Which performance should I choose in 2022?

We have put together a helpful guide to the performance dates and times for the 2022 WOW Show season! Running from 29 September – 16 October, we’ll be putting on 16 performances over our three-week season, but how will you choose when to attend?

Whether you’re joining us this year for the first time, or if you’re a seasoned “WOW pro”, we’ve pulled together some basic information around the various performance times to help clarify any differences between our performance nights so you can make the best decision for your 2022 World of WearableArt experience!

First and foremost, it’s important to note that every one of the 16 performances are the same. The WOW Show season is a celebration of the finalist garments from the 2021 Competition, so each performance will see the same garments (created by the same designers) performing on stage in the same creative spectacular.

Opening Night

Thursday 29 September (7.30pm) is our Opening Night performance and is always a very exciting Show for us. Due to the confidential nature of the Competition, the finalist garments are kept strictly under wraps, so being there on Opening Night means being among the first to see what we’ve got in store for you this year!

Please note: No awards results are provided at the Opening Night performance.

Awards Night

Friday 30 September (7.30pm) is the Awards Night performance – a big night for all our designers who have created finalist garments in the Competition! Following the performance we hold the official Awards Ceremony. The ceremony runs for approximately 30-40mins and is when we announce live the winners of the 34 Awards in the Competition. Many of our designers attend on Awards Night so you’ll have the chance to see the incredible talent behind these works of wearable art.

Please note: On all other performances following Awards Night, there will be a 10-15min AV screening announcing the 2021 award-winning garments.

Matinee Performances

We know that evening performances don’t work for everyone, which is why we have a number of matinee performances throughout the Show season. Whether you need to book your onward travel for later that day, if your group includes younger members who prefer earlier events, or if you simply prefer a matinee yourself, in 2022 there are four performances that start at 1.30pm and one performance that starts at 5.00pm!

Sunday 2 October, 5pm

Saturday 8 October, 1.30pm

Sunday 9 October, 1,30pm

Saturday 15 October, 1.30pm

Sunday 16 October, 1.30pm (Final Show!)

Mid-week Shows

Mid-week Shows are a great way to have something to look forward to during the week. You don’t have to wait until the weekend to journey out of this world and immerse yourself in our world of creativity and magic, so we have performances earlier in the week as well as weekend times. Why not consider attending a Thursday evening performance, or perhaps our Wednesday evening Show? The 2022 WOW Show will take place during the school holidays, so why not make the most of this time and take a trip to Wellington!

Thursday 29 September, 7.30pm (Opening Night!)

Thursday 6 October, 7.30pm

Wednesday 12 October, 7.30pm

Thursday 13 October, 7.30pm

The Stageside Experience

New for 2022, the Stageside Experience, offers exclusive table seating for you and your friends right up close to the action of the Show. As part of the experience you’ll receive a glass of champagne on arrival and a pre-Show tasting platter created by caterer Sarah Searancke. For more information click here.

Saturday 1 October, 6.30pm*

Sunday 2 October, 4.00pm**

Saturday 8 October, 12.30pm*** & 6.30pm*

Sunday 9 October, 12.30pm*** & 6.30pm*

Saturday 15 October, 12.30pm*** & 6.30pm*

Sunday 16 October, 12.30pm***

*Show starts at 7.30pm **Show starts at 5.00pm ***Show starts at 1.30pm

Additionally, you may want to think about where you want to sit in the arena! Do you want to be up close to the stage so you can more of the detail and craftsmanship in the garments? Or perhaps you would prefer to sit further back and take in the entire experience from your seat. Both options offer a great WOW experience! And of course, there’s always the option of coming to two performances to appreciate the Show from different seats.

And to complete your experience sure to include a WOW Souvenir Programme when you purchase your tickets – there’s no better way to familiarise yourself with the garments in the Competition. The WOW Souvenir Programme features the full catalogue of finalist garments including where they have come from, the materials they’ve been made from and the inspiration behind the creation!

Top Tip: Purchase Platinum Seats to have your WOW Souvenir Programme included in your order! All Platinum Seats include a WOW Souvenir Programme ($25.00) so no need to add-on separately. Or go the extra step and indulge in the new Stageside Experience that includes a complimentary Souvenir Programme, a glass of champagne on arrival, a pre-Show tasting platter plus more!