Welcome to Kākano, the Wairarapa Arts Festival. A wide range of engaging and beautifully crafted events will take place throughout March, including both ticketed and free family-friendly activities. Scroll down to see the current programme.
EVENTS
New Zealand Air Force Band
Air Force On Tour Sunday 2 March 1:30pm
WhenSunday, March 2 - 1:30 pmPricesAdult from $26.10 Child (14yrs & under) $7.00 Concession (Gold Card or CSC) from $21.40 Student (Tertiary & Secondary) from $21.40 Groups 0f 6+ from $19.50 (Inclusive of booking fee)NoteThis performance will be going ahead...
The Big Bike Film Night
Wednesday 5 March 7:00pm
When Wednesday, March 5 - 7:00 pm Prices Adult $23.50 Under 17 $18.50 Under 12 $13.50 (+ booking fee if applicable) Note This performance will be going ahead under the Red COVID-19 protection framework and strictly limited to 100 audience members per session. Please...
New Zealand Symphony Orchestra presents: Timeless Beauty
Saturday 8 March 7:30pm
WhenSaturday, March 8 - 7:30 pmPricesAdult: $47 Concession: $44 (Gold card, community service card + NZDF Forces for Families card holders) Child (under 18): $19 3years and under: Free (on lap of caregiver) (Inclusive of booking fee)NoteThis performance will be going...
Aya and the Butterfly
Sunday 9 March 11am
WhenSunday, March 9 - 11:00amPricesGeneral Admission: $16 (Inclusive of booking fee)NoteThis performance will be going ahead under the Red COVID-19 protection framework and strictly limited to 100 audience members per session. Please ensure you read the Terms and...
Two Guitars
Friday 14 March 7:30pm
WhenFriday, March 14 - 7:30 pmPrices Adult: $47.50 Concession (Seniors): $42.50 Groups (6+): $42.50 (Inclusive of booking fee)NoteThis performance will be going ahead under the Red COVID-19 protection framework and strictly limited to 100 audience members per session....
Holloway Hoopla
Sunday 16 March 10am to 2pm
When Sunday, March 16 - 10:00am to 2:00pm Prices This is a free event however some events may require prior registration in case of bad weather. Please keep an eye on our social media for updates. Note This performance will be going ahead under the Red COVID-19...
Suitcase Show
Saturday 22 March 7:30pm
When Saturday, March 22 - 7:30 pm Prices Adult $47.50 Concession (Student) $42.50 (Inclusive of booking fee)Note This performance will be going ahead under the Red COVID-19 protection framework and strictly limited to 100 audience members per session. Please ensure...
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FAQ
What is the Wairarapa Arts Festival?
This exciting new event will showcase a diverse array of performing arts and music, offering something for every taste. From symphony orchestras to theatre, puppetry, circus, and more, the festival promises to delight audiences with visually stunning and thought-provoking performances.
The festival’s theme, kākano (meaning ‘seed’), reflects its goal of nurturing creativity within the community. This year’s mini festival, centred around the heart of Wairarapa here in Carterton, isthe beginning of what organisers hope will become a beloved biennial event, with plans to establish strong roots for future festivals.
When is it on?
The 2025 Festival dates are Sunday 2nd March through to the 30th March 2025.
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Is the Festival based in Carterton?
2025’s festival is based in Carterton at the Carterton Events Centre. This being our first year, we are starting small as we need to keep things simple for the sake of the budget and our sanity – as we are a tiny team fitting this festival around our already busy roles. We have every hope that this festival can spread to other towns the region in the future when we (hopefully) have a bit more resource. But for 2025 we are happy to call Carterton home, in the centre of the Wairarapa, while also allowing the programmed events access to professional sound and lighting in an already established live performance event space.