The World of WearableArt Show runs from Thursday 16 September to Sunday 3 October 2027 at TSB Arena in Wellington, the 40th anniversary of the first WOW Competition. Finalists from the international wearable art competition take the stage in a spectacle of music, dance, aerial choreography and circus. For the anniversary, WOW is also opening its most ambitious exhibition yet at Tākina, with more than 50 rarely seen garments from four decades.
On this page
Key facts
- When
- Thursday 16 September to Sunday 3 October 2027
- Show venue
- TSB Arena, Queens Wharf, Wellington
- Exhibition
- WOW: The Exhibition at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre
- Tickets
- Sign up to the WOW newsletter for ticket sales
- Milestone
- 40 years since the first WOW Competition
What it is
The World of WearableArt Show (WOW) is the meeting of the world’s leading wearable art competition and New Zealand’s most spectacular live show. Every garment on stage is a finalist in the international WOW Competition, and the show surrounds them with live music, dance, aerial choreography and circus. The 2027 season runs from Thursday 16 September to Sunday 3 October at TSB Arena on the Wellington waterfront.
Why 2027 is special
2027 is 40 years since the first WOW Competition. To mark it, WOW will premiere its most ambitious exhibition yet, WOW: The Exhibition, at Tākina Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre. It brings together more than 50 rarely seen garments in a large-scale, immersive experience spanning four decades of wearable art.
What to expect
WOW’s aim is “to take art off the wall and out of static display” and adorn the body in wildly wonderful ways. Designers from around the world enter. Recent finalists include Curves Ahead by Grace DuVal (United States), Documental by Bethany Cordwell (Australia), Worn Landscape by Cushla O’Connell (New Zealand) and He art by Xuancheng Liu and Jingyi Lin (China). Winners join the WOW collection, which you can browse online.
Who it suits
Anyone who loves theatre, design, fashion or spectacle. It is one of the best nights out in New Zealand, and a good reason to plan a spring trip to Wellington.
Tickets
Ticket sales are announced through the WOW audience newsletter. Shows sell out, so sign up early and be ready when sales open. Check the site for exhibition tickets separately.
Getting there
TSB Arena is on Queens Wharf, a short walk from Lambton Quay and Wellington railway station. Tākina is on Cable Street, opposite Te Papa.
Where to stay
Waterfront and central city hotels put you within walking distance of both venues. Book as soon as you have tickets, because WOW season is busy. Our things to do in Wellington guide covers the city.
What to bring
A warm, windproof jacket for the walk along the waterfront, and your best outfit.
Make a trip of it
Combine the show and exhibition with Te Papa, Zealandia and the cable car from our Wellington guide.
FAQ
When is WOW 2027?
What is special about 2027?
How do I get tickets?
Can I enter the competition?
Sources
Last checked 11 November 2026 against the organiser's own pages
