Festival 2026

2-9 March 2026

New Plymouth CBD, New Zealand

GET UP FEST is Coming Your Way!!

The one and only week-long street art festival held in the heart of New Plymouth's C.B.D! Join us for seven incredible days of creativity, community, and color as we transform our city into a living gallery.

From live mural painting and artist talks to hands-on workshops and free exhibitions, GET UP FEST 2026 promises to be our biggest and best festival yet. Whether you're an art enthusiast, curious first-timer, or family looking for engaging activities, there's something for everyone!

Week at a Glance

Monday 2 March

Festival Opening & Welcome

  • Official opening ceremony at 10:00 AM
  • Meet the artists reception
  • First murals begin taking shape
  • Free community BBQ (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM)

Tuesday 3 March

Education Day

  • School programs throughout the day
  • Student art workshops with professional artists
  • Youth mural project launch
  • Evening: Artist talk series begins (7:00 PM)

Wednesday 4 March

Workshop Wednesday

  • Spray paint techniques workshop (10:00 AM)
  • Stencil art workshop (1:00 PM)
  • Community mural participation (all day)
  • Live music and murals (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM)

Thursday 5 March

International Artists Showcase

  • Featured international artist demonstrations
  • Cultural exchange workshops
  • Photography walk through completed murals
  • Evening: International artists panel (7:30 PM)

Friday 6 March

Family Fun Day

  • Kids' face painting and temporary tattoos
  • Family workshops (all ages welcome)
  • Street performer collaborations
  • Food trucks and street market

Saturday 7 March

Community Celebration

  • All-day street festival atmosphere
  • Live performances and DJ sets
  • Final mural completions
  • Evening: Gala celebration (7:00 PM)

Sunday 8 March

Finishing Touches

  • Artists complete final details
  • Self-guided mural tour maps available
  • Photography competition entries due
  • Community reflection and feedback sessions

Monday 9 March

Festival Closing & Awards

  • Closing ceremony at 11:00 AM
  • Community choice awards announced
  • Final artist meet & greet
  • Festival 2027 preview and thank you

What to Expect

Artist painting mural

Live Mural Creation

Watch the magic happen! Over 50 artists will be creating stunning murals throughout New Plymouth's CBD. See blank walls transform into masterpieces right before your eyes.

Workshop participants

Hands-On Workshops

Learn from the pros! Free and low-cost workshops cover spray paint techniques, stencil art, character design, and more. Suitable for all skill levels from beginners to advanced.

Community at festival

Interactive Experiences

Participate in community mural projects, attend artist talks, join guided tours, and engage with artists. This is your chance to be part of the creative process!

Plan Your Visit

Free Entry

GET UP FEST is completely free to attend! All mural viewing, most workshops, and festival activities are open to the public at no cost. Some specialized workshops may have a small materials fee.

Location

Festival activities span throughout New Plymouth's CBD. Mural locations will be marked on festival maps available from the information booth at Devon Street Mall.

Getting There

Parking is available at several CBD car parks. We encourage walking, cycling, or using public transport. The CBD is compact and easy to explore on foot.

Festival Hub

Visit our festival information hub for maps, schedules, artist information, and to register for workshops. Located at 148A Pioneer Road throughout the festival.

Help Make Festival 2026 Possible

GET UP FEST is made possible by generous donations from people like you. Your support helps us bring world-class artists to New Plymouth and keep the festival free for everyone.

Support Festival 2026