Image: Night Lights Whanganui
Discover design, creativity and new perspectives across Whanganui and Palmerston North without spending a cent.
From after-dark light installations and live glassblowing to LEGO architecture, interactive technology and thought-provoking exhibitions, Festival of Design Aotearoa offers plenty of ways to explore design for free.
Running from 16-25 October 2026, the Festival brings together local, national and international creative practitioners for ten days of ideas, experiences and discovery.
Here are ten free events to add to your Festival calendar.
Image: Hothaus Glassblowing Demonstration
Whanganui
1. Night Lights
16–25 October
See Whanganui in a different light. Explore after-dark projections and illuminated spaces that bring creativity into the city after sunset.
2. WELL-LUG Brick Builders
16–18 October
Discover what happens when architecture meets LEGO. Explore imaginative brick-built creations and see how familiar building blocks can inspire extraordinary ideas.
3. Liz Mitchell: Beyond the Bale–Creating High-Value Wool ProductsTalk
24 October
Explore the potential of your wool with renowned fashion designer Liz Mitchell MNZM to learn how thoughtful design can create new products and new income streams. Refreshments provided.
4. Hothaus Glassblowing Demonstration
18 October
Experience the heat, skill and creativity of glassmaking up close. Watch glassblowers at work as molten glass is transformed into remarkable objects.
5. Old Buildings, New Uses Walking Tour
23 October · Free, bookings appreciated
Take a fresh look at Whanganui's built heritage. Discover how existing buildings can be reimagined, adapted and given new purpose.
Image: Beth McGill Artist Feathers at Festival of Design Market
Palmerston North
6. Festival of Design Market: Palmerston North
24–25 October
The Festival of Design Market brings together a curated mix of designers, makers and creative practitioners from across Aotearoa, offering visitors the chance to discover and buy original work directly from the people behind it.
7. Hononga – Connection
23–25 October
Explore the idea of connection through a creative exhibition that encourages new perspectives and ways of seeing.
8. Designing Wonder: AI + Children's Content
24 October · Free, booking appreciated
Explore the possibilities of artificial intelligence and creative technology, and consider how emerging tools are influencing the content and experiences created for children.
9. CAMEO: Ladies’ Rest Panel
24 October
Discover the stories, ideas and conversations surrounding the Ladies' Rest through a panel discussion exploring design, place and community.
10. Why Public Plantings Suck
25 October
An intriguing title for a conversation about our public spaces. Explore how planting, design and decision-making shape the environments we share.
Find Your Festival
Whether you're interested in architecture, art, technology, making or simply discovering something different, there's plenty to experience across the Festival.
All ten events are free to attend, although some have limited capacity and require advance bookings.
Check individual event listings for current times, venues, accessibility information and booking requirements before heading along.
Explore the full Festival programme:
https://www.festivalofdesign.co.nz/events