Wānaka Festival of Colour

23/09/2026

There’s something pretty special about seeing Wānaka come together. ❤️

In 2025, we presented 28 free events, with more than 7,000 people joining us for our much-loved Community Whānau Day.

From music and performance to activities, creativity and plenty of good times by the lake, it was a brilliant celebration of our community - and a reminder of what can happen when everyone is invited to be part of the festival.

Now we’re looking ahead to Festival of Colour 2027…

🙋‍♀️ Give us a 👍 if you’ll be joining us for Community Whānau Day in 2027!

Bring the whānau. Bring your friends. Bring your dancing shoes.

We’ll see you by the lake. 🌈

23/09/2026

There’s something pretty special about seeing Wānaka come together. ❤️

In 2025, we presented 28 free events, with more than 7,000 people joining us for our much-loved Community Whānau Day.

From music and performance to activities, creativity and plenty of good times by the lake, it was a brilliant celebration of our community - and a reminder of what can happen when everyone is invited to be part of the festival.

Now we’re looking ahead to Festival of Colour 2027…

🙋‍♀️ Give us a 👍 if you’ll be joining us for Community Whānau Day in 2027!

Bring the whānau. Bring your friends. Bring your dancing shoes.

We’ll see you by the lake. 🌈

17/08/2026

Did you know 85% of survey respondents said Wānaka Festival of Colour - Te Kaupeka Rau, helps make the region a better place to live?

That’s a pretty powerful vote of confidence in the role of the arts in our community.

Our festival is about bringing people together. Creating moments of connection. Giving children and young people opportunities to experience something new. Welcoming visitors while giving locals a reason to celebrate the place they call home.

And it’s about creating the kind of community we want to live in - curious, connected, creative and full of life.

We’re proud to be part of Wānaka’s cultural fabric and grateful to everyone who comes along, gets involved, supports the festival and helps make it happen.

85% said we make the region a better place to live.
We believe this is a number worth celebrating. ❤️

07/08/2026

A thriving arts sector creates vibrant communities, strengthens wellbeing, and enriches everyday life.

We see it every Festival.

In the moments when a child hears live music for the first time. When an artist opens up a new way of seeing. When strangers sit beside each other, share an experience or a conversation.

The arts are not an optional extra to a thriving community. They are part of the fabric of one.

They create connection. They spark curiosity. They give us opportunities to listen, question, imagine and understand each other — across generations, cultures and experiences.

And in a place like Wānaka, this matters.

As conversations continue across Aotearoa about the value of investing in the arts, we believe it is worth remembering what this investment makes possible: vibrant communities, richer lives, shared experiences and a stronger sense of belonging.

This is why we do what we do.

Because the arts don’t just happen in a community....they help build one.

23/07/2026

A huge thank you to all of our Festival supporters. Your generosity makes a lasting impact on our community, and we're incredibly grateful for your support.

Ngā mihi nui.

13/07/2026

Vale Sir Sam Neill.

Yesterday we lost a much loved friend and supporter of the Wānaka Festival of Colour - Te Kaupeka Rau - Sir Sam Neill.

Sam was a more than an ambassador to us. He truly believed in the value of the arts and what a small town in the south could build and he backed it with genuine warmth and heart.
We are immensely grateful for his strong support of the Festival and for his tireless advocacy for the performing arts and screen sectors across Aotearoa.
Our thoughts are with his whānau, friends, colleagues and all those who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.

We will honour his memory through art, shared joy, laughter, storytelling and community.

Moe mai rā, Sir Sam. E kore koe wareware - you will never be forgotten.

Ngā mihi maioha,
The Wānaka Festival of Colour Whānau

08/07/2026

Did you know...more than 16,000 people participated in the 2025 Festival and 17% of those attended the Festival for the very first time!...

Nau Mai, Haere Mai, Whānau.

🎭 Wānaka Festival of Colour | April 3 - 11, 2027

21/06/2026

Festival Of Colour luminaries The Veils return to Wānaka this WEEK to celebrate their stunning new album, Fragile World.
With support from the wondrous Jazmine Mary, this will be a show not to miss.

links: https://www.banishedmusic.com/tours/the-veils-fragile-world-nz

25/05/2026

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Dame Jools Topp — an extraordinary entertainer, activist, trailblazer and beloved national treasure.

We are so incredibly grateful that Jools and Lynda were able to join us at our last Festival, sharing their warmth, humour, generosity and infectious spirit with our community. Their in conversation session with us brought immense joy to our audiences and the memory of their time with us will stay with us forever.

Dame Jools made an extraordinary contribution to Aotearoa through her music, performance, courage and advocacy. Alongside Lynda, she brought humour, humanity and real heart to generations of New Zealander. Together, they championed inclusion, equality and social change, leaving an impact that extends far beyond the stage and will continue to inspire us all for years to come.

Our heartfelt thoughts are with Lynda, their whānau, friends and the many people across the country whose lives were touched by Dame Jools’ remarkable life and contribution.

Moe mai rā Dame Jools. Thank you for the laughter, the music and the joy you have shared with us.

30/04/2026

We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Carla Van Zon — a visionary leader and an extraordinaryforce within the Aotearoa arts community. Our thoughts are with her whānau, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.

It’s with heavy hearts that today we share news of the passing of arts rangatira Carla van Zon ONZM (1952-2026).

Much-loved and respected by the arts community in Aotearoa and internationally, Carla worked for the New Zealand Festival for 20+ years including as artistic director 2002-2006. A former dancer, Carla championed the arts and artists all her life and in her roles at the Festival, Creative New Zealand and at Auckland Arts Festival, she shared her passion with audiences. She remained a close friend and mentor to our co-directors Tama Waipara and Dolina Wehipeihana, along with other staff and Board members, and she leaves behind a legacy which stretched across the world.

We will be sharing tributes to Carla on our website, festival.nz

Moe mai rā e te tuhi māreikura 🌿