25 SEP - 11 OCT, 2026
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We The Young, the festival of arts, imagination and adventures, returns this September for Aucklandâs Tamariki and Rangatahi!
This inclusive festival organised by Auckland Live will feature over 25 performances, events and experiences for Tamariki aged 0-12 and their whÄnau. With more than half of the programme completely FREE, families are invited to build their own festival adventure through an inspiring mix of local and international theatre, music, circus, puppetry, immersive experiences and creative play.
The festival will transform Aotea Centre into a celebration of children's natural playfulness and imagination, while encouraging their capacity for curiosity, creativity, wisdom and adventure.
Stand Up Stand Out | 26 SEP | Free
Get ready for an epic afternoon as Aucklandâs best secondary school young emerging artists battle it out in the Finals of Stand Up Stand Out 2026. Following a competition that saw more than 2,000 students take part from across the region, the finalists are going to showcase their talents across six performance categories in front of a live audience and expert judges.
Mario The Maker Magician | 25 - 27 SEP | $20 - $92
Mario the Maker Magician delivers a fast-paced, feel-good theatrical experience for all ages, blending DIY robots, cardboard creations, clever magic and vaudeville charm. Fresh fromsold-out internationalseasons and TV appearances,this isimaginative theatre the whole family willremember
Wonderverse | 1 - 6 OCT | $15 - $35
Enter an immersive world powered by music and light. In the Wonderverse, children help shape a universe of light - then step inside it. From travelling through a tunnel of flickering fireflies to dancing in a glowing forest of light, they discover the vastness of the cosmos one small step at a time.
25 SEP - 11 OCT, 2026
Enjoy a mix of creative and interactive experiences at Aotea Square from 25 September to 11 October 2026.
Suzy Cato's Animal Antics | 2 OCT | $15 - $92
Join beloved childrenâs entertainer Suzy Cato and her friends from the Parrot in The Pocket band for an unforgettable hour of music, laughter and playful adventure. Journey through the animal kingdom in this joyful live show packed with folk favourites, sing-alongs, lively percussion and plenty of audience participation.
The Imaginarium | 10 - 11 OCT | $12 - $45
The Imaginarium returns after a sold-out run last year, now expanded into special two-day experience. This year's theme, Our Natural World invites you to forage, adventure, dream, and connect with the beauty and possibilities of the world around us, as you explore interactive sensory environments and hands-on creative experiences.
The 95bFM Kids Show Live | 4 OCT | Free
Last yearâs festival hit returns! Expect all the things that make the 95bFM Kidsâ Show magical, like games, music and stories. There will also be alive radio play and a kid-friendly rave.
Discover more We The Young events, here.
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Last updated:
03 August 2026