Get ready to step back in time and celebrate the timeless charm of Whanganui Vintage Weekend 2027!
Returning for an expanded four-day extravaganza over Wellington Anniversary Weekend (22nd – 25th January 2027), this beloved event brings together deep nostalgia, high-octane entertainment, and an unforgettable community spirit.
Whanganui’s historic downtown and scenic riverbanks will burst to life with the sights and sounds of a golden era. Wander through vibrant heritage streets filled with live music, roaming entertainers, and sprawling markets packed with retro treasures, vintage fashion, and mouthwatering local restaurant & street food. Reminisce over meticulously restored vintage automobiles, classic tractors, and majestic steam-powered machines, or join a vintage car club rally traveling through the stunning Whanganui region.
The weekend is stacked with crowd-favorite spectacles and thrilling attractions for all ages:
Opening Night Royale: Witness world-class Tami Neilson perform her music in Whanganui’s historic Royal Whanganui Opera House, featuring local legend Sophie Toyne. Get your tickets for the opening show (Friday 22nd) before they sell out!
River & Rails: Cruise down the scenic Whanganui River on a leisurely riverboat cruise, or take a historic rail excursion to nearby rural hubs.
Street Celebrations, Food & Music: Feel the rhythm at the Riverside Shindig, dance in the streets at the Vintage Weekend Block Party featuring the Drews Ave Street Party & Mainstreet Caboodle, Whanganui’s biggest party.
High-Octane Action: Cheer on the gravity-defying racing at the Soapbox Derby as it speeds through Pukenamu Queens Park and down Drews Avenue, take in breathtaking RNZAF Black Falcon aerial displays over Castlecliff Beach, and enjoy a day of classic style at New Zealand’s oldest jockey club racecourse.
Fashion & Culture: Dress to impress for vintage fashion contests, explore curated heritage exhibitions and museum events, drop into a local craft bars & distillery, and enjoy dramatic performances in our historic theatres.
Pack your picnic baskets, gather your friends and family, and get ready to dance in the streets. Mark your calendars for 22nd – 25th January 2027 and create lasting memories at Whanganui Vintage Weekend!
Learn more about the upcoming events on their WEBSITE!
Certified Self Contained Motorcaravan Parking
Park overnight at the Whanganui Racecourse in amongst all action thanks to the Local NZMCA Area
Entry is from 12pm 22 January
Departure by 12pm Tuesday 26 January.
The cost is $5 per person per night. Cash on arrival.
Dogs on leads at all times as it's a working racecourse and pick up after them
No booking necessary, first come first serve
Onsite shuttles will be available for those with no independent transport.
Any inquiries contact David Hawkins on 027 388 7011