Karangahape Art Weekend

Galleries, artist-run spaces, studios and creative organisations across Karangahape Road are joining forces for the inaugural Karangahape Art Weekend, a FREE three-day celebration of contemporary art taking place from Friday 18 – Sunday 20 September.

Home to the largest concentration of contemporary art galleries, Karangahape Road has long been a destination where artists, curators, makers and creative communities collide.

Visitors are invited to experience the entire precinct as one interconnected arts destination this special weekend - the first full weekend of trains running at Karanga-a-Hape station.

Across the weekend, galleries will open their doors for late-night openings, exclusive exhibitions, artist talks, guided tours, workshops, studio visits and live music - all for FREE, encouraging people to wander the iconic road, discover new artists and experience the unique creative energy that has made K' Road one of New Zealand's most important cultural precincts.

"Karangahape Art Weekend is a celebration of the creativity, community, diversity and energy that define this neighbourhood. As a long term Karangahape gallerist I'm excited to see galleries, artists, local businesses, and audiences come together to showcase K Road as one of Aotearoa's most vibrant cultural destinations." – Melanie Roger, Director of Melanie Roger Gallery.

“Our creative communities are central to what makes Tāmaki Makaurau such a vibrant place to live and visit. Karangahape Art Weekend is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the artists, galleries and creative spaces that give Karangahape Road its distinctive character, while inviting more people to experience one of Auckland’s exciting cultural precincts.” – Daniel Clarke, Director of Auckland Live, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited.

20 Karangahape Galleries include: Anna Miles Gallery, Artspace Aotearoa, Art + Object, Audio Foundation, Charles Ninow, Coastal Signs, Ironbank Studios and Pop-up Galleries, Lett Thomas, Masterworks, May x William Austin, Melanie Roger Gallery, RM, Samoa House Library, Studio One Toi Tū, The Charlotte Museum, Tautai, The Keep and Tim Melville.

Weekend Highlights - Visitors can experience:

• Friday night late-night gallery openings, exhibitions and performance artists

• Galleries open across the weekend including Sunday 11-3pm

• Studio visits, artist talks and panel discussions

• A family-friendly children's art trail developed with Squiggla and The Chartwell Trust

• Experimental music and sound programmes curated with Audio Foundation

• A guided tour of the iconic Liberation Library murals, led by Tigilau Ness and Chris McBride, exploring one of Karangahape Road's most significant public artworks and its rich community history with the Polynesian Panthers

• Guided gallery tours hosted by Artspace Aotearoa

• Special restaurant collaborations, special activations and events throughout K' Road

More exhibitions, artist announcements and special events will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Whether you're a seasoned collector, a curious first-time gallery visitor or simply looking for a weekend exploring one of Auckland's most vibrant neighbourhoods, Karangahape Art Weekend offers a rare chance to experience the depth and diversity of contemporary art in Aotearoa, all within walking distance.

Karangahape Art Weekend 18–20 September 2026
Friday Late Night 5pm - 9pm / Saturday 11am - 3pm / Sunday 11am - 3pm - FREE EVENT

The event is supported by Auckland Live, Auckland Council Events and the Karangahape Road Business Association.