01
A crowd in a circle
Comedy, cabaret and circus play in turn across Cathedral Square, The Arts Centre and theatres.
Arts & culture
Back to events
Laughing crowds around Chayne Hultgren, the Space Cowboy, at the Christchurch buskers festival in 2009; a file photo. · Report image rightsChristchurch · New ZealandArts & culture
2027.01.21 — 2027.01.31 · Coming soon
Join the circle around the world’s buskers.
World Buskers Festival 2027
The World Buskers Festival returns to Ōtautahi Christchurch from 21 to 31 January 2027, bringing what the organisers call ten days of world-class street performance back to the heart of the city: comedy, cabaret, circus and chaos, with local legends and global stars turning the city into one giant stage. Venues include Cathedral Square, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, the Isaac Theatre Royal, the Bridge of Remembrance and New Brighton. For 2027 the festival is also developing new work by Māori and Pasifika artists. The line-up and times are still to come.
GOWOAH / Christchurch
A REASON TO GO
A REASON TO GO
Venues across central Christchurch2027.01.21 — 2027.01.31Arts & cultureAdmission cost unconfirmed
FIND YOUR REASON
What draws you to this experience?
02
2026: juggling on stacked crates
Paul Klaass juggled on stacked crates, building the show on physical comedy and the crowd’s reactions.
Arts & culture03
Māori and Pasifika work
For 2027 the festival is developing new Māori and Pasifika work; 2026 had Loopy Tunes, Māori and Pasifika music for children.
Arts & cultureProgramme, background & sources
Checked · 2026-10-17
A LITTLE CLOSER
A closer look.
1 / 1
Swipe to explore · Tap to enlarge
2010 · Roger Wong · Photo source · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Preview cropped; enlarge for full image. · Report image rights
MAKE IT YOUR EXPERIENCE
Does this fit what you are looking for?
This could be for you if you are…
- Families with children
- Comedy and circus fans
Before you decide
The 2027 line-up and times are not out yet.
Outdoor shows depend on the weather; bring sun protection.
The performers named here are from 2026 and may not return.
FIND YOUR PLACE
Explore the layout. Plan your route.
This edition’s venue map is not out yet.
Open official guide ↗FROM AN IDEA TO A PLAN
Make a plan that works for you.
Dates & times
2027.01.21 — 2027.01.31Thursday 21 to Sunday 31 January 2027 (New Zealand time); show times to be announced.
Pacific/AucklandMore programme details
- A crowd in a circle
- 2026: juggling on stacked crates
- Māori and Pasifika work
Venue & travel
Venues across central ChristchurchShows centre on Cathedral Square, The Arts Centre and the Isaac Theatre Royal, with a pop-up amphitheatre at New Brighton.
Entry & companions
The 2027 line-up, times and ticketing are still to come; outdoor and theatre shows are spread across the city centre.
Tickets & access
To be announced
Confirm accessibility services and companion policies with the organiser before travel.
Sources & image credits
Dates and entry details refer to this edition; individual sessions may differ.
GregTheBusker · CC BY 2.0 Image source
World Buskers Festival
Laughing crowds around Chayne Hultgren, the Space Cowboy, at the Christchurch buskers festival in 2009; a file photo.
Information checked on 2026-10-17
Suggest a correction ↗Arts & cultureCrowds in front of the stage at Te Matatini 2015 in Hagley Park, Christchurch; a file photo.
Photo source · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Cropped preview· Report image rights
02month2027.02.22 — 2027.02.27Local dates
Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha 2027
New Zealand’s national kapa haka festival, with a record 57 groups competing over five days at Hopuhopu.
New Zealand · Ngāruawāhia
Ticketing to be announcedWhy Go
05month2027.05.11 — 2027.05.16Local dates
Auckland Writers Festival 2027
Six days of books in Auckland in May, more than a quarter of it free; last year’s bookstalls sold a record 13,000 books.
New Zealand · Auckland
Some events free · prices to be announcedWhy Go
Arts & cultureMarchers with a rainbow fan at the 2022 Midsumma Pride March in St Kilda; a file photo.
Photo source · CC BY 2.0 · Cropped preview· Report image rights
01month2027.01.17 — 2027.02.07Local dates
Midsumma Festival 2027
Melbourne’s 22-day LGBTQIA+ arts festival, with a free carnival, Pride March in St Kilda and a street party in Fitzroy.
Australia · Melbourne
Three major events freeWhy Go
Share your experience