The Karukatea Festival, held annually in May, is the flagship event of Featherston Booktown, a year-round literature development organisation. This vibrant festival celebrates the written word, bringing together book lovers, authors, and the local community for a weekend of literary events, workshops, and readings.
In 2025, the festival will be extra special as it marks Featherston Booktown’s 10th Anniversary!
The Karukatea Festival is a significant cultural event, involving collaborations with Mana Whenua, as well as national and regional literary organisations. It also includes strong community engagement through the Young Readers Programme in schools and a dedicated team of festival volunteers.
This is an event not to be missed for anyone passionate about literature, offering a unique mix of culture, education, and celebration in one of New Zealand’s most charming towns.