Cubadupa 2026 Opens A Stunning Weekend On Cuba Street

CubaDupa 2026 delivered another unforgettable first day across the Cuba Precinct, drawing crowds to the massive free street festival in Pōneke and running until 6pm Sunday March 29th. All Saturday, the laneways, stages and parks buzzed with music, parades, performance art, morning artist talks and plenty of magic moments in between.

Highlights included the BodyFX Makeover Mayhem presented by Wēta Workshop, Colossal Container Stage and morning artist talks with Paige and Lisa Tomlins. Among the day’s  most talked-about moments was a stunning set from rising wāhine powerhouse Riiki Reid on the Ngā Taniwha Wellington Airport Stage. Fresh off the release of her EP Drench and newly independent after five years on a major label, the Wellington-born artist proved why she’s one to watch in Aotearoa at the moment.

Platinum singer-songwriter and producer Paige brought her intimate paigesspace world to the Ngā Toi o Te Aro Stage, supported by Te Māngai Pāho, treating the crowd to a set as honest and compelling as the EP itself.

Meanwhile, 17-year-old R&B sensation Imani-J lit up the Vic Uni Glover Park Stage. Imani-J is already making waves far beyond her years, with international writing camps in Seattle and LA and a debut EP, Expectations, that signals serious things ahead. Together, these three incredible artists offered a vivid snapshot of the wahine talent shaping the future of New Zealand music.

Join in for the final day, Sunday March 29th on Cuba Street from 11am – 6pm.