The stages are set for this year’s Pasifika Festival happening this weekend in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland.
On March 14 and 15, Western Springs Lakeside Park will be buzzing with eight villages showcasing traditional cultural group performances, live music acts, delicious Pacific flavours, and unique crafts from 11 Pacific Island nations.
Proudly delivered on behalf of Auckland Council Events by the region’s cultural events and destination agency, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the nations at the festival this year are: Cook Islands, Niue, Aotearoa, Samoa, Tuvalu, Fiji, Fale Pasifika (Kiribati, Tokelau, Hawai'i, Tahiti) and Tonga.
Traditional performance groups, choirs, brass bands, dance troupes, DJs and many others are set to take each of the eight stages over two days. Pop-up marketplaces in each village will have a variety of stallholders selling food, refreshments, clothing and arts and crafts.
Leave your passport at home and head along to Pasifika Festival for a trip around the Pacific Islands. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of the festival.
Cultural performances, live acts and more
Expect an inspiring mix of traditional and contemporary performances from high‑energy drumming, graceful cultural dances, choral harmonies, and modern Pacific sounds from artists from across the region. Catch standout talent on stage, including Jordyn with a Why and Mohi bringing fresh, soulful sounds to the Aotearoa Stage on Saturday afternoon, while the legendary Samoan rapper and artist Mr Tee will also be lighting up the Samoa Village stage on Saturday afternoon with high‑energy performance vibes. Check out the performance schedule here.
Come hungry, leave happy
Food is a major highlight of Pasifika Festival with a wide range of food stalls showcasing flavours from across the Pacific. Sharing dishes with friends and whānau is a great way to experience more of what’s on offer. Some must-try dishes include ‘otai, a crowd favourite — cold, sweet, and usually made with watermelon and coconut cream, this is perfect for cooling off as you wander the villages. ʻOta ika, a refreshing mix of raw fish and coconut cream, is a Pacific staple. A great snack is lu sipi, slowcooked lamb with coconut milk and wrapped in taro leaves or pastry. A hāngī pit will be put down in the Aotearoa village with packs of the smoky deliciousness available to purchase. Island-style barbecue with bold Pacific spices, and generous servings, will also be on offer. And you can’t leave the festival without trying an eye-popping watermelon sundae. Not only is it a bicep workout, this carved out half-watermelon filled with scoops of delicious ice cream, is a great way to keep the kids happy.
Explore MOTAT’s Pasifika Vibes
For a breather from the buzz of the main festival, wander over to MOTAT next door. They’re joining the Pasifika celebrations with hands‑on workshops, ukulele lessons, games, films, and live performances — a perfect spot to slow things down while still soaking up Pacific culture. Entry is free and non-ticketed.
Dress for comfort – and to dance
Western Springs Lakeside Park is a large outdoor area so you can expect to do a lot of walking. With a great line-up of performances and live music acts breaking out the dance moves is encouraged therefore comfortable shoes and clothing is recommended. Check out the festival map here.
Plan your day
Pasifika Festival is a powerful expression of Pacific identity, language and culture all in one spot. Select a few ‘must-sees’ and ‘must-eats’ to make the most of your time while still allowing time to wander, sit and soak up the vibes.
Be weather-ready and stay hydrated
Tāmaki Makaurau is renowned for having four seasons in one day so check the weather forecast and come prepared. Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated. Water bottles can be refilled for free at the public water refill stations located around the festival site. • Bring cash and card While some stallholders will offer EFTPOS, it is also recommended to bring cash. Cash-out services are available on-site, but lines can become long so having some cash on hand is recommended.
Use public transport or the Free Park & Ride
Parking restrictions and road closures will be in place for the festival weekend, so it is recommended to plan ahead. Use of public transport, ride share, cycling or walking is encouraged. A free Park & Ride service will be running from Unitec Mt Albert (Gate 4, 154 Carrington Road) to Gate C at Western Springs. Shuttle buses will run every 5–10 minutes during festival hours on both days. Or plan your journey to Pasifika Festival by using Auckland Transport’s Journey Planner. Access it through the AT Mobile app or at AT.govt.nz/journey planner.
Soak up the atmosphere Pasifika Festival is a beautiful celebration of Pacific pride, identity, and community. Enjoy the greetings, the music, the laughter, and the genuinely warm hospitality. Take your time to wander through each village, savour the flavours, meet the makers, and feel the heartbeat of the Pacific in every drumbeat, dance move, and smile.
Pasifika Festival 2026
- Dates: 14 and 15 March 2026
- Times: Saturday, 14 March: 9am-6pm; Sunday, 15 March: 12pm-6pm
- Location: Western Springs Lakeside Park, Western Springs, Auckland
- Admission: Free entry
- For more information visit: www.aucklandnz.com/pasifika