We The Young: A New Arts Festival for Kids and Teens in Auckland

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We The Young: A New Arts Festival for Kids and Teens in Auckland

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Children participating in inclusive creative workshops at The Imaginarium – We The Young festival
Hands-on fun at The Imaginarium, a one-day inclusive arts workshop for young people of all abilities.

What is We The Young?

Auckland’s newest performing arts festival is here for the upcoming school holidays, and it’s made just for kids and young teens.

We The Young is a brand-new arts festival from Auckland Live, created especially for tamariki, rangatahi and their whānau. Running from Tuesday 16 to Sunday 28 September 2025, the festival will fill the city with more than 19 live performances, creative workshops, interactive art experiences and FREE outdoor fun.

This is Auckland Live’s first-ever festival designed exclusively for younger audiences, with shows and events for ages six months to sixteen years. The festival will bring life to some of Auckland’s most iconic venues including the Auckland Town Hall, Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, The Civic and Aotea Square.

Festival Highlights for Different Ages

🎭 Something for Everyone:

The festival offers a mix of ticketed and FREE events. More than half of the programme is FREE, and ticket prices for paid shows have been set with accessibility in mind. There are also relaxed performances, NZSL-interpreted sessions and highly visual and audio-based events to welcome children of all abilities.

🎨 Top Picks Across the Festival:

Paper Planet
An immersive installation where children can build their own cardboard forest.
Hunua Rooms, Aotea Centre, 25–28 September.

Paper Planet cardboard forest installation with children playing.
Build a forest from cardboard and paper in the magical Paper Planet installation at the Aotea Centre.

Creation Creation
A fun and thoughtful show from Australia for ages 10+, answering life’s big questions with humour.
Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre 25–28 September.

Two performers dressed in white suits on stage, one wearing a playful space helmet with antennae and the other holding a cardboard prop, in a scene from Creation Creation.
Big questions, big laughs - Creation Creation is a clever and playful show for curious kids aged 10 and up. | Photo: supplied

The Imaginarium
Inclusive creative workshops for Disabled and non-disabled young people.
Hunua Rooms & Waitakere Rooms, Aotea Centre, 20 September.

Up and Away
A gentle, sensory theatre experience for pre-walking babies.
Limelight, Aotea Centre, 16–21 September.

Young children and caregivers interacting during a gentle sensory theatre experience for babies.
A gentle and sensory first theatre experience just for babies in Up and Away.

The Tantrum
A dance-theatre show for 3–8 year olds, exploring big emotions and creativity.
Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre 20–21 September.

Two expressive performers burst through a green ladder frame in a colourful children’s theatre show
Dance, music and emotion combine in The Tantrum, a joyful show for 3 to 8 year olds.

Pīpī Paopao
A joyful te reo Māori performance with waiata and Te Taiao themes, for ages 3–7.
Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall, 27–28 September.

Musician playing guitar in front of vibrant illustrated birds and nature, promoting Pipi Paopao children's show
Celebrate waiata, te reo Māori and Te Taiao in Pīpī Paopao, a beautiful show for ages 3–7

Stand Up Stand Out Grand Final
Auckland’s best young talent take the stage in music, singing and dance.
FREE but ticketed.
Great Hall, Auckland Town Hall, 20 September.

Massive Company Workshops
Physical theatre workshops for 12–16 year olds.
Concert Chamber Auckland Town Hall, 23 and 25 September.

Teens participating in a contemporary youth theatre workshop on a polished wooden floor
Teens explore movement, storytelling and connection in these high-energy Massive Company workshops

FREE Family Activities at Aotea Square

From Saturday 20 to Sunday 28 September, Aotea Square will become a lively playground of FREE activities for families.

Dance at the Dance-O-Mat, create at the Junk & Craft zone, enjoy a whimsical Tea Party, try circus skills with Te Kura Maninirau, or explore te ao Māori through traditional games with Ngaa Taonga Taakaro.

In the Auckland Town Hall, families can catch a live broadcast of the beloved 95bFM Kids Show, explore the Little Language Lounge or enjoy art in motion at A Taste of Art Battle – Young Guns.

These events are ideal for spontaneous school holiday outings, especially with grandparents or carers looking for relaxed, low-pressure activities.

Young girl spinning colourful circus plates at Aotea Square play activity
Enjoy FREE daily fun in Aotea Square with dance, crafts, circus, te ao Māori games and more

Parent Tips for Visiting We The Young

  • Something for every age: From pre-walking babies to teens, the festival includes age-specific shows and workshops so you can find the right fit for your child or grandchild.

  • Relaxed and sensory-friendly: Many performances are relaxed sessions, ideal for first-time theatre-goers, neurodiverse tamariki or those who prefer a gentler experience.

  • Easy on the wallet: Over half the shows are FREE and the rest are affordably priced — ideal for families planning multiple outings these holidays.

  • Great for grandparents too: With lots of daytime sessions, relaxed performances and central city venues, We The Young is also a great option for grandparents looking to take the kids out for a school holiday treat.

  • Make a day of it: Pair a morning show with FREE activities in Aotea Square or lunch at one of the family-friendly cafes nearby.

 

Child holding a bright jellyfish-style umbrella craft with ribbon streamers at The Sensory Lab
Creative hands-on fun with colourful jellyfish umbrella crafts at The Sensory Lab

When and Where is We The Young?

The festival will run during the September school holidays from:

🗓 Tuesday 16 September to Sunday 28 September 2025

📍 Venues include:

  • Auckland Town Hall

  • Aotea Centre

  • Herald Theatre

  • The Civic

  • Aotea Square

How to Book Tickets

Many events are FREE and unticketed, while others are free but require a booking. All event details, accessibility information and booking options can be found here:
🔗 View the full programme and book tickets

We The Young, a festival of arts, imagination and adventures

We The Young Event Details