Akaroa French Festival is a 3-day weekend event celebrating the unique culture and heritage of Banks Peninsula.

The festival hub will be in the Akaroa Recreational Ground, where guests can enjoy some live music, taste local food and wine as well as lots of French cuisine, or take in the local fashion show and a French cooking demonstration.

For the more energetic, French-themed competitions will be held including cock crowing, a waiter’s race and multiple French games enjoyed by all the family.

This is a free event; however, there are two ticketed performances within the programme: Saturday night's Le Cabaret and Sunday afternoon's Cirque Du Croissant. 

Akaroa French Festival shines a light on all that the Banks Peninsula has to offer. We invite you to book your accommodation early and come to share this magical weekend.

Friday 6 October

  • 5pm–9pm, Le Premier Soir du Festival! Le Marché du Nuit

Saturday 7 October

  • 8.30am to 10am, ‘Landings’ – on the main beach.
  • 10am to 10.45am – The Parade from the main beach to the recreation grounds.
  • 9.30am to 6.30pm The French Market – Le Marché Français – opens on the recreation grounds.
  • 9.30am to 6.30pm – Le Cafe Monet
  • 9.30am to 3pm – The Heritage Marquee
  • 7pm to 10pm – Le Cabaret – in the Heritage Marquee on the recreation grounds.

Sunday 8 October

  • 10.30am – 3pm – Le Bubbly Breakfast in Café Monet
  • 10.30am – 3.30pm – Antiques and Collectables Vintage Fair – La Brocante
  • 1pm to 2pm – Le Cirque du Croissant!
  • 4pm – Le Finis!