Akaroa French Festival – A biennial festival celebrating the unique culture and heritage of New Zealand’s sole French settlement and the boutique harbourside town of Akaroa. Held over a weekend in October 2023 action kicking off on Friday night with the official opening and a party atmosphere through to a historical re-enactment of the original settlers arrival on Saturday morning at the beach. A Parade leads down to the Heritage Marquee for a French Market Day, food and wine, live music, stalls and entertainment. One of the highlights is Le Cabaret in the evening, stellar variety acts mixed with burlesque and comedy. Sunday dawns with La brocante a French inspired antiques and collectables fair and finishes off with Circotica Circus performances.