Mermaid Parade

The Mermaid Parade is back, inviting fish-folk, merpeople, sea creatures and salty dreamers of all ages to take over the waterfront in a joyful procession of ocean-inspired creativity.

Returning on Saturday 28 February 2026, the Mermaid Parade is an all-ages celebration of imagination, community and our connection to the moana. Now in its third year, 2026 promises an even bolder, brighter and fishier affair - with a refreshed format that puts the parade front and centre.

This year, participants are invited to arrive at Queens Wharf fully dressed and parade-ready from 1:30pm, before the procession departs promptly at 2:00pm. The parade will glide along the waterfront from Queens Wharf to Silo Park, transforming the harbour edge into a moving reef of colour, costume and creativity.

At Silo Park, the fin-tastic festivities continue with a high-energy costume contest hosted by the ever-charismatic Anita Wigl’it, followed by live music, DJs and activities for the whole whānau.

Event Schedule

1:30pm: Arrive at Queens Wharf, dressed and ready to parade
2:00pm sharp: The Mermaid Parade departs
2:30pm: Costume contest at Silo Park, hosted by Anita Wigl’it. Prizes awarded for: The Supreme Merperson (16+), The Supreme Merchild (Under 16) + Fishiest Whānau.
3:00pm – 4:30pm – Live music, DJs, games and whānau-friendly fun at Silo Park

New for 2026

To help everyone bring their ocean alter-egos to life, Fins, Flippers and Tails - a free costume-making workshop - takes place the week before the parade on Saturday 21 February, 11:00am - 3:00pm at Silo 6.

Led by artists Christina Houghton, Melissa Laing and Juliette Laird, the workshop offers easy, moana-inspired makes for all ages: craft fins, flippers, fish tails, jellyfish, masks and more - or stay for the full four hours and build yourself a full shark suit. You can also bring your own wild sea-creature vision and workshop it with experienced makers. Come for an hour or stay all day and leave parade-ready.

Unlike previous years, there will be no costume prep stations at Queens Wharf on parade day — so come dressed, dazzling and ready to parade at 1:30pm.