World Of WearableArt 2026: Where to Stay, Eat & Drink Near TSB Arena Wellington
Heading to WOW 2026 in Wellington? Discover where to stay, eat and enjoy a drink around TSB Arena, with WQ Hotel as your Wellington base.
Wellington is preparing to light up this spring as the World of WearableArt Show: GLO! returns from 17 September to 4 October 2026.
Held at TSB Arena on Wellington's waterfront, the annual World of WearableArt (WOW) Show brings together wearable art, live music, dance, aerial performance and theatrical production in one of New Zealand's most distinctive live events.
If you're travelling to the capital for the show, it is worth making more of the occasion than simply arriving in time for curtain-up. Here's how to plan a WOW getaway in Wellington, starting with finding accommodation near TSB Arena to dinner before the show and a relaxed drink afterwards.
What's happening at WOW in 2026?
This year's theme is GLO!, with the show built around six competition sections featuring finalist garments created by designers and artists from around the world.
WOW describes the production as a combination of live music, aerialists, dance and wearable art, with more than NZ$200,000 in competition prize money available to participating designers.
The result is not a traditional fashion show. WOW is an arena-scale theatrical production and one of the major events on Wellington's spring calendar. For more information visit their official website.
2024 WOW Winner- Curves Ahead by Grace Duval, United States
Where is the World of WearableArt Show?
WOW is held at TSB Arena, on Wellington's waterfront at Queens Wharf.
Its central location means there is plenty to explore before the performance. You can wander along the waterfront, visit nearby galleries and museums or head into the central city for shopping and dining.
For visitors searching for hotels near TSB Arena Wellington, staying slightly outside the busiest part of the CBD can also be a good option.
WQ Hotel is located in Thorndon, giving guests a convenient base for exploring central Wellington while providing somewhere to retreat to once the show is over.
2025 WOW Winner- Tsukumogami by Dawn Mostow & Ben Gould, United States
Pre theatre, show, concert or event dinner in Wellington
If you're staying at WQ Hotel, Frankie's Bar + Eatery offers the convenience of having dinner before heading into town, without needing to find another restaurant or fit an extra booking into your evening.
It also means you can check in, get ready for the show and enjoy dinner before heading to TSB Arena.
2023 WOW Winner- Earthling by Gill Saunders, New Zealand
Wellington event accommodation near TSB Arena
Located at 24 Hawkestone Street in Thorndon, WQ Hotel offers a handy base for visitors attending events in central Wellington. You can check in, settle in and make the hotel your base while you enjoy everything happening around the city.
Whether you're looking for accommodation near TSB Arena, planning a Wellington concert weekend or wondering where to stay after a concert in Wellington, WQ Hotel gives you a comfortable place to return to once the event is over. Book your stay with us.
