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World of WearableArt Show: GLO! will expand beyond the stage this year with a new ticketed dining experience aimed at giving visitors another way to engage with the event during its Wellington season.
Taste of WOW will debut during the 2026 show run, offering a limited series of dining and high tea experiences combining wearable art displays, storytelling, performance and hospitality.
With more than 30,000 people expected to visit Wellington for the show, organisers say the concept is designed to encourage audiences to spend more time in the capital and experience the city beyond the main performance.
Hospitality partnership
The menu is being developed with InterContinental Wellington executive chef Carl Maunder, who says the food will draw inspiration from the colour, texture and theatricality of WOW garments.
“We’re excited to create a menu that really elevates this journey for guests and offers a new connection to their experience of these award-winning designs.
“I always start any menu with a vision for the flavours and textures… drawing inspiration from these garments will take that to another level.”
The immersive experience will feature award-winning garments and finalists from the 2025 competition, including Worn Landscape by Cushla O’Connell, winner of the Wētā Workshop Outstanding Design Award and Aotearoa Section.
New tourism opportunity
World of WearableArt chief executive Meg Williams says the concept responds to demand from audiences wanting to get closer to the garments seen on stage.
“WOW has always sparked curiosity, people don’t just want to see the garments on stage, they want to get closer, look longer and discover more,” Meg says.
“Taste of WOW gives people the chance to experience our award-winning garments in an entirely new way… all while enjoying some of the capital’s best hospitality.”
She says the new experience offers visitors more ways to engage with WOW across the day and evening.
Season dates
The 2026 World of WearableArt Show: GLO! runs from September 17 to October 4 at TSB Arena. A limited number of Taste of WOW tickets are available alongside the performance schedule.
