The Summer Arts Festival brought to you by Arts Whakatāne is one of our region's major events. It attracts visitors from all over New Zealand and runs from December through April every year. Music, dance, outdoor theatre, film, art, sculpture, and public programmes... It's all on in Whakatāne!

Whakatāne’s Summer Arts Festival has been a summer highlight for over 30 years.

What began as a single-event art exhibition organised by Arts Whakatāne has grown into an extended season of the arts launched each year in January.

The Molly Morpeth Canaday Award for painting, drawing and 3D arts is a major focus, supported by a variety of public programmes and floor talks. This annual Award has gone from strength to strength to become one of New Zealand’s premium awards, opening to the public in mid-February. The nationally-recognised art award attracts entrants from all over New Zealand and many of the country's well-known artists are past winners, including painter Kirstin Carlin and sculptural artist Ben Pearce. 

All of the exhibited work is for sale and provides an excellent opportunity for visitors to acquire works from nationally renowned artists.

Exhibited across three galleries at Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi - The Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre, the official opening and awards night always makes for an evening arts feast for the art connoisseur.

Another popular, longstanding Summer Arts events is Jazz in the Park at the Whakatāne Rose Gardens, which will be held on the 27th January (Auckland Anniversary long-weekend).

Event Highlights

  • Art in the Park
  • Dance Carnival
  • Jazz in the Park
  • Molly Morpeth Canaday Award - Public Preview and Award Opening Night and Exhibition
  • Pop-Up Art Gallery
  • Art Trail - Visit Artist Studios around the Eastern Bay of Plenty
  • Street Art
  • Youth Sculpture Workshop

Festival Events

Sat 17 Feb - Sat 6 Apr

Fri 29 Mar - Mon 1 Apr