Parnell Festival of Roses 2023

Overview

Spring is in full bloom, which means it's the perfect time to stop and smell the roses. And where better to do that than a whole festival dedicated to colourful flowers?

The Parnell Festival of Roses is back for another year. Sunday, November 5 is set to be a celebration of all things flowers, as well as the community that surrounds them. Held at the Parnell Rose Gardens, the free event will feature 40 market stalls and 20 food trucks serving up delicious kai. There will also be a bunch of different entertainers on the Garden's main stage including cultural performances and a dance workshop.

From 11–4pm, Aucklanders of all ages will be able to enjoy a range of activities among the rows of roses, like the flower bar, where you can learn how to start your very own rose garden. If you're aiming higher, take home one of the tree seedlings provided by Auckland Council's arboriculture team, to aid their mission to increase the number of trees throughout Tāmaki Makaurau.

For those who have already been given the gift of the green thumb, the Parnell Festival of Roses is hosting a cutting swap, where keen gardeners can bring one of their plant cuttings and swap it for something new, whether it be a rare houseplant or a bunch of carrots.

And the best part has been saved until last: puppies. The Saving Hope Foundation, a charity that rescues, rehabilitates and re-homes stray dogs will be setting up shop in the rose bushes with their puppies that are looking for their forever home. Could you become a dog mum or dad during the Parnell Festival of Roses?