Palmy Play Festival

Next date: Saturday, 17 October 2026 | 11:00 AM to 02:00 PM

Play your way around central Palmy with free games, activities and challenges for the whole whānau.

Palmy Play Festival is taking over the city centre for a day of play, bringing Palmy's many cultures together through something we all have in common – having fun.

There'll also be a free sausage sizzle and fruit stand.

Where to play

Explore activities across three city-centre locations:

• Te Marae o Hine – The Square – active and outdoor play
• Palmerston North Central Library – creative, tabletop, sensory and quieter play
• Te Manawa – learning and making

What's happening

There'll be heaps to try along the way, including traditional and cultural games, crafts, sensory play, physical challenges, music, board games and more.

Pick up a Play Passport and collect stamps as you explore the different activities, with small prizes up for grabs.

Fold it. Fly it. Create it

Two new competitions are coming to Palmy Play Festival with prizes up for grabs!

You can learn different folds at both locations before creating your entry. Winners will be contacted after the festival to collect their prizes.

If it's wet

If there's wet weather, the event will move indoors to Te Manawa and Palmerston North Central Library.

Partners

Palmy Play Festival is supported by Manawatu Multicultural Council, Palmerston North City Council, Sport Manawatu and Global Parents Support.

When

Location

Palmerston North city centre, Palmerston North Central, 4410, View Map