Tauranga Arts Festival 2026
A celebration
of creativity, connection & community
This year marks our first annual presentation of the Festival, and we step into it with boldness, gratitude and a deep appreciation for the way our community continues to embrace arts experiences in Tauranga.
With bold ideas and creative energy we're dedicated to delivering world-class unforgettable experiences, in Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty. From music, theatre and comedy to stunning visual arts and thought-provoking literature, the Festival is eleven days of inspiration, joy and connection, we look forward to seeing you there.
Events
Best of the Fest
23–25 October, Various Times
Addison Theatre, Baycourt
Somersaulting in from Québec, Canada, are five internationally acclaimed contemporary circus performers for the premiere of their Aotearoa, New Zealand season.
Machine de Cirque blends their ingenious and deeply human storytelling with acts that dazzle the mind, touch the heart, and move the spirit.
31 October, 6pm & 9pm
X Space, Baycourt
Attention: Multiple new occurrences are now confirmed and verified. Healthy citizens must report to their safehouses by sunset and shelter in place.
Inspired by the classic game of deception, Werewolf is a gripping blend of thriller and comedy that pulls you into an immersive world of suspicion, survival, and uneasy laughter.
A perfect way for adults to celebrate Halloween.
Events for all
26 October, 5pm (Labour Day)
Addison Theatre, Baycourt
The Valentina
The Valentina pays tribute to the extraordinary imagination of kids who manage to stretch mightily to keep their feet on the ground as they reach for the stars.
30 October, 7.30pm
Addison Theatre, Baycourt
Tiri: Te Araroa
Woman Far Walking
Woven into a deeply emotional tapestry celebrating wāhine Māori and the emergent rangatahi who will take Aotearoa forward, this astonishing production is a national treasure that will continue to resonate across time and place.
22 October–1 November, 7–10pm
Baycourt Lawn
Filament
As beams cut through the structure, they catch on thousands of fine surfaces, revealing shifting planes, flickers, and moments of interference that feel both digital and organic. Best enjoyed after dark.
An opening act like no other
22 October, 8pm
Addison Theatre, Baycourt
Macy Gray Live
R&B singing great, Macy Gray, will be Tauranga Arts Festival’s opening act this year! Following her sensational sold-out 2024 tour, Macy Gray returns for her largest ever tour of Australia and New Zealand—and this time, Tauranga Arts Festival is proudly part of the journey.
We need you
Join our
Festival Whānau
Our Festival thrives thanks to the amazing support we receive from generous funders, sponsors, and individual donors.
As a not-for-profit organisation, your contributions are the lifeblood of our Festival—fuelling us to craft extraordinary, life-changing moments and unforgettable experiences that ripple out to our entire community and beyond. “We are indebted to the generous support of our funders, sponsors and patrons—there would be no Festival without you.” – Kathryn Lellman, Chair
With your help, we can continue to make magic happen.
Our supporters
View all funders, sponsors and donors
While you’re here, experience the best Tauranga has to offer from cozy hotels, to vibrant eateries, and places to explore.
News
Latest updates
About
Tauranga Arts Festival Trust
At the heart of everything we do is a vision to spark curiosity, connect people, and reflect the richness of our community. We aim to make the arts accessible, welcoming and relevant—whether you're attending a free event, a headline show, a writers talk or a schools’ performance.
Everyone is welcome to enjoy a vibrant mix of voices, cultures and ideas coming together. Our Festivals are designed to be inclusive, to celebrate who we are—from Tangata Whenua to our newest residents, visitors and loyal Festival goers.
We look forward to sharing our Festival with you.
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