CubaDupa has announced an electrifying lineup for its 2025 festival, promising a weekend filled with music, dance, theatre, and art in Wellington’s Cuba Street Quarter. Set for March 29–30, the festival will once again transform the city into a vibrant celebration of Aotearoa’s artistic diversity.
A Festival of Creativity and Inclusivity
CubaDupa 2025 will spotlight local talent, celebrate communal joy, and bring together artists of all genres. Alongside music performances, galleries will open their doors, businesses will extend into the streets, and food stalls will contribute to the ever-popular FreshChoice Street Feast.
Staying true to its mission, CubaDupa remains a free and inclusive event, ensuring accessibility for all ages. In a festival first, NZSL interpreters will be present on the Wellington Airport Ngā Taniwha Stage, thanks to Platform Interpret NZ and the Performing Arts Foundation (PAF).

“Our mission is to support emerging arts while sparking communal joy in Pōneke,” says Festival Director Bianca Bailey.
“I’m incredibly proud of this lineup. We’ve worked hard to pay artists their rates and create pathways for Aotearoa acts to take centre stage. This year will rock!”
Star-Studded 2025 Lineup
This year’s festival features over 140 acts presenting over 170 performances spanning music, dance, theatre, visual arts and more. Alongside previously announced artists, Chelsea Jade, Anna Coddington, Black Comet, COLOSSAL, and Mass Frevo Orchestra, this year’s highlights include top names such as:
🎶 TOI – Pōneke’s chart-topping soulful R&B band bringing their signature funky twist to the festival.
🎸 Vera Ellen – 2024 Taite Music Prize winner, fresh off supporting Crowded House and playing Laneway 2025.
🎤 Diggy Dupé – Named Best Pacific Male Artist and Best Pacific Hip Hop Artist at the 2024 Pacific Music Awards.
🕺 Mā & The Fly Hunnies – Returning after a standout 2023 set and a recent opening for Ice Cube.
🏆 LJ Crichton – 2024 NZ Fringe Most Promising Pasifika Artist, blending Samoan, Māori, and Black culture in his show LILA.
👩🎤 A.R.T. – The Pasifika pop trio who made their debut on TVNZ’s Popstars.
🎭 Justice & Empty the Clip – A hip-hop and physical storytelling group exploring themes of conformity and confinement.
💃 Hiwa – The festival opens with the Mihi Whakatau led by this renowned kapa haka group.
Immersive Art and Unique Experiences
🎨 BodyPalooza – A body art competition featuring full-body painted models parading through the streets.
🛝 Play More – An interactive art installation inspired by childhood roller abacus toys.
👗 Subversion – A fashion show exploring alternative and counterculture fashion from the 1980s to today.
💃 Footnote New Zealand Dance – A choreographic installation in collaboration with McLeavey Gallery.
Street Feast and CubaDupa Venues
🍽️ FreshChoice Street Feast returns, featuring local favourites like El Matador, 1154 Pastaria, Swimsuit Coffee, and Liberty Restaurant.
🥘 Te Aro Eats offers a communal dining experience for a koha donation, connecting attendees through shared meals.
🎶 Cuba Quarter Venues – Garage Project, Fortune Favours, San Fran, Valhalla, Laundry, and more will host gigs alongside outdoor stages like Wellington Airport Ngā Taniwha Stage and Glover Park Stage.
Join the Celebration!
With its largest lineup yet, CubaDupa 2025 is set to be an unforgettable weekend of music, art, and community.
📅 Dates: March 29–30, 2025
📍 Location: Cuba Street Quarter, Wellington
🎟️ Admission: FREE
🔗 Full lineup & details: www.cubadupa.co.nz