What’s On in Whanganui

Your weekly guide to the best events, gigs and markets in Whanganui

This week · 31 August – 6 September 2026
🎭 Arts, Culture & Performance
Just Another House Wife: Beyond The Pages

Wed 2 Sep · Porridge Watson

An 8:00pm literary evening at Porridge Watson taking audiences behind the pages of the book.

He Ao Āpōpō, He Ao Tea: Māori Futures

All week · Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery

A Māori futures exhibition running at the Sarjeant Gallery through to 25 October 2026.

Kirsty Lillico: Heavy Falls

All week · Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery

A solo exhibition of mixed-media work by Kirsty Lillico, on show until 25 October 2026.

Isabella Loudon: Everything might spill.

All week · Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery

Isabella Loudon’s exhibition continues at the Sarjeant Gallery until 4 October 2026.

Edith Collier: Local Landscapes

All week · Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery

An ongoing display of Whanganui landscapes by the painter Edith Collier.

Āhua Rerekē: Curious Works from the Collection

All week · Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery

An ongoing selection of unusual and curious works drawn from the Sarjeant’s own collection.

🎵 Live Music & Nightlife
The MeanOwls Live

Sat 5 Sep · Lads Brewing Company

The MeanOwls play a 4:00pm rock set at Lads Brewing Company.

🍴 Food, Drink & Markets
Whanganui River Markets

Sat 5 Sep · Moutoa Quay

The River Traders and Whanganui Farmers Markets run side by side on the downtown riverbank every Saturday from 8.30am to 1pm.

🎓 Workshops, Classes & Talks
Outfit of the Month Talk

Fri 4 Sep · Te Puni Tiaki Whanganui Regional Museum

A 12:15pm lunchtime talk unpacking the story behind one outfit from the museum’s costume and textile collection.

🤝 Community & Social
Welcoming Week 2026

From Fri 4 Sep · Across Whanganui

A nationwide week of events bringing communities together to celebrate inclusion, connection and belonging.

Coming up later this month
Stars of Stage and Screen

Thu 10 Sep · Whanganui War Memorial Centre

An 11:00am theatre performance at the Whanganui War Memorial Centre.

The Funk Rockets

Fri 11 Sep · Porridge Watson

A late 8:30pm funk set at Porridge Watson.

Saturday Sounds: Live Music In the Museum

Sat 12 Sep · Te Puni Tiaki Whanganui Regional Museum

A 1:00pm live music session held among the museum galleries.

Dido and Aeneas

Sat 12 Sep · Christ Church Anglican Church

A 2:30pm concert performance of Purcell’s opera in a church setting.

Citizenship Ceremonies 2026

Wed 16 Sep · Whanganui War Memorial Centre

Whanganui District Council welcomes the district’s newest citizens at its quarterly ceremony.

The Mudder 2026

Sat 19 Sep · Rangitikei Farmstay Woolshed

An 8:00am off-road fun run and obstacle course through farmland.

One Trick Pony Live

Sat 19 Sep · Lads Brewing Company

One Trick Pony bring a 4:00pm rock set to Lads Brewing Company.

The Rustlers and Friends

Sat 26 Sep · Lads Brewing Company

The Rustlers close out the month with a 4:00pm show at Lads Brewing Company.

Wool on Wheels Pop Up

Sun 27 Sep · Whanganui Arts @ the Centre

A 1:00pm craft and object art pop up centred on wool and fibre.

Sources: Eventfinda and Whanganui NZ. Always check the venue or organiser for the latest details.

Keep exploring Whanganui

Two more ways to make the most of your time in Whanganui. Tap through below.

Frequently asked questions

What’s on in Whanganui this week?

The What’s On calendar lists concerts, markets, sport, theatre, exhibitions and community events happening across Whanganui this week, each with its date and venue.

What events are coming up in Whanganui?

Upcoming events in Whanganui, from gigs and festivals to markets and sport, are listed in date order on the calendar, so you can see what’s ahead at a glance.

Are there free events in Whanganui?

Plenty. Markets, exhibitions and community days in Whanganui are often free, and they appear alongside ticketed events in the calendar so free options are easy to spot.

Where can I find live music and gigs in Whanganui?

Live music, gigs and club nights across Whanganui are grouped in the calendar under their own heading, with the venue and date for each so you can plan a night out.

How do I find family-friendly events in Whanganui?

Markets, festivals and daytime community events in Whanganui are generally suitable for all ages, so look for these in the calendar for family-friendly outings.

How often is the Whanganui events calendar updated?

Regularly. We refresh the Whanganui What’s On calendar as new events are announced, so it stays current from week to week.