Cult cabaret, an interactive gaming event, an acrobatic troupe, renowned pianist, bilingual theatre, comedic performances, music galore… the Tauranga Arts Festival 2026 programme has launched.
Add to that a pocket orchestra, Hittmen Bucket Drummers (with local school pupils), zinefest, poetry slam, waiata, and a star-studded literary programme and that’s a solid taste of the smorgasbord of festival action.
Day one of the October 22-November 1 festival will include a sold-out show by singing sensation Macy Gray, while the festival will end with Craigs Investment Partners’ Escape, it’s literary focused programme. Amongst those presenting at the latter are two of New Zealand’s most trusted money experts – Mary Holm and Susan Edmunds, as well as world-renowned resilience researcher and best-selling author Dr Lucy Hone (her most recent book being How Will I Ever Get Through This?) and authors Dr Hinemoa Elder, Jon Toogood and Anne Cleary.
And there’s so much in between.
Tauranga Arts Festival director Megan Brown says 2026 festival goers can expect entertainment, wonder and magic delivered by exceptional international and NZ artists. Performances range from world class ticketed events to free ones, with family friendly events in the mix.
“The festival’s vision is to provide experiences that expand minds, delight audiences and touch all corners of our community and our festival delivers to this,” Megan says.
Events will be held in Katikati, Te Puke and Ōmokoroa as well as Tauranga. The city’s venues will include the new Te Ao Mārama – Tauranga City Library and Community Hub and recently revitalised Toi Tauranga Art Gallery.
Tickets are on sale now at www.taurangafestival.co.nz, at Baycourt and via Eventfinda. Twelve of last year’s festival events were sold out.
Tauranga Arts Festival Trust chairperson Kathryn Lellman says of the 14,055 people attending last year’s festival, about 2,000 were visitors to the district.
“Statistics from last year show the festival demonstrates strong community response and growing reach with 39 percent first-time attendees. A survey conducted post event revealed that 92 per cent of respondents felt events like Tauranga Arts Festival make Tauranga a more enjoyable place to live and with that comes increased pride in the city.
“The festival’s key partnership is with its community, reminding them that there is joy, vibrancy and connection to be found in our city. Arts matter, community matters and together we thrive,” she says.
