Freedom2fly Fest 2026
Creativity. Community. Connection.
Freedom2Fly Fest 2026 is Raglan's annual celebration of circus, dance, music, theatre, and community, bringing together world class international artists, outstanding local performers, and emerging young talent for an unforgettable week of live performance.
Across theatres, streets, studios, and community spaces, audiences can experience everything from daring contemporary cabaret and inspiring dance productions to family friendly shows, interactive workshops, and the much loved Sunday Busking Day, where Bow Street comes alive with free performances and festival magic.
At its heart, Freedom2Fly Fest is about connection. It celebrates creativity that brings people together, sparks curiosity, and creates moments of joy, wonder, and belonging for all ages.
Whether you're discovering circus for the first time, supporting the next generation of performers, or simply looking for an extraordinary day out, Freedom2Fly Fest offers something for everyone.
Lineup
CABARET NIGHT 2026 – Bold, Wild & Unforgettable
Fri 6th November & Sat 7th November, 8:00pm Te Uku Hall Adults only | Dress Code: Black, white & Burgundy . This year, Freedom2Fly Fest invites you into The Night Circus — an extraordinary evening where the impossible becomes possible and the boundaries between circus, cabaret, comedy and theatre disappear. Under the glow of the lights, a world-class cast of contemporary circus and cabaret artists will take you on a thrilling journey through breathtaking aerials, mesmerising physical feats, outrageous comedy, seductive movement and spectacular acts that defy expectation. Expect glamour and grit, elegance and danger, laughter and wonder — all woven together into an immersive cabaret inspired by the mysterious, dreamlike atmosphere of a circus that only comes alive after dark. ✨ The curtains open. The lights dim. The Night Circus awakens. This is more than a cabaret. It is a world you step into. Daring. Mysterious. Spectacular. Unforgettable. Come for the circus. Stay for the magic. Leave wondering what was real.
SENIORS DANCE SHOWCASE– The Space Between
Friday 13th Nov 6pm & Saturday 14th Nov 11am & 3pm Te Uku Hall A powerful celebration of movement, connection, and contemporary performance. This year, Freedom2Fly's Senior Dance and Circus students come together on one stage for an unforgettable production exploring the theme The Space Between—a bold reflection on how technology and social media, while bringing us closer than ever, can also leave us feeling increasingly disconnected from ourselves, our communities, and the people around us. Blending contemporary dance, circus arts, physical theatre, and stunning visual storytelling, our young performers invite audiences to pause, reflect, and rediscover the value of genuine human connection in a fast-moving digital world. Inspiring, uplifting, and full of extraordinary talent, this showcase is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the power of live performance to bring our community together. With space for connection, expression, and joy, it celebrates the diversity, energy, and creativity of performers of all ages. Raw. Relevant. Unmissable. A showcase with heart, meaning, and a message for us all.
SUNDAY BUSKING DAY
Sun 8th November, 10:00am–4:00pm Bow Street, Raglan & Freedom2fly Studio Koha The Streets Come Alive! Get ready for one of Raglan's most vibrant and joyful days of the year as Freedom2Fly Fest transforms Bow Street into an open-air stage bursting with energy, creativity, and world-class talent. From incredible local performers to international guest artists, experience a spectacular mix of circus, dance, music, street theatre, and spontaneous moments of wonder around every corner. Sunday Busking Day is where communities come together, where young artists find inspiration, and where the magic of live performance belongs to everyone. Bring your friends, bring your whānau, and soak up the festival atmosphere as Raglan celebrates the power of art to connect, inspire, and create unforgettable memories. Free-spirited. Uplifting. Absolutely unmissable. One day only—come and be part of the magic!
MISH GOH – Chair Dance Workshop
Saturday 7th November 10am Freedom2Fly Studio Women only Koha Unleash your confidence, embrace your sensuality, and get moving in this fun, empowering Chair Dance Workshop led by the incredible Mish Goh. An award-winning pole dancer, former New Zealand Thai kickboxing champion, fitness ambassador, and professional stunt performer, Mish combines strength, grace, and playful energy to create a class that's welcoming to all experience levels. Expect a fantastic full-body workout with a sexy twist—designed to boost confidence, improve coordination, and leave you feeling empowered and smiling. Whether you're trying chair dance for the first time or simply looking for a fun way to move your body, this is your chance to step outside your comfort zone in a supportive, women-only environment. Reserve your place online with an optional donation. Every contribution helps support the Freedom2Fly Festival and brings world-class artists and workshops to our community.
NARANJARTE – The Orange Box
Saturday 7th Nov 1pm Freedom2Fly Studio Direct from Spain – One Performance Only! Koha Experience the magic of Naranjarte as they present their brand-new production, The Orange Box, at Freedom2Fly Studio. A breathtaking fusion of handmade puppetry, contemporary circus, contact juggling, poi, and buugeng, The Orange Box follows the extraordinary journey of a paper puppet who breaks free from a world of routine to discover courage, identity, and the magic that lies beyond the ordinary. Filled with wonder, humour, and stunning visual storytelling, this unforgettable performance will delight audiences of all ages. Reserve your ticket with an optional online donation. Every contribution helps support the Freedom2Fly Festival and makes it possible to bring world-class international artists to our community. Come and discover what happens when you dare to step outside the box.
CIRCUS SHOWCASE – WERE WE FLY
Sunday 15 November | 11:00am & 2:00pm Freedom2fly Studio What happens when we look up and imagine ourselves flying? Step into The Sky, a joyful and imaginative circus showcase where movement takes flight and the boundaries between earth and sky begin to disappear. From the first swing to the final landing, our kids, youth and adult students come together to share their creativity, courage and love of circus. Watch them soar, spin, tumble and dance through a collection of original routines on aerial silks, hoop, hammock, aerials and acrobatics. Each performer brings their own story to the stage — from the wonder of discovering flight to the freedom of letting go. Together, they create a colourful world above the ground, where anything feels possible. The Sky is a celebration of movement, imagination and community — created by our students, for everyone to enjoy. Come look up. You never know what you might discover up there.
Tickets for good, not greed Humanitix dedicates 100% of profits from booking fees to charity
