What is the WOW Show?

At the heart of WOW sits the world’s leading wearable art competition – the WOW Competition. Every year, the best wearable art designers from all over the world compete to share their work on the WOW stage, win one of many coveted awards or internships, and over $200,000 in prize money.  

In September – October, the finalists from this Competition take to the stage at the WOW Show in Wellington, New Zealand. Final judging takes place on Monday before the show opens, and the winners are announced after the Awards Show on the first Friday.  

“The best way to describe WOW is to imagine Cirque du Soleil mixed with an avant-garde couture catwalk event. Pinch yourself and you could be in London or New York, watching a high-tech stage show with all the frills, but here we are, in Pōneke Wellington." The Post  

It is almost impossible to describe in words, so we would recommend watching this video:

With 96% audience satisfaction, you can book knowing that even if you do not know exactly what to expect, you are in for a wonder-filled night out.

Creative director Brian Burke and Show Director Malia Johnson ensure the spectacle is unique every year, so many WOW fans make it an annual tradition – with some attending more than 20 times!

Where Did WOW Begin?

Dame Suzie Moncrieff held the first WOW Show in Nelson in 1987. After being told the art world had no space for her unruly ideas, she built a new kind of stage – one where art didn't hang silent but danced into the spotlight, dazzling and alive.

This act of glorious rebellion became World of WearableArt.  

Over nearly four decades, WOW has grown from a grassroots insurrection to a global cultural phenomenon.

Where is the WOW Show?

The WOW Show is hosted at the TSB Arena in Wellington, New Zealand, every September – October.

In 2026, it opens on Wednesday 17 September and closes on Sunday 4 October. It runs every Wednesday – Sunday night during the season, with a matinee on most weekend days. You can read the full timetable here.

Who is WOW For?

WOW is for anyone who wants to escape the mundane and lose themselves in a wonder-filled world. From girls' nights out, to family trips and date nights, all sorts of groups attend. Given the length of the show (roughly 100 minutes, with no interval), along with the flashing lights and loud music, we would recommend it for children over the age of 8.  

“Four generations attended our first WOW. From the 9-year-old to the 92-year-old, we were spellbound. Absolutely spectacular!” WOW Fan

‍What Is the Flow of the Show?

The show lasts approximately 100 minutes. During this time, you’ll be guided through six sections or ‘worlds’ – in 2026 these are: Bizarre Bra, Metallic, Kinetic, Aotearoa, Avant-garde and Open. In each section, you’ll see the wearable art finalists for that category, alongside music, cirque, dance, and visual effects.

What Should I Wear?

Whatever makes you feel glorious! Many people love WOW as an excuse to get glammed up, but just as many wear their favourite jeans. It’s fair to say sequins are never out of place at WOW!

Where Should I Sit?

This is a question we get asked a lot, and the answer depends on what type of experience you’re looking for. If you want to sit back and soak up the spectacle, you might want to consider a seat in the upper levels – 5, 7 and 8. If you want to get as close as possible to the wearable art, you can’t go past A, B or Stageside. The Platinum seats in block C provide the best of both worlds! You can study the seating plan here.

If you’re still unsure, feel free to email our Ticketing Manager Matthew de Kimble Butler.

Where is the Wearable Art From?

WOW is the world’s biggest wearable art competition, so it attracts entries from all over the globe – Taiwan, United States, Italy and many more. In 2025, there were finalists from 17 countries.

Designers, sculptors, costume makers, and dreamers of every kind enter the WOW Competition. They don’t enter just to show their wearable art and compete for WOW's coveted awards, but to join a movement of kindred spirits.

How Can I Learn More About the Wearable Art?

If you love hearing the inspiration behind the garments, make sure you add a programme to your ticket purchase. If you want real-time insights into the garments as they take the stage, our Audio Guide is a great option – it’s like having a WOW insider sitting with you. If you’re keen to learn more about the wearable art from previous years, check out our online archive.

What Else Can I Do in Wellington?

We’d highly recommend making a long weekend of it! Our partner hotels QT Wellington and Sojourn are ideal places to stay. Wellington pulls out all the stops during the WOW season! Restaurants, cafes and boutiques put on special offers exclusively for WOW goers. Our new Taste of WOW dining experience offers artful dining just steps from the show. Discover the best places to eat, drink, and shop on WellingtonNZ’s website.

Book Your Tickets to the Glorious Rebellion

Now is the perfect time to book your tickets and find out for yourself. Learn more about the 2026 Show: GLO! here, or book now.