Palmy set for a summer season of celebration

Published on 24 October 2025

From festive and cultural favourites to high-octane racing at the Arena, Palmerston North is set for an exciting few months of entertainment, and economic boost, as the city’s annual summer event season gets underway.

The busy events season roars into place with Robertson Prestige International Speedway season starting this weekend with the Lucas Oil SuperStock and Super Saloon Series on Saturday evening.

Speedway fans can look forward to 19 nights of racing action over the coming months, headlined by the iconic New Zealand ENZED SuperStock Teams Champs on Waitangi Weekend – the city’s biggest annual event.

Mayor Grant Smith says the speedway season has a huge impact on the city.

"Thousands of visitors from across the country visit the city, resulting in a fully booked out accommodation sector, restaurants and bars filled to the brim, and tills brimming in the retail sector. The Teams Champs weekend alone is worth $7 million for the local economy."

If speedway isn't your cup of tea, there's a huge range of other city events to choose from.

Diwali Mela kicks off the Council-funded events season next weekend at Te Marae o Hine – The Square. The event will feature a mix of traditional and contemporary performances, food and crafts stalls, Glow and Flow Yoga sessions under UV lights, the fiery Curry of Fire finale, and an epic laser show to close out the evening.

Mayor Smith says Diwali Mela is the first of many free, family-friendly city events to pop into your calendar now. They include:

• Remembrance Day – 11 November at The Square
• A Very Palmy Christmas: Parade and Concert – 7 December at The Square
• New Year’s Eve – 31 December at The Square
• Waitangi Day – 6 February at The Square
• Lunar New Year – 14 February at The Square
• Festival of Cultures – 19 + 21 February at The Square and 22 February at Caccia Birch House
• Esplanade Day – 1 March at Victoria Esplanade
• Festival of Colours – 20 March at The Square

Mayor Smith says the city’s events play a vital role in creating a vibrant, connected community.

“These free, accessible events are about more than entertainment – they help build community pride and offer something to everyone in Palmerston North. Many of them draw visitors from around our surrounding districts, too, which helps the city economy and employment due to the associated spending. Together they contribute to a connected, vibrant and prosperous city."