CubaDupa 2026 Festival First Acts Announced - RIIKI REID, MOKOMOKAI, Dick Move, Lou’ana, Aro, Jeff Parsnips, Tom Knowles, Gut Health (AUS)

One of the largest festivals of any kind in Aotearoa New Zealand, Te Whanganui-a-Tara's annual street extravaganza CubaDupa is returning to the capital's Cuba Street precinct this coming March. The tantalising first guests have been revealed for the free and whānau-friendly, multi-cultural explosion of music and arts — very much a tip of the iceberg, as last summer's edition hosted over 140 acts.

Just announced to be touring our shores in early '26, Naarm dance-punks Gut Health join the straight-fire local contingent of pop star RIIKI REID, MOKOMOKAI (2025 winners of Te Rōpū Mariu Favourite Group at last weekend's Aotearoa Alternative Awards), Dick Move (who are launching their new album Dream, Believe, Achieve this Friday), Lou’ana (whose new album Disco Witch is out now), Aro, Tom Knowles and Jeff Parsnips — the kids music alter ego of 2025 Silver Scroll host Jed Parsons. That initial lineup would make for a top festival in itself, so save the dates and look forward to many more acts, full scale street performances, and even more details to be revealed in the coming weeks...

CubaDupa 2026

Saturday 28th March and Sunday 29th March - various venues, Cuba Street Quarter, Te Whanganui-a-Tara / Wellington (free, all-ages)

First acts announced...
RIIKI REID, MOKOMOKAI, Dick Move, Lou’ana, Aro, Jeff Parsnips, Tom Knowles, Gut Health (AUS)

For more info check out the CubaDupa website: www.cubadupa.co.nz

Here's RIIKI REID's 2025 hit 'Over Romantic'...

Crank up MOKOMOKAI's 'THE ONE' from their new album PONO!...

Here's Gut Health's breakout anthem 'Inner Norm'...

Sing along with 'The New 'ABC' (The Alphabetriachy)' by Jeff Parsnips...

Press release:

CubaDupa, Wellington’s most vibrant and beloved two day street festival, returns to the capital’s creative heart on 28–29 March 2026, kicking off the season with an exciting first look at this year’s programme.

This first lineup reflects CubaDupa’s signature blend of boundary-pushing local artistry and big-stage energy, spanning pop, punk, soul, electronic, and everything in between — the sounds that turn Cuba Street into a living, breathing celebration of creativity.