Things to Do This Weekend in Whanganui

Your weekly guide to the best things to do this weekend in Whanganui: what’s on, where to go and where to eat. It’s shaping up wet, so we’ve leaned this weekend’s picks towards indoor options. Here’s the plan for Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September.

This weekend’s weather

SunShowers18°10° 99%

Weather data: Open-Meteo

What’s on this weekend

ALLWKND

He Ao Āpōpō, He Ao Tea: Māori FuturesArts

Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant GalleryA Māori futures exhibition running at the Sarjeant Gallery through to 25 October 2026.

ALLWKND

Kirsty Lillico: Heavy FallsArts

Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant GalleryA solo exhibition of mixed-media work by Kirsty Lillico, on show until 25 October 2026.

ALLWKND

Isabella Loudon: Everything might spill.Arts

Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant GalleryIsabella Loudon's exhibition continues at the Sarjeant Gallery until 4 October 2026.

ALLWKND

Edith Collier: Local LandscapesArts

Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant GalleryAn ongoing display of Whanganui landscapes by the painter Edith Collier.

ALLWKND

Āhua Rerekē: Curious Works from the CollectionArts

Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant GalleryAn ongoing selection of unusual and curious works drawn from the Sarjeant's own collection.

SAT5

The MeanOwls LiveMusic

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

SAT5

Whanganui River MarketsMarkets

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

FRI4

Outfit of the Month TalkWorkshops

Te Puni Tiaki Whanganui Regional MuseumA 12:15pm lunchtime talk unpacking the story behind one outfit from the museum's costume and textile collection.

FRI4

Welcoming Week 2026Event

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

See everything on in Whanganui →

Things to do this weekend

Weather-matched things to do this weekend in Whanganui: a wet one, so we’ve leaned towards museums, galleries and covered attractions.

Library

Paige’s Book Gallery Whanganui: Independent Bookshop on Guyton Street

Open the door to Paige's Book Gallery, where literary wonders and community events await you in Whanganui—discover what treasures lie within!

Read the guide →

Museum

Whanganui Regional Museum: Taonga Māori, Moa & Local History

Unravel the captivating tales of Whanganui's past at the Regional Museum, where hidden treasures and rich heritage await your discovery.

Read the guide →

Arts

Royal Whanganui Opera House: New Zealand’s Last Victorian Theatre

Be captivated by the Royal Whanganui Opera House, a historic gem that promises a vibrant experience—discover the secrets it holds within its grand walls.

Read the guide →

Art Gallery

Sarjeant Gallery Whanganui: Reopened Art Destination in Queen’s Park

Journey into the vibrant world of Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare O Rehua Whanganui, where art and creativity await to inspire your imagination.

Read the guide →

Library

Hakeke Street Community Centre & Library Whanganui: Local Hub

Fostering connections and knowledge, Hakeke Street Community Centre & Library is a vibrant hub in Whanganui waiting to unveil its many treasures.

Read the guide →

Arts

Wanganui Repertory Theatre Whanganui: Community Performances

Breathe in the vibrant atmosphere of Wanganui Repertory Theatre, where local talent shines and community spirit thrives—discover the magic waiting for you!

Read the guide →

Art Gallery

Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics Whanganui: Free Entry to NZ’s Only Dedicated Ceramics Museum

Keen to discover the captivating world of ceramics? The Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics in Whanganui offers an inspiring journey through artistic creativity.

Read the guide →

Library

Alexander Heritage & Research Library Whanganui: Local History and Genealogy

Step into the Alexander Heritage & Research Library to uncover Whanganui's rich history and discover secrets waiting just for you.

Read the guide →

Sunrise and sunset this weekend

A wet one this weekend, so it’s not the weekend for chasing sunrises or sunsets. We’ll point you to Whanganui’s best spots when the skies clear.

Keep exploring Whanganui

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

What’s On in Whanganui Things to Do in Whanganui

Frequently asked questions

What is there to do this weekend in Whanganui?

This weekend in Whanganui you can pick from weather-matched things to do, the events on this weekend, and the best spots to eat, all rounded up on this page and updated live from the forecast.

What’s on this weekend in Whanganui?

The “What’s on this weekend” section above lists this weekend’s events in Whanganui, concerts, markets, theatre and more, each with its date and venue.

What can I do this weekend in Whanganui if it’s raining?

On wet weekends we lean the picks towards indoor options in Whanganui such as museums, galleries and covered attractions. The weather block at the top shows the weekend forecast so you can plan around it.

Are there markets this weekend in Whanganui?

Any markets running this weekend in Whanganui show up in the events section above, tagged so they’re easy to find alongside the weekend’s other happenings.

Are there free things to do this weekend in Whanganui?

Often, yes. Many of Whanganui’s museums, galleries, parks and markets are free to enter, and the free picks are highlighted in each weekend’s round-up.

What can families do this weekend in Whanganui?

For families this weekend, look to Whanganui’s playgrounds, beaches and daytime community events, and the weekend picks call out the family-friendly options.

How often is the Whanganui weekend guide updated?

Every Friday morning. We rebuild the guide each week for the coming Friday to Sunday, with the latest events, weather-matched things to do, and current picks for eating out.