10 YEARS OF WHANAU, FUN, COMMUNITY IN SOUTH AUCKLAND!
Funfest Charitable Trust was founded in 2008 with a simple mission: to create a completely free summer event for the families of Tāmaki Makaurau.
From the beginning, our purpose has been to bring whānau and communities together in a positive, uplifting environment where everyone feels welcome. What started as a local initiative has grown into a beloved Auckland summer tradition.
Thousands of families now make Funfest part of their annual holidays, and today the event attracts more than 65,000 people each year from across Aotearoa.
Funfest: On the Same Scale as Polyfest, Built for Whānau
In 2027, we proudly celebrate 10 years of serving and uplifting the South Auckland community — a decade of joy, connection, and whānau‑centred celebration.With attendance at this scale, Funfest stands alongside Auckland’s major cultural events — including Polyfest — in size, reach, and community impact.
A Truly Unique Event on the World Stage
Funfest is one of the only events of its kind in the world: a large‑scale, multi‑day festival offering free entry, free rides, free parking, free prizes, and free entertainment to tens of thousands of attendees. This combination of scale, accessibility, and kaupapa is exceptionally rare internationally and remains a defining feature of our mission to uplift whānau.
What Makes Funfest Special
We’re proud to be Auckland’s only annual summer event offering:
-
Free entry
-
Free parking
-
Free rides
-
Free prizes
-
Free entertainment
-
Free facepainting
-
Free Careers Expo
-
Free Brick Show with LEGO®
There is no other event in the region that matches Funfest for scale, accessibility, attractions, and community impact.
Funfest raises much‑needed funds each year to donate to BBM. BBM delivers a wide range of programmes that uplift whānau, strengthen communities, and create real pathways to better wellbeing.
Every year, BBM volunteers play a huge role in helping Funfest run smoothly. Their energy, commitment, and heart are felt across the entire event — from supporting our whānau areas to helping keep the festival welcoming, safe, and positive for everyone who attends.
When you visit Funfest, you’re not just enjoying a free family event — you’re helping us give back to BBM, and you’re experiencing the impact of their amazing volunteers in action.
Head over to the Tip Top Caravan to enjoy delicious Tip Top ice cream, or try your luck in the Games Tent and Laughing Clowns.
