Over 45 incredible events across our region!
There is truly something for everyone in this year's Nelson Arts Festival programme: awe-inspiring stage shows, intimate gigs, thought-provoking kōrero, award-winning theatre and unmissable moments.Video by our friends at Innit Creative!Browse the 2025 programme
Sell-out circus show only in Whakatū!
Exclusive to this year’s Nelson Arts Festival, By a Thread, by Australian Circus company One Fell Swoop, is an astonishing acrobatic show.
Fresh from 15 sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, Nelson will be the show's only stop in Aotearoa, with just three performances at Theatre Royal.
Don't miss this! Expect mesmerising high ropes and choreography in a spectacle for the whole family to enjoy.
Fresh from 15 sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, Nelson will be the show's only stop in Aotearoa, with just three performances at Theatre Royal.
Don't miss this! Expect mesmerising high ropes and choreography in a spectacle for the whole family to enjoy.
Register for the Mask Parade!
Celebrate Whakatū with our most iconic community event.
The much-loved Mask Carnivale, presented by Nelson Mail, will transform our inner-city streets into a colourful explosion of joy, community and creativity on Friday 31 October!
This year the theme is Transformation.
Register now to take part in the parade!
The much-loved Mask Carnivale, presented by Nelson Mail, will transform our inner-city streets into a colourful explosion of joy, community and creativity on Friday 31 October!
This year the theme is Transformation.
Register now to take part in the parade!
Featured Events
See All Events
CINEMATOGRAPHER
Anthonie Tonnon
Theatre Royal
Thu 23 Oct | 8pm | 90 min
$39 – $49
An immersive ode to cinema, turn of the millennium dance culture, and The Situationist International
HEARTBREAK HOTEL
EBKM
Theatre Royal
Tue 28 Oct | 7.30pm | 75 min
$29 – $39
This one’s for the young hearts, the old hearts, and the broken hearts.
TAKADIMI
Rhythm Musicals
NCMA
Wed 29 Oct | 7.30pm | 90 min
$29 – $39
Where timeless traditions converge with bold innovation, crafting a rich soundscape of fusion.
HOLDING GROUND
The New Zealand Dance Company
Theatre Royal
Thu 30 Oct | 7.30pm | 50 min
$39 – $49
Holding Ground brings together two dynamic works in sharp contrast – one grounded in place, the other in technology.
Festival News
The latest news from the festival team