Whanganui Vintage Weekend runs from Friday 22 to Monday 25 January 2027, over Wellington Anniversary Weekend. More than 30 vintage-themed events take place in and around Whanganui, from classic cars and river cruises to markets, heritage theatre and a soap box derby, celebrating every era up to the 1980s. There is a mix of free and ticketed events, and dressing up is strongly encouraged.
On this page
Key facts
- When
- Friday 22 to Monday 25 January 2027 (Wellington Anniversary Weekend)
- Where
- Venues in and around Whanganui
- Price
- Mix of free and ticketed events
- Programme
- Online and at the Whanganui i-SITE during the weekend
- Dress code
- Vintage outfits from any era up to the 1980s are encouraged
- Highlights
- Classic cars, river cruises, stockcars, scenic flights, markets, the Drews Avenue soap box derby
What it is
Whanganui Vintage Weekend is an annual festival held over Wellington Anniversary Weekend in the river city of Whanganui. The 2027 edition runs from Friday 22 to Monday 25 January, with more than 30 vintage-themed events and attractions in and around the city, celebrating every era up to the 1980s.
What to expect
The organisers group the programme into a few themes:
- Machines: classic cars, stockcars, river cruises and scenic flights, plus local daredevils taking on the downhill soap box derby on Drews Avenue
- Shopping and gardens: markets and fairs for treasure hunting, and strolls through summer gardens
- Culture: vintage fashion contests, heritage exhibitions, arts workshops and shows in the city’s heritage theatres
- The big party: food, fashion, live music and entertainment for all ages
There is a mix of free and ticketed events. The full programme goes online and is available at the Whanganui i-SITE during the weekend, and new events are added in the lead-up, so check back before you go.
Who it suits
Anyone who likes classic cars, retro fashion, op-shopping or a good dress-up, as well as families looking for a long weekend with lots of free things to see. It is also a fun excuse to discover a city with handsome heritage streets on the Whanganui River.
Tickets
Free events need no booking. Ticketed events are listed on the official website, and popular ones can sell out, so book anything you have your heart set on ahead of time.
Getting there
Whanganui is on the west coast of the North Island, about 2.5 hours’ drive north of Wellington (an estimate) on State Highway 1 and State Highway 3. Because it is a long weekend, expect busy roads out of Wellington on Friday and back on Monday.
Where to stay
Rooms in Whanganui go quickly over a long weekend, so book early. Staying near the town centre and the river puts many events within walking distance.
What to bring
Your best vintage outfit, comfortable shoes for walking between venues, and sunscreen and a hat for outdoor events in late January.
Make a trip of it
Whanganui sits between Wellington and the central North Island. Combine it with a few days in the capital using our things to do in Wellington guide, or work it into our 10-day North Island road trip.
FAQ
When is Whanganui Vintage Weekend 2027?
Is it free?
Do I have to dress up?
What eras are covered?
Sources
Last checked 11 November 2026 against the organiser's own pages
