Howick’s biggest bite of culture returns in 2026!
Get ready to taste the world right here in Howick Village. The Cultural Food Festival 2026 is back – Saturday 7 March 2026, 9am – 2:30pm.
Delivered by Howick Village Association and proudly supported by the Howick Local Board and the Ministry for Ethnic Communities.
Set in the heart of Howick Village, known for its seaside charm, boutique shops and welcoming community feel - this festival is more than an event. It’s a celebration of who we are.
Howick Local Board chair Bruce Kendall says, “Howick Village Association do great mahi in the community and this is one of them. The free-entry festival reflects the board’s commitment to celebrating diversity, strengthening community connections and supporting local enterprise - key priorities in the Howick Local Board Plan 2025.”
Since launching in 2023, this much-loved event has grown into a highlight on the East Auckland calendar, bringing together local businesses, ethnic communities and families for a vibrant celebration of culture and connection.
The Association’s Events Manager Jane Newbury adds, “Beyond our own hospitality outlets and popular traders from our Saturday market, we’re also welcoming a vibrant lineup of food trucks, so come hungry because there will be loads to enjoy! An array of cultural entertainment will be on our stage area, and several Pasifika Association groups will be joining us in Fencible Park! Don’t miss our exciting Great Goblet Race entrants weaving through the crowds at midday – a crowd-favourite where local business teams dash through the street balancing oversized goblets without spilling a drop.”
Food lovers are in for a treat
The Auckland Food Truck Collective will roll in with more than 25 food trucks and vendors, alongside Howick Village’s iconic Saturday Markets featuring over 65 artisan stalls. From global street food to handcrafted goods, there’s something for every taste.
Served Hot on Stage
- from bagpipers
- belly dancers
- dragon dances
- Bollywood
- Pasifika entertainment and more.
To keep the atmosphere buzzing and visitors safe, Picton Street will be closed to traffic, transforming the village into a pedestrian-friendly festival zone.
Vibrant, exciting and full of flavour - the Howick Village Cultural Food Festival 2026 is not to be missed.
Stay connected
Sign up to receive the Howick Local Board monthly e-newsletters.