Youth Fest 2026 is all about giving things a go
Published on 16 September 2026
Got plans for Saturday 26 September? You do now. Youth Fest is taking over the Conference and Function Centre with heaps of free things to try.
Made exclusively for young people, Youth Fest is a free event for rangatahi aged 12 to 24 at the Conference and Function Centre on Saturday 26 September, from 1pm to 4pm.
The whole idea is simple: show up and give things a go.
Get a fresh barber cut or have your nails done. Step into the ring for a boxing workshop, slow things down with yoga, learn how to make a proper coffee with barista training, or jump into a whole new world with VR.
There’ll also be creative activities including acting, improv, writing, zine making, sticker making, music and art therapy, alongside opportunities to explore mindfulness, relationships, budgeting, goal setting and more.
Senior Youth Services Officer Kate Ryan says there’s no pressure to have a plan when you arrive.
"Youth Fest is all about giving things a go. You don’t need to know what you’re interested in before you arrive – come along, bring your mates and try whatever catches your eye. You might find something you’re really into."
And the more you try, the more you can score.
Grab a Youth Fest passport when you arrive, collect stamps as you try different activities and unlock freebies along the way.
"We want young people to get stuck in and try things they might not normally get the chance to do," Ms Ryan says.
"You could find a new hobby, learn a skill, meet some cool people or connect with a local group or service that could be useful now or later. Or, you might just have a really fun afternoon."
Youth Fest is built around Te Whare Tapa Whā, which is about the different aspects of wellbeing and the things that help us feel good and live well – from being active and creative to culture, connection and looking after yourself.
It’s part of Council’s Youth Wellbeing Action Plan and our wider work to create welcoming spaces, like Youth Space, where rangatahi can find support, make connections and build their wellbeing.
And for parents and whānau wondering whether to give their young person a nudge to head along, Ms Ryan says absolutely.
"It’s free, it’s welcoming and it’s made for young people. Encourage them to come check it out. There’s no pressure – just turn up, explore and see where the day takes you."