Start getting excited for
Nelson Arts Festival 2025
Nelson Arts Festival 2025
23 Oct - 2 Nov 2025
Our programme is launching Thursday 21st August!
Take a sneak peak of our 2025 festival programme!
Between 23rd October - 2nd November, we have programmed over 45 events across the region. There is truly something for everyone: awe-inspiring stage shows, intimate gigs, thought-provoking kōrero, award-winning theatre and unmissable moments.
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!
Apply now for Tune Up 2025
Calling all rangitahi bands, solo performers, singer-songwriters and DJs! Apply now to take part in Tune Up 2025 and perform as part of Nelson Arts Festival 2025 Opening Night.
Tune up is a collaboration between Nelson Arts Festival, Nelson Youth Council and Smokefree Rockquest.
Applications are open until 1 August 2025.
Find out more & apply hereTune up is a collaboration between Nelson Arts Festival, Nelson Youth Council and Smokefree Rockquest.
Applications are open until 1 August 2025.
Featured Events
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Free
Community
MASK CARNIVALE 2025
Whakatū Nelson CBD
Fri 31 Oct | 5-9pm
Mask Parade starts at 5.15pm | Carnivale from 5.45pm
Come celebrate the beginning of summer with our most iconic event – this year’s theme for the parade: Transformation. We can’t wait to see you there, Whakatū!
Festival News
The latest news from the festival team