11 days of unmissable arts experiences in Whakatū!
23 Oct - 2 Nov 2025
Check out our programme and book your tickets now!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
PUKAPUKA TALKS GALA NIGHT
Airana Ngarewa, Ali Mau, Elizabeth Knox, Hinemoa Elder, Matariki Bennett, Ngāhuia Awekōtuku + Tāme Iti
NCMA
Fri 24 Oct | 7.30pm | 90 min
$35-39
A once-in-a-lifetime storytelling experience!
THE VELVET REBELS
Performed by Rutene Spooner (Ngāti Porou, Ngāruahine, Ngāti Kahungunu) and Shea Kokaua
NCMA
Sat 1 Nov | 6pm | 60 min
$29 – $39
Celebrating the Ratpack Era
POLLYHILL & SAMARA ALOFA
Banished Music
Deville Music Hub
Sat 1 Nov | Doors Open 8pm, 8.30pm Supporting Act, 9.30pm Main Act
$26 – $29
A new live show taking the timeless sound of PollyHill and Samara Alofa’s sonic collaboration AQUARIES into fresh atmospheres.
THE BARONESS
Hayley Sproull
NCMA
Sat 1 Nov | 8.30pm | 60 min
$39 – $49
Hayley Sproull brings her brand new outrageous hour of comedy to Nelson Arts Festival.
ANNA CODDINGTON (LIVE AT NEUDORF VINEYARD)
Loop
Neudorf Vineyards
Sun 2 Nov | 2pm (Doors 12pm) | 75 min
$49 – $55
One of Aotearoa’s most acclaimed singer-songwriters whose songwriting and vocal ability blends into her unique sound.
Festival News
The latest news from the festival team