Explore Esplanade Day
Celebrate Children’s Day at Explore Esplanade Day – The Lost World Edition.
For one day only, the Victoria Esplanade will transform into a land before time. Alongside Palmy’s biggest playground and all the Esplanade’s much-loved attractions, step into a prehistoric world with roarsome fun for the whole whānau.
There’s plenty to explore, including:
- A Yabba Dabba Do dance sessions, hosted by DanceWorks Studio & Rose Academy- bust out your best dino moves
- Sarah the Scientist, bringing hands-on science experiments for all ages
- Explore Esplanade Expedition Leader, where tamariki can tick off tasks around the Esplanade to earn a stamp in their explorer passport. Return your completed passport to the info tent to receive a certificate
- A ‘Dinosaur Island’ display from the team at Palmy Brick Show
- A special interactive activation with the Palmerston North Knights
- Harley rides thanks to RiSK (Riders Supporting Kids)
- Live entertainment - with music, performances, and bubble shows
- Face painting, food, market stalls and more
There will also be free mini golf, free train rides, and an open day at the Crochet Club.
Dino dress-ups are encouraged, with prizes for the most ferocious, most creative, best sound effects and more.
Check out the programmes and site map
Cafe Stage
| 11am |
- Opening by PNCC Town Crier Lyal Brenton
- Shadowcaster
|
| 11.35am |
Rose Academy |
| 11.55am |
Preeti |
| 12.25pm |
Kokoa Nashi |
| 1.30pm |
Flux |
| 2.20pm |
Underbellies |
| 3pm |
That’s all folks. Time to head home - thanks for coming!
|
Playground Stage
| 10am |
- Opening by PNCC Town Crier Lyal Brenton
- Imagination Station: Choose Your Own Adventure. An Interactive Improv Show for All Ages.
- Bubble show
- Preeti
|
| 11.20am |
- Danceworks Studios
- Danceworks Studios - Yabba Dabba Do Dance Party
- Professor Papillon
- Bubble show
|
| 12.50pm |
- Amalias music
- Professor Papillon
- Rose Academy
- Rose Academy - Yabba Dabba Do Dance Party
|
| 2.20pm |
- Rose City R’n’Roll Club
- Alexia Clark
|
| 3pm |
That’s all folks. Time to head home - thanks for coming!
|
Times and acts may change on the day.
Free buses
Getting there will be easier this year. Thanks to our friends at Horizons Regional Council, all Palmerston North and Ashhurst buses will be free on Sunday 1 March. Families can catch the 101, 102, or 105 services and save the stress of worrying about parking. Note that there will be a temporary bus stop for the 102 service, moved from College Street to Park Road.
Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for updates on parking, performance schedules, and any weather-related decisions.
When
-
Sunday, 01 March 2026 | 10:00 AM
- 03:00 PM
Location
Victoria Esplanade, 1 Palm Drive, West End, 4410, View Map
-40.3696148,175.6180853
1 Palm Drive ,
West End 4410
Victoria Esplanade
1 Palm Drive ,
West End 4410
Explore Esplanade Day