Get out and enjoy summer with these events. Photo / Getty Images
Summer in South Australia reaches its most exciting point when Adelaide Fringe takes over the city with colour, sound and creativity. Running for 31 days and nights from February 20 to March 22, the festival celebrates bold ideas and performances at every turn. With more than 1500 shows presented by over 8000 independent artists, the programme covers cabaret, theatre, comedy, circus, music, visual arts and hands-on workshops.
Iconic festival spaces like The Garden of Unearthly Delights and Gluttony buzz with food, shows and late-night energy. Meanwhile, venues such as Rhino Room, Holden Street Theatres and Fool’s Paradise spotlight comedy, theatre and daring circus. Visitors can also enjoy free outdoor events, innovative VR experiences and accessible performances designed for all audiences. Adelaide Fringe truly has something for everyone. To explore the full programme, visit adelaidefringe.com.au.
Perth shines brighter this summer as Perth Festival returns with world-class performances, music, film and creative experiences. The festival began on February 6 and will continue until March 1, offering weeks of culture and entertainment at venues across Perth. For more than 70 years, the festival has shaped the city’s creative identity while delivering a vibrant programme packed with both free and ticketed events.
Visitors can step into glamorous nights of jazz, cabaret and soul at The Embassy or settle in for open-air cinema beneath the Somerville pines. Casa Musica creates a relaxed riverside atmosphere with free live music and a welcoming community vibe where families, friends and pets gather to enjoy the sunset. Meanwhile, the East Perth Power Station offers unforgettable concerts under the stars, adding to the festival’s dynamic energy. Perth Festival also celebrates Noongar and wider First Nations cultures through traditional and contemporary arts. For the full list of events, visit perthfestival.com.au.
Colour, movement, and community take over Auckland’s waterfront at Outrunnerz Pride Edition. This vibrant summer event brings people together for a free community run and walk at Hobson Wharf on Saturday, February 21. Outrunnerz NZ leads the experience as Auckland’s only LGBTQIA+, Takatāpui and MVPFAFF inclusive run club. Participants gather at 7.30am and move together along the harbour. Everyone wears their favourite colour and helps flood the waterfront with Pride.
After an energetic run, the party continues with a mini Pride party that invites participants to stay, connect, and celebrate wellbeing outdoors. This experience offers a fresh way to explore the city while celebrating Pride. Tickets are free but require booking in advance. aucklandpride.ssboxoffice.com/events/outrunnerz-pride-edition
The Auckland Harbour Bridge lights up the summer skyline with a vibrant celebration of Chinese New Year. Vector Lights returns for the BNZ Auckland Lantern Festival with a dazzling light and sound show inspired by the Year of the Horse. The display symbolises energy, independence and creativity. It reflects the forward-moving spirit of the new lunar year.
The show runs from February 23 to March 1 between 8.30pm and midnight, lighting the bridge every 15 minutes. Locals and visitors can gather at popular waterfront viewing spots such as Little Shoal Bay, Bayswater Marina and Westhaven Marina. The experience also offers live audio and livestream options for those watching from home. ourauckland.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/events/2026/02/vector-lights-for-bnz-auckland-lantern-festival-2026
Auckland’s waterfront transforms into a three-week ocean playground as Moana Auckland Festival returns for summer 2026. Running from February 28 to March 15, New Zealand’s Ocean Festival celebrates Tāmaki Makaurau’s deep connection to the moana through events that blend heritage, entertainment and waterfront culture.
Crowd favourites return to kick off the festival this February, including the high-energy Z Manu World Champs at Karanga Plaza. This purpose-built jump tower hosts qualifiers and invites visitors to join daily Push Play sessions packed with giveaways and games. The festival opens with the Moana Auckland Shoreline Social at Eastern Viaduct from February 28 to March 1, creating a relaxed seaside hangout filled with live music, local makers and fresh seafood experiences such as kina tastings and storytelling sessions. aucklandnz.com/moana
