For one weekend this spring, Auckland’s most creative neighbourhood will become one giant gallery. Galleries, artist-run spaces, studios and creative organisations across Karangahape Road are joining forces for the inaugural Karangahape Art Weekend, a FREE three-day celebration of contemporary art taking place from Friday 18 – Sunday 20 September.
Home to the largest concentration of contemporary art galleries, Karangahape Road has long been a destination where artists, curators, makers and creative communities collide.
Visitors are invited to experience the entire precinct as one interconnected arts destination this special weekend – the first full weekend of trains running at Karanga-a-Hape station.
Across the weekend, galleries will open their doors for late-night openings, exclusive exhibitions, artist talks, guided tours, workshops, studio visits and live music – all for FREE, encouraging people to wander the iconic road, discover new artists and experience the unique creative energy that has made K’ Road one of New Zealand’s most important cultural precincts.
Weekend Highlights – Visitors can experience:
Friday night late-night gallery openings, exhibitions and performance artists
Galleries open across the weekend including Sunday 11-3pm
Studio visits, artist talks and panel discussions
A family-friendly children’s art trail developed with Squiggla and The Chartwell Trust
Experimental music and sound programmes curated with Audio Foundation
A guided tour of the iconic Liberation Library murals, led by Tigilau Ness and Chris McBride, exploring one of Karangahape Road’s most significant public artworks and its rich community history with the Polynesian Panthers
Guided gallery tours hosted by Artspace Aotearoa
Special restaurant collaborations, special activations and events throughout K’ Road
Karangahape Art Weekend 18–20 September 2026
Friday Late Night: 5pm – 9pm
Saturday: 11am – 3pm
Sunday: 11am – 3pm
The event is supported by Auckland Live, Auckland Council Events and the Karangahape Road Business Association.
