The small Eastern Southland settlement of Waikaka will again fill its Centennial Hall with paintings, craft and sculpture when the annual Waikaka Arts Exhibition opens on Friday 6 November.

The exhibition is run by Waikaka Arts, also known as Waikaka Arts and Crafts, a volunteer-run, non-profit community group. It brings together emerging and established artists from across New Zealand, and much of the work on the walls is for sale.

Opening night starts at 7.30pm on Friday and costs $20 a head, including wine and nibbles. From Saturday the show is open to everyone for $5, paid at the door, with EFTPOS available.

Saturday 7 November, which is also general election day, has the longest hours, from 10am to 5pm. Between Sunday 8 and Thursday 12 November the hall opens from 1pm to 5pm each day, and on Wednesday 11 November it stays open late, until 8.30pm, for people who cannot get there during the day.

Artists take part by invitation, although the organisers say anyone interested in exhibiting in future years can get in touch through the contact form on the group's website, waikakaarts.nz, or through its Facebook page.

Waikaka sits in the farming country north of Gore, and the village had a brush with a bigger event this week when the Tour of Southland's second stage passed through on Monday on its way from Invercargill, over the Hokonuis and into Gore.

The exhibition is one of two volunteer-run events pulling people into Northern and Eastern Southland halls and paddocks this Friday. The Balfour Lions are holding their annual fireworks evening at Balfour Racecourse the same night, with gates opening at 6.30pm, live music, food stalls, a coffee cart and glow sticks for children. Entry there is $10 for everyone over 15, and the organisers say there is no postponement date if the weather turns. Enquiries can be made on 027 333 3215.

Waikaka Arts Exhibition 2026 is at the Centennial Hall on Waikaka's Main Street. The $20 opening night is on Friday 6 November at 7.30pm. Open Saturday 7 November 10am to 5pm, Sunday 8 to Thursday 12 November 1pm to 5pm, late night Wednesday 11 November until 8.30pm. Entry $5 at the door.