This outdoor family event on Sunday 18th Jan celebrates great kiwi music with the Whanganui River as our perfect backdrop.

Grab a late lunch from our food trucks, bring your picnic chairs and settle in under the shade of the pohutukawa trees.

It's Kiwiana all the way as we bring on back the good days. Dance along to the group of talented local bands on stage from 2pm with your favourite music.

A licensed bar area, pop up market stalls, food trucks & laid-back family fun activities are also on site, so settle in for the afternoon!

Wear your favourite outfit from another era, and you may win a prize.

LINEUP

2pm - Hot Potato (Bluegrass)

3.15pm - Funk Rockets (Funk)

4.30pm - Lights Go Out (Reggae)

5.10pm - Dahlia (Pop)

6.25pm - Heavy Water (Classic Rock)

Travel behind Ab 608 and travel in our heritage steel passenger cars, complete with an open viewing platform, for an unforgettable steam train adventure between Whanganui’s Taupo Quay and Feilding.

Heading south, the train plunges into the historic Fordell Tunnel for a few thrilling minutes of darkness before emerging to cross the Whangaehu River — a river steeped in New Zealand railway history, flowing 161 kilometres from the crater lake of Mount Ruapehu to the South Taranaki Bight. Next, we pass through the impressive 2km-long Turakina Tunnel, dating back to 1947, on our approach to Marton.

Marton, a farming town in the heart of the Rangitikei district, grew rapidly after the railway arrived in 1878, shaping its rich industrial history. From there, it’s onward to Feilding — a charming Kiwi town in the Manawatū-Whanganui region, known for its heritage architecture and welcoming community. Enjoy nearly two hours exploring Feilding’s sights, grabbing a coffee or lunch, before returning by train to Whanganui to complete your Vintage Weekend Sunday in style.

Where - 151 Taupo Quay, KiwiRail Freight Yard, Gonville
When - 8:25am–3:30pm
Cost - Adult (12+ yrs) - $99 | Child (2-12yrs) - $69 | Infant (0-2yrs) - FREE provided they remain on the lap of a fare-paying adult.

The Burma Rally is one of two major rally's the Wanganui Vintage car club run each year. There are usually 70-100 cars taking part. Cars will start assembling from 8.30 am at Cornmarket Reserve, near the Dublin St bridge.

The event is open to entrants only who are members of the Vintage Car Club & some invited guests. There will be briefing for cars at 9.15am with the first cars away at 9.30am. The rally can be up to 100miles (160.9km) long & covers the greater Whanganui district.

Where - Cornmarket Reserve, Whanganui
When - 8.30 Assembly | 9.15am Briefing | 9.30am Departure

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.

From home build aircraft, microlights and vintage classics, to ex-military jets, warbirds and aerobatics machines. With two airshows planned and joyrides throughout the day; Wanganui Aero Day will be full of the hearty throb of big radial engines, the chug of classic biplanes, the scream of fast jets, and the whistle of WW2 fighters overhead.

Where – Airport Road, Whanganui.
When – 9am–4pm
Price – $10 Per Adult Entry | Children under 16yrs free | Door Sales Only

Stay tuned to the Wanganui Aero Club Facebook page as they release more details prior to Vintage Weekend!

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

Discover treasures at our Huge Retro, Vintage, Antiques & Collectables Fair! Browse a vibrant mix of stallholders offering an incredible range of items — from Crown Lynn, art glass, and vintage clothing to records, coins, jewellery, gold, silver, art, pottery, furniture, lamps, tools, toys, books, kitchenalia, and so much more.

Whether you’re a serious collector or just love a good find, there’s something special for everyone!

Where - Springvale Stadium, 222 London Street, Springvale ,Whanganui
When - 9.30am–4pm
Price - $2 entry (cash only)

Limited eftpos so bring cash. Free parking.

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

Come and see working examples of the machines that powered the industries of New Zealand and the world 100 + years ago. Take a trailer ride behind one of our beautifully restored old steam driven traction engines and experience the sight, sound and smell of a time long past. The kids will love seeing and riding behind our live traction engine models as they chuff around just like their big cousins used to.

Where - Taupo Quay, Moutoa Gardens
When – 10am–4pm
Price - $3 a ride - tickets available on site

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.

25 minutes from Whanganui City come and enjoy a Devonshire Tea, Afternoon Tea or go all out for a High Tea in the Beautiful Edwardian Homestead, all served on Bone China, linen and silver tea service. Drive your vintage car and dress for the occasion. The Homestead is surrounded by native bush and bird life, enjoy a stroll before or after refreshment at the Homestead. Fully Licenced Bar on site.

Where - Bushy Park Homestead. 791 Rangitatau East Road. Kai Iwi. Whanganui
When - 10am - 3pm
Price - Free entry to Bushy Park - Devonshire Tea $15pp | Afternoon Tea $25pp | High Tea $40pp

Book your table to ensure you don’t miss out... Bookings are essential! Call 06 342 9879

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

The chance to view buildings and objects that children would have played with long ago! Trains, cars, dolls and more. Pencil and paper for drawing will be provided. Photo shows the exterior of one doll's house, come and see the interior. Photos of doll houses permitted.

Where - Cooks Gallery, Trafalgar Place, off Ridgway Street
When - 10am to 4pm
Price - Free

Located in the heart of historic Whanganui, New Zealand Glassworks is the national centre for glass and a vibrant hub for the craft of hot glass. 

Whanganui has a rich legacy in glassmaking and is home to a thriving community of artists dedicated to this extraordinary craft. Housed in the former printing press building of The Chronicle newspaper, NZ Glassworks offers a unique and inspiring space where creativity comes to life. 

NZGlassworks is a public facility which is free to enter to watch artists at work and view the gallery and retail space. During Vintage Weekend 2026 we are offering a variety of paid glassblowing experiences.

Where - 2 Rutland St, Whanganui
When - 10am–4 pm
Saturday - Make a Paperweight Workshop $160pp, Beginners Glassblowing Level 1 Workshop $430pp | Sunday - Make a Tumbler Workshop $200pp

Workshops are available for people aged 15 and over.

Durie Hill Elevator will offer special guided tours during Whanganui Vintage Weekend. A unique form of public transport, Durie Hill Elevator opened on August 2, 1919. Set into the hill, the 213 metre tunnel and 66 metre public transport elevator - staffed then as now by an operator, enable a short journey by foot or bicycle between Whanganui and Durie Hill. In the guided tours, visitors will see some of the capabilities of the newly installed tunnel lighting and displays, and hear more detail about the elevator story. Visitors will ride the elevator with a Whanganui Connection guide, and also see the famous Mercury Arc Rectifier.

Where - Durie Hill Elevator - Tunnel Entrance: 42 Anzac Parade, Whanganui
When - 1pm–1.45pm & 2pm–2:45pm
Price - Adults - $20.75 | Youth (18 or under) - $14.50 | Infant (3 or under) - Free

Family discounts, and discounts for Whanganui residents available.

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

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 & 6pm-7.30pm
Cost - Adults $20 | Under 18 $10

Prepare to be thrilled as the Royal New Zealand Air Force Black Falcons aerobatic team takes to the skies over Whanganui!

Witness a spectacular display of precision and skill as the team's five Beechcraft T-6C Texan II aircraft perform heart-stopping formation flying, loops, rolls, and high-speed passes. This is a must-see, dynamic salute to the RNZAF that perfectly blends the excitement of modern aviation with the classic feel of the Vintage Weekend.

Where – Castecliff Beach (Near Surfclub & Pavilion)
When – 4:30pm - get there early to enjoy the show!
Cost - Free

All your 1920s & 30s favourites, from Mack The Knife and Ain't She Sweet to Puttin' on The Ritz and Sweet Georgia Brown. Andrew & Kirsten London joined by April Phillips, James Tait Jamieson & Michael Franklin-Browne. Get dressed up sharp in your flapper gear and don't forget to put a Tommy-gun in that violin case!

Where – Heritage House, 136 Saint Hill St
When – 7.30pm – 10pm
Cost - $40

Call Murray to book on 0274429825.