The Akaroa French Festival is a biennial event celebrating the unique culture and heritage of New Zealand’s only French settlement in the harbourside town of Akaroa.

The next Akaroa French Festival will be held from the 6th to the 8th October, 2023.

The festival commences on the Friday evening with the official opening. This is followed by Le
Marché de Nuit– the Night Market, where fabulous food and wine vendors, live music and dancing entertain party-goers.

Saturday morning begins with ‘Landings’, reenacting the tales of the many brave souls who came to call
Akaroa home: from the first Maori to the whalers and then of course, to the French
and German settlers on board the Comte de Paris. Next, our famous Parade with brass band will lead
the crowd to the Akaroa Recreational Grounds for the commencement of Market Day.

The festival hub will be in the Akaroa Recreational Ground, where guests can enjoy some live music, taste local food and wine as well as lots of French cuisine, or take in the local fashion show and a French cooking demonstration. For the more energetic, French-themed competitions will be held including: cock crowing, a waiter’s race and multiple French games enjoyed by all the family.

Saturday evening is definitely party time! Our show-stopping, Le Cabaret, will be found in the Big Top marquee featuring comedy, Le Can Can and risqué burlesque. Revellers dance the night away to great music from New Zealand’s very best entertainers.

Sunday is a real taste of France with La Brocante, an opportunity to search for treasure or strike a bargain with local vendors and professionals selling antiques, collectibles and vintage wares. We also have Le Cirque Du Croissant happening in the big tent which is a fun show for kids of all ages.  

Akaroa French Festival shines a light on all that Banks Peninsula has to offer. We invite you to
book your accommodation early and come to share in this magical weekend.