CubaDupa Returns 28–29 March 2026 with a Bold First Lineup
CubaDupa Returns 28–29 March 2026 with a Bold First Lineup
November 11th, 2025
CubaDupa, Wellington’s most vibrant and beloved two day street festival, returns to the capital’s creative heart on 28–29 March 2026, kicking off the season with an exciting first look at this year’s programme.
Leading the first wave of artist announcements is an eclectic mix of the most exciting performers in Aotearoa — RIIKI REID, MOKOMOKAI, Dick Move, Lou’ana, Aro, Jeff Parsnips and Tom Knowles. The festival will also welcome Naarm/Melbourne’s Gut Health, marking CubaDupa’s first international act of the 2026 programme and a highly anticipated debut to the Aotearoa stages.
This first lineup reflects CubaDupa’s signature blend of boundary-pushing local artistry and big-stage energy, spanning pop, punk, soul, electronic, and everything in between — the sounds that turn Cuba Street into a living, breathing celebration of creativity.
This year’s street theatre programme showcases an exciting new evolution. In partnership with the New Zealand Fringe Festival and the Cuba Street Summer Series, CubaDupa has supported artists to develop full-scale street performances that began life at Fringe Festival or during the 2025 Cuba Street Summer Series including Dad Brigade, Clown Pope, and Hausdown.
A major new collaboration for 2026 sees Victoria University of Wellington joining CubaDupa as a proud programme partner. The University will open the doors to its Te Aro campus throughout the weekend, transforming the site into an immersive visual arts sanctuary where festivalgoers can have a moment of calm from the festivities and explore exhibitions, installations, and creative activations led by students and staff. Called Whanga (The Cove), the campus will be a place for respite and inspiration.
As part of the partnership, the Glover Park stage will be renamed the Vic Uni Glover Park Stage, celebrating the University’s ongoing investment in nurturing arts, design, and performance in Wellington. CubaDupa is thrilled to welcome Victoria University into the heart of the festival and to expand the event’s creative footprint even further across the Cuba Precinct.
Victoria University Vice-Chancellor, Nic Smith, says, “CubaDupa captures the spirit of Wellington: a city built on connection, collaboration, and bold ideas. As the university at the heart of the capital, we’re proud to help shape and support the cultural life that sets Wellington apart.”
No CubaDupa experience is complete without its legendary Street Feast! Offering the chance to go on a global culinary adventure with some of the cities most awarded restaurants and venues, featuring special affordable curated menus and experiences, community collaboration, both indoors and out on the street, right throughout the Cuba precinct! Alongside this is a plethora of food trucks, with cuisine from around the world, for all to enjoy. The 2025 festival featured 76 food vendors/street feast participants with 2026 looking to be bigger and better!
Event Dates: Saturday 28 & Sunday 29 March 2026
Location: Cuba Precinct, Wellington
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CubaDupa is Wellington’s free street festival, transforming the Cuba Precinct into a kaleidoscope of colour, sound, kai and performance. Produced by Creative Capital Arts Trust, CubaDupa is a celebration of community, creativity, and the capital’s unique culture — where thousands gather on the streets, experiencing it coming alive with discovery around every corner. Free, accessible & for all ages.