Plumber Dan Soap Box Derby is back this year on Drews Avenue! See incredible & quirky home-made carts tackle the downhill challenge with speed, spills & thrills. It's a high-speed spectacle of fun and vintage community spirit for all ages. Don't miss this crowd-favourite finale!

Where - Pukenamu / Queens Park & Drews Ave
When – 9am – 3pm
Race Entry — Entry forms can be picked up from Plumber Dans on Victoria Ave, Little Vintage Hair in Whanganui East, or Ginza Bargains. Follow them on their Facebook page!

A diverse group of artists displaying a great variety of art covering all mediums and styles. Oils, Watercolours, Acrylics, Pastels, Pencil Work and Mixed Media. There is a great selection for all tastes. Over Saturday and Sunday, some artists will be painting in the rooms. Come and see our great variety of art and meet some of our artists.

All works are for sale and Eftpos is available.

Where - Whanganui Community Arts Centre, 19 Taupo Quay, Whanganui
When – 9am – 4pm
Price - Free entry

This group of artists paints weekly at Christ Church Community Hall, Wickstead Street, every Thursday and we welcome new members to join this friendly group.

The Whanganui Vintage Radio Museum is a fascinating collection of historical radios and related memorabilia. It showcases over 500 vintage radios, spanning the early 20th century through to the mid 1950s, offering visitors a glimpse into the evolution of radio technology and broadcasting. It's a must-visit for enthusiasts of radio technology and history. A burst of Valve radios from the past. Come and enjoy the nostalgia.

Where - 50 Fox Road, Whanganui
When - 9am–5pm
Price - Koha/donation toward restoration work appreciated

Enjoy ambling through 11 of Whanganui's finest summer gardens on Monday 19th January from 9.30am to 4.30pm. A refreshment garden is available.

Where - Various sites/gardens around Whanganui
When - 9.30am–4.30pm
Price -  $25 pp | Children under 14 free with an adult

Tickets available from: I-site Information Centre, Garden Centers, Mitre10, or Phone David - 021 02601319

Come and join us this Whanganui Vintage Weekend for a 30 minute cruise through the city. Let’s carry 1000 passengers over the holiday weekend break the record for the busiest boat at vintage weekend.

Spot prizes throughout the day for the best nautical or vintage attire.

Where - 1H Taupo Quay. (Cr Taupo Quay and Bates Street).
When - 10am to 3pm
Price - Adults (16+) $10 Children (0-15) $5

Gate sales ONLY. Cash and EFTPOS accepted.

Space Studio & Gallery, located in the historic 1907 Dalgety & Co Warehouse on Saint Hill Street, will open its doors for the first time during Vintage Weekend. Photographer Gary McClintock presents 'Utility' - a photographic exhibition exploring how society's changing priorities impact heritage past and present, alongside two solo exhibitions by Duncan Foord and Susan Vorster. The gallery will also feature a collection of relics and photographs highlighting the history and development of this remarkable heritage building

Where - Space Studio & Gallery, 18 Saint Hill Street, Whanganui
When - Gallery Open: 10am - 3pm | Guided Building Tours (max 10 per tour): 11am & 2pm - meet in the downstairs gallery
Price - Free Entry

Cocktail classics and vintage recipes - explore the flavours of yesteryear in and around The Distillery. A new bar, in a historic part of Whanganui.

Where - The Distillery, 17 Drews Ave, Whanganui
When - 10am - 5pm
Price - Free Entry

Step into nostalgia at the Vintage Art Jumble, curated by local artist Melanie Fleet for Whanganui’s Vintage Weekend. Hosted in the beautifully retro Ministry of Works Building, this eclectic pop-up showcases a mix of vintage-inspired art, upcycled creations, and one-of-a-kind treasures.

Explore artwork by local artists alongside a hand-picked selection of vintage wares, curios, décor, and collectible pieces that celebrate character, history, and creativity. Whether you're hunting for a unique artwork, a classic find, or simply soaking up the vintage charm, the Vintage Art Jumble offers a warm, welcoming space to browse, buy, and be inspired.

Where - 62 Taupo Quay Whanganui
When – 10am - 4pm
Price - Free entry

Join Stephanie Wood, Kaihāpai Taonga/Curator of Fashion and Textiles, for a fascinating look at Quant’s trailblazing career – from her pioneering 1950s London boutique to creating one of the first global lifestyle brands.

Stephanie is a curator and fashion historian with over 15 years experience working with historic textiles and dress, presenting major exhibitions, gallery projects, fashion shows, conferences and speaking engagements at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. She worked on the exhibitions Gabrielle Chanel. Fashion Manifesto, Mary Quant, and Balenciaga: Shaping Fashion, and delivered public programmes such as Fashion in Motion, a series of catwalk events.

In this engaging one-hour presentation, Stephanie will explore how Mary Quant, a fearless designer, became the face of the miniskirt, Swinging Sixties style, and a global fashion revolution that reached New Zealand.

Where - Te Puni Tiaki Taonga o Whanganui - Whanganui Regional Museum, 4 Watt Street, Whanganui
When – 10:30am - 11:30am
Price - $10 pp or free for Friends of the Museum.

Register: info@wrm.org.nz or phone 06 349 1110

Our shed will be open to see the historic railway items and restoration work.

The recently dug up Skunk from the south mole will also be on display. This is reportedly the oldest NZ-built steam locomotive!

Unfortunately we cannot operate our trolleys on Saturday/Sunday due to the visiting Steam Incorporated trains in town. However, we will offer an open day with motor trolley rides on Monday the 19th.

Where - 151 Taupo Quay, KiwiRail Freight Yard, Gonville
When - 11am–3:30pm
Cost - Gold coin donation | Motor Trolley Rides $3.00 per person

Ride tickets are available from the SteamRail shed on the day

The Wanganui Jockey Club celebrates being the oldest racing club in New Zealand at the Whanganui Vintage weekend with a similarly themed raceday on Monday the 19th January (Wellington Anniversary weekend). Random prizes for the best vintage attire to support the weekends attractions.

Where - Whanganui Racecourse, 19A Purnell Street Whanganui
When - 11am - 5.00pm
Price - Free entry and parking - no age restrictions

Once upon a time, in a far away swamp, there lived an ogre named Shrek. One day, Shrek finds his swamp invaded by banished fairytale misfits who have been cast off by Lord Farquaad, a tiny terror with big ambitions. When Shrek sets off with a wisecracking donkey to confront Farquaad, he’s handed a task – if he rescues Princess Fiona, his swamp will be righted. Shrek tries to win Fiona’s love and vanquish Lord Farquaad, but a fairytale wouldn’t be complete without a few twists and turns along the way!

Based on the Dreamworks Animation Motion Picture and the book by William Steig, Book and Lyrics by David Lindsay-Abair, Music by Jeanine Tesori. Originally produced on Broadway by DreamWorks Theatricals and Neal Street Productions.

Where - Repertory Theatre - 4 Ridgway Street
When - 11am-12.30pm
Cost - Adults $20 | Under 18 $10