Build with LEGO, make a zine, create something weird and wonderful, watch glassblowers at work or explore Pukenamu Queen’s Park after dark. Festival of Design Aotearoa has plenty for tamariki, families and the young at heart to get amongst this October.
Running from 16–25 October across Whanganui and Palmerston North, the Festival includes a host of free and hands-on experiences where you can make, experiment, play and explore together.
Make some noise at Whanganui Fun Palaces
Whanganui Fun Palaces: Laboratory of Fun takes over the Whanganui War Memorial Centre forecourt from 16–18 October.
Listen to Small Talks, watch a secret play, join the Box Wars and parade, make a mess, create some weird noises with Neil and Rosie and their extraordinary instruments, make a song without words with Whetu and discover plenty more along the way.
It’s playful, creative and designed for people to join in.
Discover More HERE
See Pukenamu Queen’s Park in a whole new light
As the sun goes down, Night Lights Activation will transform Pukenamu Queen’s Park into an illuminated public design experience.
Running 16–25 October, from sunset until 11pm, the activation brings light to the Whanganui War Memorial Centre, Whanganui Regional Museum and Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery.
Free and family-friendly, Night Lights is an invitation to wander through the precinct after dark and experience familiar buildings, architecture and landscapes in a completely different way.
Make your own zine or some wearable art
Get hands-on with Creative Spaces / Zine Machine on 16–17 October, where families can make their own handmade zines using collage, stamps, paper and ink.
Or turn discarded materials into something completely unexpected with Trashion and Instrument Making for the ‘Trashion Parade’. Create wearable art, costumes and homemade musical instruments, then bring them together for the Trashion Parade.
Calling all LEGO fans
At WELL-LUG Brick Builders: Architecture that Connects, talented LEGO builders showcase original creations exploring architecture, creativity and connection.
Running 16–18 October at the Whanganui War Memorial Centre, it’s a chance for LEGO fans of all ages to see what’s possible when imagination meets a pile of bricks.
See glassblowing up close
Ever wondered how a glowing blob of molten glass becomes a beautifully finished object?
Head to HotHaus: Glassblowing Demonstration at New Zealand Glassworks on Sunday 18 October, 10am–12pm, where artists Amanda Dziedzic and Laurel Kohut will demonstrate contemporary glassblowing.
It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the skill, heat and creative process involved in transforming an age-old material into contemporary objects.
Pilot an Eco Submarine
In Palmerston North, Josh Taylor: Eco Submarine brings design, science and gameplay together at Te Manawa Museum from 23–25 October.
Designed for 8–13-year-olds, the interactive game puts players in control of a submarine, salvaging materials and helping restore underwater habitats through challenges inspired by real-world science and engineering.
Festival Director Sam Ryan says creating opportunities for children and families to participate is an important part of making design accessible to everyone.
“Whether you have a LEGO-obsessed eight-year-old, a budding artist who wants to make their own zine, or simply want to see something completely different together as a family, there’s plenty to discover — and many of these experiences are completely free.”
Festival of Design Aotearoa runs 16–25 October across Whanganui and Palmerston North. Explore the full programme and find something for your whānau.