Polyfest 2026 will run in Auckland from 18 March to 2 April 2026, split across two blocks of dates at two venues.

Quick Scoop: When is Polyfest 2026?

Here’s how the 2026 ASB Polyfest schedule is set up:

  1. Main Diversity & Pacific stages
    • Dates: 18–21 March 2026
    • Stages: Diversity, Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, Tonga
    • Venue: Manukau Sports Bowl, 1 Boundary Rd, Clover Park, Auckland.
  1. Māori stage
    • Dates: 30 March–2 April 2026
    • Venue: Due Drop Events Centre, Manukau.

This is the first year Polyfest is formally split across two venues and two time windows to handle growth and better align the Māori stage with other national kaupapa like Te Matatini.

Why two date blocks?

Organisers confirmed that:

  • The Diversity and Pacific stages stay at Manukau Sports Bowl but run as one concentrated festival period (18–21 March).
  • The Māori stage then has its own dedicated run (30 March–2 April) at Due Drop Events Centre, giving more space and flexibility for kapa and whānau.

This split is framed as a move to support future growth, ease pressure on Manukau Sports Bowl, and keep Polyfest a strong home for Māori and Pacific communities.

Fast facts for planning

  • Overall Polyfest 2026 window: 18 March–2 April 2026 (with a break between 22–29 March).
  • Location combo: Manukau Sports Bowl and Due Drop Events Centre, both in South Auckland.
  • Event scale: 2026 marks 51 years of Polyfest history, with an extended “season” format.

If you’re just searching “when is Polyfest 2026,” the safest practical answer is:

Expect the main action at Manukau Sports Bowl from 18–21 March 2026 , and the Māori stage at Due Drop Events Centre from 30 March–2 April 2026.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.