Merfolk And Sea Creatures: Mermaid Parade Returns For 2026

The Mermaid Parade is back, inviting fish-folk, merpeople, sea creatures and salty dreamers of all ages to take over the waterfront in a joyful procession of ocean-inspired creativity.

Returning on Saturday 28 February 2026, the Mermaid Parade is an all-ages celebration of imagination, community and our connection to the moana. Now in its third year, 2026 promises an even bolder, brighter and fishier affair - with a refreshed format that puts the parade front and centre.

This year, participants are invited to arrive at Queens Wharf fully dressed and parade-ready from 1:30pm, before the procession departs promptly at 2:00pm. The parade will glide along the waterfront from Queens Wharf to Silo Park, transforming the harbour edge into a moving reef of colour, costume and creativity.

At Silo Park, the fin-tastic festivities continue with a high-energy costume contest hosted by the ever-charismatic Anita Wigl’it, followed by live music, DJs and activities for the whole whānau.

Event Schedule
1:30pm: Arrive at Queens Wharf, dressed and ready to parade
2:00pm sharp: The Mermaid Parade departs
2:30pm: Costume contest at Silo Park, hosted by Anita Wigl’it. Prizes awarded for: The Supreme Merperson (16+), The Supreme Merchild (Under 16) + Fishiest Whānau.
3:00pm – 4:30pm – Live music, DJs, games and whānau-friendly fun at Silo Park

New for 2026
To help everyone bring their ocean alter-egos to life, Fins, Flippers and Tails - a free costume-making workshop - takes place the week before the parade on Saturday 21 February, 11:00am - 3:00pm at Silo 6.

Led by artists Christina Houghton, Melissa Laing and Juliette Laird, the workshop offers easy, moana-inspired makes for all ages: craft fins, flippers, fish tails, jellyfish, masks and more - or stay for the full four hours and build yourself a full shark suit. You can also bring your own wild sea-creature vision and workshop it with experienced makers. Come for an hour or stay all day and leave parade-ready.

Unlike previous years, there will be no costume prep stations at Queens Wharf on parade day — so come dressed, dazzling and ready to parade at 1:30pm.

Shoreline Social
Also happening as a part of Moana Auckland, Shoreline Social is a bustling hub of ocean-inspired activity, happening on Eastern Viaduct from 10:00am - 8:00pm on the day of the Mermaid Parade - featuring markets, music and kai.

If you need to scale up your look before the parade, there is free facepainting at Shoreline Social from 10:00am - 1:15pm, and then after the parade, ocean-forward food, music from Aro and DJ Dick Johnson until 8:00pm.

How to take part
Participation is free and open to everyone. All parade participants must be in costume - including parents and caregivers accompanying little fishies - so now’s the time to start dreaming up your most seaworthy look. Spectators are warmly welcomed to line the route or join the celebrations at Silo Park.

Event Details
Mermaid Parade 2026
Date: Saturday 28 February 2026
Time: 1:30pm – 4:30pm
Route: Queens Wharf to Silo Park
Cost: FREE!

Don’t splash about, get your FREE tickets and start planning your outfit now!

https://events.humanitix.com/mermaid-parade-2026

The Mermaid Parade is supported by the Auckland Council whānau and Moana Auckland, New Zealand’s ocean festival, and brought to life by Interesting Things.

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