Lift Off Festival

Lift Off returns to Toitoi - Hawke’s Bay Arts & Events Centre

Lift Off is Toitoi’s biennial children’s Festival for three to 13-year-olds, dedicated to igniting young imaginations and celebrating children’s creativity!

Lift Off puts children at the centre, with heaps of high-quality events and activities to explore, including performances; interactive, participatory, and immersive experiences; workshops; design projects; exhibitions; parades and much more.

Our 2026 programme focuses on the theme of identity, understanding ourselves and each other, with storytelling always at the centre.

The 2026 Lift Off Festival runs from Monday, April 13th - Friday, April 24th, with a full week of school holiday fun, followed by a week of activities for schools.