see exhibitions, performances, comedy, dance and circus – along with the much-anticipated return of the Mask Carnivale, which lights up the inner-city streets with colourful costumes and parade performances. Tickets are ‘Pay What You Can’, allowing attendees to contribute as much as they are able to. nelsonartsfestival.nz
Ōtepoti Dunedin Heritage Festival
5 – 15 October
Dunedin
Celebrating the many remarkable historical sites in Ōtepoti Dunedin, this festival allows visitors to explore heritage gardens and buildings, learn about preservation and restoration processes, listen to incredible storytelling by local experts, and watch archival films. It features a range of free and ticketed events, performances and workshops. southernheritage.org.nz
Performance Art Week Aotearoa (PAWA)
1–5 November
Wellington
Expect the unexpected with PAWA – this festival presents a programme of interactive, intense, and confrontational performance art, plus expert discussions, panels, workshops, and free breakfasts hosted in multiple locations across the windy city. performanceartweekaotearoa.com
Dunedin Writers & Readers Festival 2023
13 – 15 October
Dunedin
Mingle with like-minded book lovers at this celebration of writers, readers, ideas and all things literary. Dunedin is a stronghold of indigenous story, a Unesco City of Literature, and the home of Aotearoa’s first university, so there is no better place to host a book-worm shindig. dunedinwritersfestival.co.nz
Tauranga Arts Festival
19 – 29 October
Tauranga
The 13th biennial Tauranga Arts Festival includes an immersive, digital space journey to Mars, comedy-royalty entertainment at stand-up night, a theatrical recreation of the eventful day when a group of mocking engineering students were confronted by an activist group, and much more. taurangafestival.co.nz
Gràda
18 – 28 October
Nationwide
Traditional Irish music band Gràda are reuniting and touring nine locations across New Zealand. With members from New Zealand and Ireland, Gràda draw influences from folk, jazz and Americana, and are known for their energetic improvisational skills on stage. gradamusic.ie
Wellington Jazz Festival
25 – 29 October
Wellington
Featuring more than a hundred gigs across the capital’s bars, eateries and venues, this festival boasts a star-studded programme of New Zealand jazz musicians. Among the headline events is Back to Black’s Celebrating Amy Winehouse showcase,commemorating Amy Winehouse’s 40th birthday. jazzfestival.nz
Ultimate Athlete
21 October
Nelson
The first ever South Island Ultimate Athlete obstacle course race will be held in Nelson on the sands of Tahunanui Beach. Challenge yourself with 15 obstacles set over 3 km, 6 km, and 10 km distances for kids, individuals and teams. Round up your crew and run, climb, swing, and crawl your way through the Saturday of Labour Weekend. ultimateathlete.co.nz
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