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
Anthonie Tonnon live at the Theatre Royal
Celebrating the inspiration of cinema to modern Aotearoa.
Cinematographer combines all new music with visual DJing by Erica Sklenars, custom videography by Theo Taylor, archival footage, and a psychogeographic narrative.
Register for the Mask 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
YES YES YES
Suter Theatre
Thu 23 Oct | 6.30pm | 60 + 30 min Post-show Forum
$15 – $35
A theatre show created for young people that explores the knotty and necessary topics of healthy relationships, desire and consent.
HINE TOA
NCMA
Sat 25 Oct | 3.3opm | 75 min
$25
Discover how a restless working-class girl from the pā became a founding member of Ngā Tamatoa, the Women’s and Gay Liberation movements, and an essential voice in protests across Aotearoa. Chaired by Donna McLeod.
WHO WHAT WHERE NOW
Theatre Royal
Sun 26 Oct | Sessions 10am – 1pm | 45 min
$10 – $15
Uncover a trail of magic and mystery behind the scenes at the Theatre Royal.
SECRET ART POWERS
NCMA
Sun 26 Oct | 3.30pm | 60 min
$25
Possibly the first book to emerge from ‘live, disrupted TED-style talks’, Jo Randerson’s Secret Art Powers is a guide to using creative thinking to achieve radical change. In conversation with Meg Williams.
ration the Queen’s veges
Suter Theatre
Sun 26 Oct | 7.30pm | 50 min
$29 – $35
A story about action, aroha & our Treaty.
NOURISH WITH CHELSEA WINTER
The Summer House
Mon 27 Oct | 2pm | 105 min
$69-75
Chelsea Winter’s new cookbook Nourish heralds a joyful return to what established her recipes as household favourites – now reimagined with balance and a deeper intention to truly nourish.