The Festival of Architecture is an annual series of engaging, enjoyable and almost entirely free events that celebrate and investigate the role of architecture in improving the quality of life in Aotearoa New Zealand’s towns and cities.
The Festival, co-ordinated by the New Zealand Institute of Architects along with other organisations interested in widening the understanding of architecture in New Zealand, matches people of all ages and levels of architectural interest with activities that will extend their knowledge of architecture and design.
The 2025 Festival of Architecture programme includes a variety of mostly free events: speakers and presentations, building and walking tours, exhibitions, open studios (meet a ‘real’ architect), design competitions, debates and workshops. What makes a building or public space good or great? What influences are shaping our buildings today, and what pressures will shape them into the future?
Expect talks, exhibitions, open studios, walking tours, interactive workshops and more. Whether you’re passionate about sustainable design, adore heritage buildings, or are curious about the future of our cities, there’s something for everyone.
Events in the central city:
September 18 | ASB Waterfront Theatre | 5-7pm
Sir Ian Athfield Memorial Lecture 2025
September 20 | Various Locations in CBD | 10am-2pm
Open Studios across CBD
September 20 | Britomart Place | 2-3pm
Archi-Tours : Britomart Precinct Tour
September 20 | University of Auckland Library | 11am-4pm
A+W Wikipedia Walking Tour + Edit-A-Thon
September 23 | Hayman Kronfeld Bldg, Galway Street | 5.30 for 6pm start-8pm
Auckland Sketching Event
September 25 | Wynyard Pavilion | 6-8pm
Weaving Connections
September 26 | Q Theatre | 6.30-9pm
The Great Debate
September 27 | University of Auckland | 9am-10am
Archi-Tours : HIWA-University of Auckland (Tour 1)
September 27 | University of Auckland | 10am-11am
Archi-Tours : HIWA-University of Auckland (Tour 2)