BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival

Celebrate the Year of the Horse at BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival 2026.

Date Te rā me te wā

26 Feb - 01 Mar, 2026

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Price Utu hoko

Free Entry (free ticket required)
Location Te wāhi

Manukau Sports Bowl

Words by Auckland NZ
Last updated 28 Nov 2025

Xīn nián hǎo

BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival returns in 2026 to celebrate the Year of the Horse!

Join us at the Manukau Sports Bowl on Thursday 26 February – Sunday 1st March 2026 for this free and family-friendly event.

BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival is a free Auckland Council Event delivered by Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, a council-controlled organisation.

Location Te wāhi

Manukau Sports Bowl

View Location

Getting there Te huarahi ki reira

The best way to get to the BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival is to use public transport and walk. Parking restrictions and road closures will be in place and with thousands expected to attend. Visit the festival information page to learn more.

Local tip He tīwhiri mō te rohe

We’d love to see your photos, tag @visitauckland and use #AucklandLanternFestival across all platforms.

Accessibility Huarahi ngāwari

Most of the festival is accessible for wheelchair users via paved laneways. Accessible drop-off points, parking and toilets are indicated on the festival map.

Festival Activities

🏮Hundreds of Lanterns

Over 500 handmade lanterns will be on display across four days.

🪭Performances

Watch traditional and contemporary performances come to life in the cultural courtyard and on our main stage.

Registrations are now open to be a perfomer for 2026

🍴🎨Food and Craft Stalls

65+ street stalls will be on-site selling delicious food from many cultures, supported by a range of retail stalls including craft and gift merchandise.

Registrations are now open to be a retail or food stallholder for 2026

🎠 Amusement Rides

Entertain the kids with the various amusement rides on offer.

🎆 Fireworks on Friday, Saturday and Sunday night

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday night, the festival will close with a spectacular fireworks display from the centre of the park.

Two of the country’s most iconic cultural celebrations, the Auckland Diwali Festival and the Auckland Lantern Festival, will continue to delight locals and visitors thanks to a naming rights sponsorship agreement with the Bank of New Zealand (BNZ).