The Northland Circus Festival runs from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 February 2027 at the Mangakahia Sports and Community Complex in Poroti, 15 minutes west of Whangārei. Run by Circus Kumarani, it offers circus workshops for all ages and abilities, from ground skills to aerials, plus shows, fire spinning, music, art and a market. Camping is included, gates open at 3 pm on Thursday 25 February, and children 5 and under are free.
On this page
Key facts
- When
- Friday 26 to Sunday 28 February 2027 (gates open 3 pm Thursday 25 February)
- Where
- Mangakahia Sports and Community Complex, 689 Mangakahia Road, Poroti
- Tickets
- Adult (16+), child (6 to 16) and koha spectator passes; 5 and under free; gate sales
- Camping
- Included, with bathrooms, showers and a camp kitchen
- Dogs
- Not recommended; on leads at all times and banned from workshop zones
- Bring
- Cash for the marketplace stalls
What it is
The Northland Circus Festival is a friendly camping weekend for anyone who wants to learn, practise or watch circus. It is run by Circus Kumarani in the small farming community of Poroti, about 15 minutes’ drive west of Whangārei. The 2027 festival runs from Friday 26 to Sunday 28 February, with gates open from 3 pm on Thursday 25 February for campers.
What to expect
- Workshops from ground skills to aerial skills, beginner to advanced, for all ages and abilities
- Shows through the weekend
- Fire spinning, music and art
- A marketplace and food stalls (bring cash for the stalls)
- Screen-printed festival T-shirts, either pre-made or printed on one you bring
The festival also welcomes volunteers, performers, teachers, musicians, artists and stallholders, who register through a contributor form before buying a ticket. Volunteers do one shift a day.
Who it suits
Families, circus hobbyists, curious beginners and performers. It is a good weekend for kids who love to climb, spin and juggle.
Tickets
Adult tickets are for ages 16+, child tickets for ages 6 to 16, and children 5 and under are free. Koha spectator passes and gate sales are available for people who just want to watch.
Camping and facilities
Camping is included, with bathrooms, showers and a camp kitchen. Arrive from 3 pm on Thursday to set up before the Friday morning workshops. The festival ends at 3 pm on Sunday, and the gates close at 10 am on Monday 1 March. To find the site and camping entrance, head down Kerehunga Road; there is a signposted gate on the left at the end of the field.
Dogs
Organisers say dogs and circus toys do not go together and recommend other arrangements. Dogs must be on a lead at all times and are banned from workshop zones.
Where to stay
If you would rather not camp, Whangārei has plenty of motels and hotels 15 minutes away.
What to bring
Tent and camping gear, comfortable clothes to move in, sunscreen and cash.
Make a trip of it
Head north to the Bay of Islands with our Bay of Islands guide, or find more camping spots in our NZ campsites guide.
FAQ
When is the Northland Circus Festival 2027?
Do I need circus experience?
Is camping included?
Can I just come to watch?
Can I bring my dog?
Sources
Last checked 11 November 2026 against the organiser's own pages
