Auckland’s iconic Pasifika Festival returns for its 26th year, on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 March, at Western Springs.

This free, family-friendly event celebrates the diverse cultures of Auckland’s Pacific whanau. 

There are 11 villages, each representing a different Pacific Island culture, with delicious authentic foods, arts and crafts stalls and demonstrations, traditional and contemporary Pacific Island music and performances.

Pack a picnic rug and some sunscreen, and experience Auckland’s rich Pacific culture and heritage.

Try Hawaii’s smoky barbecue, the Samoan delicacy palusami (best eaten with a nice piece of baked taro), or sample Tuvaluan kaleve - a drink made from coconut sap.

Get Māori nail art at the Aotearoa village, check out traditional Fijian costumes and accessories, see how artisans from Tokelau use time-honoured techniques to create fishing lures from shells, and enjoy dancing and drumming from around the Pacific.

This year Pasifika will also feature companies from around the Pacific, showcasing traditional and innovative products bound for New Zealand and international markets.

The festival starts at the earlier hour of 9am on Saturday this year; while Sunday will again begin with the traditional Pasifika interdenominational church service, with choir groups – everyone welcome. 

Next door to the festival, check out Pasifika Vibes @ MOTAT (9am – 5pm Saturday, 10am to 5pm Sunday, free entry). The Museums of Auckland, including the Auckland Museum, Art Gallery, MOTAT and Maritime Museum, are celebrating Pacific culture, rhythms andf lavours, with great music, succulent food and live entertainment. (Please note: this is a smoke and alcohol-free event and only the event village will be open to the public. The MOTAT exhibition halls and rest of the Museum will not be open over these days, see www.motat.org.nz for more info.