Live Photos & Reviews: Newtown Festival 2026 - Te Whanganui-a-Tara Wellington

Truly a community festival like none other, Newtown Festival boasts one of the very best, most musically adventurous lineups in Aotearoa New Zealand, welcoming more than 80.000 attendees annually to the free and whānau-friendly extravaganza. While this regular festival-goer was stuck in Tāmaki Makaurau this year, enviably watching footage via the internet, our good friends at The Image — who've stylishly and influentially been banging the drum in support of gigs in capital for nearly six years — generously leapt into the lurch to drum up some firsthand takes on Sunday's end of summer fun.

Newtown Festival 2026 is an event so large, attendees in many ways curate their own festival lineup, like a pick-a-path adventure. Read Ashley from The Image and Mia Marie from @comb.mag's personal reflections on the massive multi-stage festival, plus check out a selection of choice snaps by Ashley. 

Mia Marie from @comb.mag

Some, including myself, find this event to be an overstimulating nightmare — but within the chaos-filled streets, is the undeniable essence of Wellingtonians. A community, each dressed to the nines in whatever they feel the coolest in. You know you’re in the right place when every other person has a leather jacket draped over their shoulders in preparation for the infamous Welly wind, or rain!

Even in moments of overstimulation, you can’t help but connect with others, whether it be in the pit of a local musicians performance, or whilst queuing up for a pint of beer at the bar.

The vibes are refreshingly high in comparison to how young adults can feel after one too many nights out on Courtenay Place. Even just observing those around you who are having a good time, can put a smile on your face — overstimulated or not.

The annual Newtown Festival arrives on Wellington’s doorstep with an incredible line-up of vendors, live-acts and music, and serves is a great reminder to invest in & support locally. Community is the heart of everything, and we need more events like this in our city.

Ashley from @theimage04

Rugby

Despite frontman Roman’s necktie constantly being blown straight back from the wind and rain — Rugby’s performance was confident, high energy and sounded so tight. Killer drums, vocals, riffs and all the rest. Apparently, there were even more people in attendance than there were at Roman’s baptism. I personally consider this band to be a bit of a Welly ‘supergroup’. They’ll be at Otis Fest on the 22nd if you want to catch ‘em.

Elly Mae

Effortless and impeccable lead vocals with such a big and surprising sound only coming from the three members. A little bit of folk, a touch of dream-pop, and a dash of nostalgia, suuuuper divine. This was my first time catching Elly Mae and I can’t wait to catch them again. They’ll be in-store at Flying Nun with Fouler at 1pm on Sat the 14th.

Banjo Ben and The Breeze

You say indie-folk comedy band? I say, yes please! The iconic beanie clad ensemble w/ harmonica and beautiful violin — singing a sea shanty about the failing Interislander stuck in the Cook Strait. The theatrical lyrics totally won over the giggling crowd. Check ‘em out at CubaDupa on the 28th.

Te KuraHuia

Thee Bad Mana Wahine ticks all the boxes. This artist is highly confident and powerful in their performance and totally commands the crowd. This mega talented bilingual rapper / singer can seemingly do it all. Understandably, the audience were absolutely popping off and shaking their asses to Te KuraHuia. Check out the impeccable 'TOITŪ TE TIRITI' MV HERE.

Current Bias

Deliciously crunchy and surprising sounds to take in to scratch many itches. My ears had a blast experiencing these pulsing, ethereal and radiant tracks framed beautifully by Cassie Gilmore-Freeth’s art installation 'Catgirl Exhaust Fan'. Check out their latest release ‘we justkeepgoing’ on Bandcamp.

So So Modern

So So Fun comeback show! These local legends brought such a bright and powerful energy and were all smiles. I personally was totally entranced by their sound and so did the swaying crowd. They strike a perfect balance of punky, electronic grooves, with just the right amount of noise. I hear these good folks are hard at work on a new album after their 12 year hiatus.

Love Party

High bpm love punk that’s always so fun and catchy. In-between the playful, fuzzy bassy notes the gusty Wellington wind made the hair flips even more dramatic. Be sure to check out their debut album WOW!