Akaroa French Festival
If baguettes, berets, and striped crew-necks are your thing, then you won’t want to miss Aotearoa’s biggest tribute to all things French on 6-8 October.
W ith the bi-annual Akaroa French Festival postponed in 2022 due to Covid-19, the staging of this year’s festival is hugely significant to the local community. 
Luke Dawkins, marketer for the event, says the festival is about celebrating and recognising Akaroa’s place in
New Zealand history.
“Akaroa is the only French-settled town in New Zealand, and the history that comes with that is something unique
and remarkable.”
The festival curtain rises Friday at 5pm with a powhiri. Marché de Nuit (The Night Market) then gets underway – this is where to find the crème-de-la-crème of food and wine vendors, while enjoying live music and dancing.
Soak up the atmosphere at Café Monet, while sipping a French gin cocktail and dining on delicious French fare.
The Landings, a historic re-enactment celebrating Akaroa’s early settlers,
takes place on the main beach, Saturday morning.
Le Parade follows, with descendants of the ship Comte de Paris and locals all marching together, followed by the official opening and speeches.
Le Chapiteau De La Culture features variety acts on the Heritage Marquee stage, with arts and culture stalls happening around the perimeter.
Saturday night sizzles at Le Cabaret, with Le Can Can, burlesque, and comedy acts entertaining the crowds.
A sumptuous Sunday morning breakfast of French bubbles, bacon, and hot croissants revives those night-before livers.
The Festival Market opens again Sunday, as does live music at the Festival Rotunda.
La Brocante (The Antiques and Collectables Vintage Fair), the French Fancy Pooch Parade, and Le Cirque du Croissant, all contribute
to make for an unforgettable family funday-Sunday.
The unmissable Le Cabaret and madcap Le Cirque du Croissant are both ticketed festival events.
