Gemmi is a brand new Italian-style eatery in Commercial Bay.
The 2026 Auckland International Buskers Festival is set to bring a world class line-up of talented street performers to Tāmaki Makaurau’s waterfront from 23 – 26 January, for the 26th annual festival.
With everything from juggling, death-defying acrobatics, fire, world champion jump roping, diabolo, and hand-crafted marionettes, there’s guaranteed to be plenty of laughter, spectacle and surprises.
Offering up the perfect free family summer outing, the festival takes place across four days from 12PM daily during Auckland Anniversary Weekend. The city’s streets will transform into a stage, with lively performances which will wow audiences.
With performers travelling from Taiwan, Chile, Romania, Japan and more to wow Auckland audiences, the city is in for a treat with a riveting range of jaw-dropping acrobatic spectacles, magical performances, daring fire tricks and so much more.
Venues
2026 Buskers pitch sites are spread out across Auckland Waterfront and the city centre. Performers will rotate between the following sites over the 4-day festival:
- Te Komititanga Square, Lower Queen Street
- Eastern Viaduct, Viaduct Harbour
- Karanga Plaza, Wynyard Quarter
Be sure to catch....
Chien Hung Kuo, Taiwan
Chien’s show ‘Moving Zen’ is a captivating blend of fire manipulation, crystal ball illusions, and circus cube artistry. Inspired by Zen philosophy and the beauty of imperfection, Moving Zen takes the audience on a meditative journey of movement and light.
El Kote, Chilean
Elkote’s hilarious show “The Only Animal Here Is Me” is a wild mix of acrobatics, juggling, improvisation, provocation, and humour all perfectly synced with music that transports the audience to another reality. A dog, a frog, and a chicken take centre stage in this quirky little story… but the only real animal here is their owner!
Fraser Hooper, NZ (UK Born)
Funnyman Fraser Hooper will bring his award winning show ‘Funny Business’ which is guaranteed giggles galore. This hilarious show features a stunt duck, a human fish, eccentric dancing, and the silliest boxing match you have ever seen. So get a ringside seat for a belly aching knockout performance.
Haribow, Japan
The world’s most famous Double Dutch team and Britain’s Got Talent finalists HARIBOW brings one of the world’s rarest forms of street performance — Double Dutch — to the streets of Auckland! This award-winning team fuses explosive acrobatics and high-level dance inside two ropes, turning jump rope into a breathtaking show of rhythm, speed, and power. Expect unstoppable energy, emotional power, and a performance that pulls the entire audience into their rhythm!
Stefan Florescu, Romania
Stefan Florescu has been performing around the globe for over 15 years. What began as short freestyle football acts has evolved into a world-class performance of skill, creativity, and showmanship. In his show “Level Up,” Stefan pushes the limits — balancing an umbrella 10 metres high while spinning a basketball, catching it on a ring strapped to his back, and performing countless other original signature tricks
The Gipsy Marionettist, Italy
The Gipsy Marionettist is a street theatre show by Rašid Nikolić that tells a symbolic and entertaining story about a journey from war-torn Yugoslavia to Italy through hand-carved marionettes inspired by his family. The performance features characters like a skeleton, a tiger, and an oriental belly dancer, and explores family relationships.
Marble, Japan
Sushi, ninjas, and soy exciting energy! Marble delivers a perfectly synchronised ninja-acrobatic comedy show blending power, humour, and high-level technique. Their act mixes acrobatics, juggling, and interactive ninja-style comedy, ending with a thrilling 4-metre-high knife juggling finale that amazes all ages.
You can see the full schedule here.
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Your guide to accessing the city centre
With lots to do and see in the city, it’s helpful to know how best to get in and travel around.
We have guides on the best ways to get in, out and around on public transport - it's cheaper and easier than you think!
If you're driving in, here is a guide on which car parking buildings to use when visiting different areas of the city centre - whether it be Downtown, the waterfront or Midtown
With our finger on the pulse for the best parking rates and tips, plus details on public transport, click here to learn more.
Last updated:
27 November 2025