Wellington Comes Alive for CubaDupa, Drawing Record Crowds

Clear skies, music, and community spirit fuel vibrant weekend in the capital.

Wellington pulsed with life over the weekend as tens of thousands descended on the capital for CubaDupa 2025, an annual celebration of music, dance, and culture that drew crowds from across the region.

From Saturday morning through to Sunday night, the city’s Cuba Street precinct transformed into a dynamic playground of colour and creativity. With over 207 performances, including acts like MĀ and Vera Ellen, the festival showcased the energy and diversity of Aotearoa’s arts scene.

The buzz extended beyond Cuba Street. From Bob Geldof’s reflective set at St James Theatre to Graham Norton’s sold-out performance at the Opera House and a Phoenix match at Sky Stadium, Wellington’s central city was alive with activity. Cruise ship visitors from the Ovation of the Seas added to the foot traffic, mingling with locals and festivalgoers alike.

Festival director Bianca Bailey said the joy and connectivity were key themes this year. “Wellingtonians have so much pride for our street events and we have an ability to celebrate in a way no other city in the country is able to do. It’s so unique what we’re doing here, despite the doom and gloom. … This is what our community needs,” she said.

Even city councillor-turned-Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul made an appearance as a DJ on a balcony above the iconic Hunters & Collectors on Saturday night, adding to the celebration’s distinctly local flavour.

Blessed with perfect weather and a collective appetite for celebration, the capital’s weekend offered a vibrant display of the region’s creative resilience—a welcome moment of joy for many, including those visiting from nearby Porirua.