Whanganui Venues & Events

02/09/2026

New additions to the F**A programme! Check it out online now!

Spring is here and the festival programme is growing. We’ve added a fresh round of events across Whanganui and Palmy. Read more: https://www.festivalofdesign.co.nz/news/spring-fresh-new-events-just-added

We’re bringing new conversations, exhibitions and experiences into the mix: from architecture, adaptive reuse and landscape design to technology, innovation, art and the stories that have shaped our design culture. Take a look at the latest events—there’s more to discover and more reasons to start planning your festival visit.

02/09/2026

TONIGHT - the DOLFIN-LIN DUO grace the Concert Chamber of the War Memorial Centre at 7.30pm. Cash door sales available!

31/08/2026

⚖️ ON SALE NOW | The King's Gambit ⚖️

In the wake of a national inquiry into systemic bias, Aotearoa launches a revolutionary legal experiment: the 'blind trial'. No names. No age, gender, or ethnicity. Legal counsel and jury must argue a high-stakes case based purely on raw facts.

Entering the arena are two legal titans. Joshua Hunt, a high-flying defence lawyer fighting for equity and systemic reform, and Derek King, a seasoned Crown prosecutor defending the principles of procedural integrity and accountability. But as charges escalate from theft to manslaughter, and identity is stripped away, the vacuum doesn't eliminate bias. It forces everyone to project their deepest fears onto the blank canvas.

Brought to life by a dynamic ensemble cast, The King's Gambit is a gripping, fast-paced courtroom drama exploring prejudice, leniency, and the stories we tell ourselves when we can't see the person. Can only the facts lead us to justice?

📅 Friday 9 & Saturday 10 October
🕡 6.30pm
📍 Concert Chamber, Whanganui War Memorial Centre
🎟 Tickets from $31.10 | Under 18s $21.10

Don't miss this compelling night of theatre that will stay with you long after the verdict is delivered.

👉 Book now before seats disappear: https://RWOH.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/168583

31/08/2026

WE ARE HIRING! We are looking for a top notch technician and two event professionals for exciting new roles as part of the Whanganui Venues and Event team, to help bring events in Aotearoa’s smallest city to life. Think you got what it takes to be one of our dynamic team? Find out more via the council careers portal: https://whanganuidc.recruitmenthub.co.nz/Vacancies/

29/08/2026

SEPTEMBER: Spring has sprung, and the fresh young talent are out in force with Mosston School and Cullinane College presenting some absolute classic shows in the Opera House, and the exquisite Dolfin-Lin Duo bringing the beauty of piano and cello to the War Memorial Concert Chamber. Jump online and secure your seats today or head down to the Opera House box office!

https://rwoh.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales

26/08/2026

Very fun event coming up at Porridge Watson in October!

24/08/2026

🎸🎤 GIVEAWAY TIME! 🎤🎸

Want to take the family along to SONIC BOOM: A Family Concert Experience on 7 October.

We're giving away 1 x double pass, and entering couldn't be easier:

✅ Hit "Going" on the event page
✅ Share the event to your Facebook feed
✅ You're in the draw!

Get ready for a high-energy family concert packed with hits from Taylor Swift, Queen, Bruno Mars, Chappell Roan, Katy Perry, Michael Jackson, Shakira and more.

Enter now and help spread the word! Winner announced soon.

👉 Event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1721417092277183/

T&Cs apply. Competition not affiliated with or endorsed by Facebook.

18/08/2026

🚨 GIVEAWAY ALERT 🚨

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17/08/2026

🏉 Elevate your game day experience at Cooks Gardens for the Heartland Series!

Our Corporate Box Packages are now available for selected match dates from August to October, with:
✅ VIP viewing
✅ Hosting for up to 15 guests
✅ Canapé catering
✅ Optional pre-order beverage packages

📅 Available games: 22 Aug | 29 Aug | 19 Sep | 3 Oct | 10 Oct | 17 or 18 Oct (finals)

💲$465 per game (gate admission not included)

To book or find out more: 📧 [email protected] 📞 06 349 0513

Discover what's on at Whanganui's iconic council venues, the War Memorial Centre, Cooks Gardens, and the Royal Whanganui Opera House, and book your next event today.

17/08/2026

⚠️ School holidays are closer than you think!

Get ahead of the “I’m bored!” chorus and lock in a family outing they'll actually be excited about. 🎸🎤

Sonic Boom - A Concert for Families is bringing a high-energy live concert experience to Whanganui, packed with singalongs, dancing, crowd interaction and hits the whole family will love. But don't just take our word for it - Check out what audiences have to say about it!

🎟️ Tickets: https://premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=SONICB26