WOW the Show

The World of WearableArt (WOW) Show is an unforgettable experience where the boundaries of arena spectacle, live music, dance, aerial choreography, and world-class wearable art are pushed to the extreme.

Colorful theatrical performance with performers in elaborate costumes on a brightly lit stage surrounded by audience in a large theater.

Model wearing a white bear-themed costume with colorful abstract patterns walking on a runway with blue artistic background and performers in black costumes.

Our Lady of the Dryer Duct, Grandy C, Canada, World of WearableArt 2025

A riot of wild unleashed imagination.

2025 Audience Member

What people say

About the show

The best show on Earth.

2025 Audience Member

Two performers in blue and white patterned bodysuits and elaborate headpieces standing front and center on stage with a group of dancers in gold and white costumes behind them.

Models walking on runway wearing avant-garde floral and coral-inspired couture dresses with sculptural headpieces.

Model on runway wearing a large woven patterned wrap and circular woven headpiece with people and performers in the background under blue lighting.

WOW just gets better and better every year! What a stunning and spectacular show.

2025 Audience Member

A carnival of creativity.

2025 Audience Member

Two male singers in red and patterned outfits performing on stage with dancers and a man in a red suit elevated behind them.

Great Journeys New Zealand

Packages

Person in a colorful, feathered costume with black feathered gloves and a horned headpiece posing in the aisle of a passenger bus surrounded by seated smiling people, some taking photos.

2024 WOW Train VIP Experience featuring Flame Dance, Eva Chan, Hong Kong Design Institute, Hong Kong

2026 WOW trains

Brought to you by WOW and Great Journeys New Zealand, the WOW Train package includes a very special scenic train journey full of all things WOW, accommodation in Wellington, WOW Show tickets, hotel transfer and a return flight.

Departing Auckland on the Northern Explorer scenic train, Thursday 24 September 2026 – SOLD OUT.

Departing Christchurch on the Coastal Pacific scenic train, Friday 2 October 2026.

BOOK NOW

2026

Section themes

Each year there are six section themes for designers to be inspired by when entering the competition. This includes three recurring sections; Aotearoa, Avant-garde and Open, and an additional three sections which are unique to each annual competition.

explore section themes

Bizarre Bra

Metallic

Kinetic

Aotearoa

Avant-garde

Open

YOUR GETAWAY TO

WELLINGTON & WOW AWAITS!

A trip to WOW is the perfect excuse to explore all Wellington has to offer – make the most of your stay with these food & drink spots, activities, accommodation, and travel options.

Wellington Experience

Show FAQ

If you have a question that you still don’t have an answer for, have a look below, we have included answers for the show, ticket types, and more.

Show Information

What are the dates for the 2026 WOW Show?

17 September to 4 October 2026

Where is the WOW Show?

The WOW Show is held at the TSB Arena, Queens Wharf, Wellington, New Zealand.

How long is the WOW Show?

The WOW Show is approximately 100 minutes, including the AV presentation. There is no interval during the show.

The Awards Night show includes an awards ceremony which runs for approximately 40 additional minutes. At all performances following Awards Night, there will be a short AV presentation of the awards results after the performance which will take approximately 15 minutes.

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Is the WOW Show suitable for children?

While the show's content is suitable for children and they are welcome to attend, we do ask that you consider a few things before making a decision that is right for your whānau:

We do not offer children's ticket prices
The show runs for approx. 100min with no interval
There are flashing lights and loud music

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Can you accommodate wheelchair access and other accessibility needs?

Absolutely! There is wheelchair and easy-access seating available. Please contact us directly by email, or call 0800 496 974.

What happens on Opening Night?

Opening Night is the first public performance of the WOW Show on Thursday 17 September. It's a chance to see the Show before anyone else, and with tickets priced at least $30 lower than Peak, it's a great option for the budget-conscious. The only difference is that the competition winners are not announced at the end of this performance.

What happens on Awards Night?

Awards Night is on Friday 18 September. There will be a live awards ceremony directly following the show, which lasts about 40 minutes. This is a night of celebration, with many of the designers and their whānau attending. The ceremony is NZSL interpreted.

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I am looking for accommodation in Wellington, what do you recommend?

We recommend our partner hotels, QT Wellington and Sojourn Apartment Hotel. For further options, we suggest you visit WellingtonNZ.com.