CubaDupa 2027

What it is

CubaDupa is Wellington’s free street festival, a celebration of colour, art, music, theatre, dance and food at the end of every summer. For two days the familiar streets of the Cuba Quarter are transformed into what organisers call “a creative concrete playground”. The 2027 festival is on Saturday 20 and Sunday 21 March.

CubaDupa is run by Wellington’s Creative Capital Arts Trust, the non-profit that also runs the New Zealand Fringe Festival.

What to expect

There are two days of programmed entertainment across Cuba Street and its neighbouring roads, with thousands of artists. Past programmes have included mobile street theatre, pop-up performances, parades, body paint, circus acts, installations and family entertainment, with music spanning opera, rock, Toi Māori, brass, Balkan beats, indie and post-punk. You might follow a batucada drumming group down the street, find a life-sized toy to play on or stumble into a dance party.

Food comes from food trucks and the precinct’s own eateries. In 2026 the CubaDupa Street Feast brought local restaurants onto the street, with three food truck zones. Merchandise and live screen printing are sold at the festival merch store.

Who it suits

Everyone: families in the daytime, groups of friends into the evening, and visitors who want to see Wellington at its most creative. It is a good free option if you are in the capital that weekend.

Rules

• The Cuba precinct is a liquor ban zone, so you cannot bring your own alcohol. Adults can drink in designated outdoor licensed areas.
• CubaDupa is curated, so there are no buskers, and flyering and sampling are not allowed.
• The festival goes ahead in most weather unless it is judged dangerous.

Getting there

Cuba Street is in Te Aro in central Wellington, a short walk from Courtenay Place, the waterfront and Lambton Quay. Walk or take public transport rather than driving, because the festival streets are closed to traffic.

Where to stay

Te Aro and Courtenay Place are right next door, and the waterfront is a few minutes’ walk. Our things to do in Wellington guide covers the city’s areas.

What to bring

Organisers suggest a positive attitude, an open mind and earplugs if you plan to be near the stages. Add a waterproof jacket: Wellington can deliver sun, wind and sideways rain in one afternoon.

Make a trip of it

Make a weekend of it with Te Papa, the cable car and the waterfront from our things to do in Wellington guide.