Evolve, Festival of Opportunities

Evolve Festival is an annual celebration for health and wellbeing in the heart of Nelson City. It began 21 years’ ago as the Festival of Possibilities, later becoming the Festival of Opportunities. The event’s current organisers, Chaitanya and Bex Deva, relaunched it as Evolve in 2011. The new name better reflects what the festival is about today – and, it’s a lot easier to say!

Evolve Festival is unique in New Zealand. It is the only health and wellbeing event combining an expo and festival.

“You can learn about and experience new things, have fun and celebrate – all in one weekend.” – Chaitanya Deva, Evolve Festival.

What’s On

There is lots happening at this year’s event. Come to Evolve 2012 and enjoy more than 70 interesting and engaging workshops and seminars, live entertainment from New Zealand and overseas’ performers and lots of food stalls offering a delicious variety of dishes and treats.

Try Indian head massage, discover spiritual art and craft, have your aura photographed, create your own dipped candles and learn about Feng Shui, natural products and healing for animals. Plus there’s yoga, tai chi, psychic readings and much more.

A wide range of complimentary health practitioners will also be available to share the latest in natural health products, treatments and remedies and how they can help you.

Workshops & Seminars

Our workshops and seminars are designed to stimulate, challenge, engage and entertain. There are more than 70 free workshops on offer, covering all aspects of health, wellbeing and sustainability. Our entertaining and experienced workshop presenters come from all over New Zealand and overseas. They specialise in a range of areas.

Remember to arrive early as workshop spaces are limited and on a first in first served basis.

Complimentary Health

Evolve 2012 is supported by a range of health practitioners who will be at the festival to talk with you about different aspects of health and wellbeing.

Live Music and Entertainment

It wouldn’t be a festival without a lot of song and dance! Evolve 2012 has a great line-up of live music, performers and entertainers on offer.

Evening Concert

For the first time ever, we are hosting an evening concert at Founders Park on Saturday 18 February to complement the day time festivities at Evolve 2012. We will let you know once the entertainment line-up is confirmed. Watch this space!

Kid’s Zone

The Kids’ Zone was so popular at our last festival, that we have decided to expand it for Evolve 2012. It will be a lot bigger and right next to the entertainment area making it easier for parents.

Food and Product Stalls

Evolve 2012 will have a huge range of stalls from food and fruit smoothies, to crafts and natural health products. Try the delicious variety of dishes and treats. Everything from ….to….[types of food?]. Come for breakfast, lunch and dinner – and everything in between! Just remember to bring your own plates, mugs and cutlery as we are aiming to have Zero Waste this year.

Stalls at Evolve 2012

Getting There

Evolve – Festival of Opportunities, is held at Founders Heritage Park – a beautiful location just a few minutes from central Nelson. There is plenty of parking or you can catch a bus there from the city centre.

We recommend arriving early each day so you can book any workshops before they fill up and get the full benefits of this wonderful event. Gates open at 10am each day. The Saturday night concert starts at 6pm at the same location.

Event listed by Chaitanya and Bex Deva

View their other events or contact promoter