Carnival FAQ's

Our 2026 theme is “A Rustle in the Night”.  First Church will glow with lantern light, playful shadows and friendly nighttime creatures, from glowing dragons to wtachful ruru and ancient tuatara, the night will come alive with all sorts of curious company!

The 2026 Dunedin Midwinter Carnival will run two timed sessions, each night, each lasting 1.5 hours. This gives attendees plenty of time to explore installations, enjoy performances, and experience the full programme without overcrowding.

The same programme will run in both sessions, with most entertainment taking place outdoors, these performances will be complemented by immersive indoor installations and ambient music. Session one runs from 5:30–7:00pm, and session two from 7:30–9:00pm, with a short break in between.

We have endeavoured to make many changes to benefit our community, please see our Accessibility Plan page for details.

For 2026 same programme will run in both sessions, with most entertainment taking place outdoors, these performances will be complemented by immersive indoor installations and ambient music. Session one runs from 5:30–7:00pm, and session two from 7:30–9:00pm, with a short break in between.

Our Low Sensory Session is a new session as per our accessibility plan. This session is an opportunity for those who are susceptible to crowds, loud music, flashing lights, or have accessibility needs, to still be able to enjoy the Carnival. This will take place on Saturday, 27 June, from 4-530 pm, though ticket holders will be welcome to stay past 530pm to catch performances if they wish.

*Please see our Accessibility Plan for more details.

Yes. There will be an accessibility drop zone. This will be located at the entry to Moray Place via Princes Street (First Church side).

Yes, ticket holders with accessibility needs are welcome to proceed directly to the ticketing tent, no need to wait in line.

Admission is FREE for under 3years, $5 for children 3years+, $10 for adults or $25 for a family pass (2adults, 2 children). Each ticket also incurs a booking fee.

This is required to cover event expenses, to pay artists and performers, and to cover the cost of our lantern storage. See ticketing options on our ticketing page.

Yes, we are partnering with social service agencies to distribute free tickets to families who may need support to attend. More info and a link to the Pay-it-forward ticket is on our ticketing page.

The Dunedin Midwinter Carnival will operate with timed sessions this year: 5:30–7:00pm and 7:30–9:00pm.

Entry will begin at your session start time. To help minimise congestion, please avoid arriving too early and aim to come close to your allocated session

The 5:30pm session will be the busiest, so for shorter wait times we suggest booking the 7:30pm slot.

Some waiting is expected at this large event.

Please be aware our team is largely composed of volunteers, so your patience and kindness is greatly appreciated; they will be doing their best to get people through as quickly and efficiently as they can so everyone can have a magical time. 

Yes, there will be some road closures on the First Church section of Moray Place on both days of the event.

Following last year’s weather, we’ve strengthened our procedures to better manage wet conditions. The Dunedin Midwinter Carnival will go ahead in light rain or occasional showers.

If severe weather (such as heavy rain or strong winds) is forecast, we will make a decision earlier in the week and postpone to the following weekend (19–20 June).

Ticket holders will be notified, and updates will be shared on our website and social media by Wednesday evening in the week of the event.

Keep updated with our social media, newsletter and website for updates.

Community workshops will be held at the Meridian Mall.

We are also partnering with Tūhura – Otago Museum for some adult workshops as part of their Wine & Design series.

Workshops will be held on weekends in the lead up to the event.

More information can be found on the workshops page of the website.

Once the bookings are open (Mon April 13 at 9am), you can visit our workshops page to book. This will take you to an online booking form. There is a cost of $15 per lantern.

Yes, there will be a procession during each session. The procession’s will be made of lanterns created in the Meridian Mall lantern workshops, Tūhura – Otago Museum workshops, and existing larger lanterns with some extra special additions – more info to come! The procession will wind around the site with a new route extending onto the grassed areas.

Yes, if you made a lantern and are in one of the processions. Your lantern is your ticket. Only those who made lanterns get free entry (one person per lantern). If you are accompanying your child, you will need to purchase a ticket. Tickets are available via our ticketing page, gate sales will be strictly limited so we recommend pre-purchase to guarantee your entry.

If you are participating in the processions please arrive roughly 10 minutes prior to the parade marshalling area.

You can find the parade marshalling area near the night market. Look out for signage and volunteers in hi-vis.

The Carnival Art Team. This is a talented bunch of artists, sewers, prop makers and choreographers who spend months creating beautiful new artworks and costumes and performances. We also work with many artists, performers and cultural groups in the wider community.

We love volunteers! In fact we couldn’t run the event without them. We need dozens of volunteers each year to help run the event. See our volunteer page for more information on the different roles and to sign up. Our Volunteer Coordinator can be contacted on volunteer.midwinter@gmail.com

It is a community celebration of the winter solstice where we recognise the shortest day and the longest night, and the point at which the days lengthen and the light and warmth returns. We work with talented artists, community and cultural groups to tell stories that are relevant to who we are and where we live. See our About page for more.

The event is run by a registered charity called Dunedin Midwinter Celebrations. There is a board of trustees who provide governance in a voluntary capacity. The event is primarily funded by the Dunedin City Council with the generous support of a range of funders and businesses. Please see our funders and sponsors page for more information.