GRAND OPENING ceremony

The Festival officially begins with the Grand Opening of the Festival gates. This unique spectacle is a Steampunk twist on the centuries-old tradition of the Ceremony of the Keys, performed nightly at the Tower of London. As the sun sets over the enchanting town of Oamaru, gather at the Festival gates to witness the momentous event that will signal the Grand Opening of the Steampunk NZ Festival 2026.

In a spectacle reminiscent of Victorian-era pomp and circumstance, esteemed figures, bedecked in their finest Steampunk regalia, will take centre stage to perform the ceremonial unlocking of the gates.

As Festival ambassadors Agent Darling and La Falconesse step forward to swing open the gates, we expect the crowd to erupt in the most rousing HUZZAH!

Join us for "The Gate Opening Ceremony" at 5.30pm SHARP! And be part of history in the making as we embark on a weekend of Steampunk splendour and adventure.