<h2>Inspired By Culture!</h2>

<ul>
	<li>Saturday, 10 October</li>
	<li>Registrations open at 11am</li>
	<li>This event runs from 12pm - 6pm</li>
</ul>

SOULWAVE Dance Competition 2026 hits Lilyworld,&nbsp; bringing together dancers for a full day of battles, showcases and serious competition. Expect an Open Style 1v1 Battle to Afro and Dancehall-inspired music, international guest judges, standout showcases and a huge prize pool on the line. Dancers of all ages are welcome, whether you&rsquo;re stepping into the circle or coming through to support the culture.

<a class="small primary button custom-btn" href="https://afrosoul.flicket.co.nz/events/1f16da96-5ca4-4687-be7c-3c29e36c34b5/reservation" target="_blank">BUY TICKETS</a>

With $10,000 for 1st place, $5,000 for 2nd and $2,500 for 3rd, the stakes are high and the floor is open for dancers ready to make their mark. The event also features international guest judges including Israel Adesanya, Oxy and XIII.

<a class="small primary button custom-btn" href="https://www.afrosoulfestival.com/" target="_blank">MORE INFORMATION</a>

SOULWAVE is taking place at <a href="http://www.google.com/maps?sca_esv=80b912a141c1a717&amp;rlz=1C1GCEA_enNZ1206NZ1206&amp;output=search&amp;q=lilyworld&amp;source=lnms&amp;fbs=ABfTbFVyMZGZf1hfvX9uKjN_-G8cyi4EYJ5__xGYa6IklcxJgUe7FK8X0Cl7tuB93847Q5WOsUnVpM1ueJNopN1V8Cq4W2BJBwTlWLIvJIr-d8TLK4ySbUHQEzMgYQweoppBvcUFdeWn7N72a6FwvxbSKQ7m17lR-uuAcd0OgTZZ-U10w6sY0mpF9dzFg3iut78-Vx_GuMe3jr1ypRaRx-C_mS0_yF1SCg&amp;entry=mc&amp;ved=1t:200715&amp;ictx=111">Lilyworld, Go Media Stadium.</a>

Where is SOULWAVE being held?

Dancers register one hour before doors, with heats and finals all going down on the same day.

<ul>
	<li>Registrations open at 11am</li>
	<li>This event runs from 12pm - 6pm</li>
</ul>

&nbsp;

What are the timings?

SOULWAVE is open to dancers aged 13 and over. Entry is open-style, meaning dancers can bring their own movement vocabulary, musicality and personality to the floor. The music direction is Afro and Dancehall-inspired, so entrants should be comfortable freestyling within that musical environment.

Each city is capped at 100 dancer registrations. Once 100 confirmed dancer registrations are reached for a city, registrations will close unless the organiser chooses to operate a waitlist.

<a class="small primary button custom-btn" href="https://www.afrosoulfestival.com/" target="_blank">MORE INFORMATION</a>

Who can enter?

SOULWAVE is an Open Style 1v1 battle. Competitors will progress through heats and elimination rounds, with finals held on the same day. Judging will be based on the judges&rsquo; assessment of performance, including factors such as musicality, originality, execution, presence, adaptability and overall battle impact. The judging panel&rsquo;s decisions are final.

Exact round structures, heat sizes, battle lengths, music selection process and progression rules may be adjusted by the organiser to suit registration numbers, production requirements and venue timing. 
<a class="small primary button custom-btn" href="https://www.afrosoulfestival.com/" target="_blank">MORE INFORMATION</a>

How does the competition work?

Skip the traffic - use public transport to reach reach Go Media Stadium, with bus and train services from the City Centre and beyond. The nearest train station is Penrose, a 15 min walk from the stadium.

Plan your journey with&nbsp;<a href="https://at.govt.nz/bus-train-ferry/event-transport/go-media-stadium">Auckland Transport</a>.

What are the public transport options for this event?

Tickets are availalbe for purchase now!

<a class="small primary button custom-btn" href="Mobility parking at North Harbour Stadium is located in Car Park A and H, and is available on first-come, first-served basis. Access is restricted to patrons with valid mobility parking passes." target="_blank">BUY TICKETS</a>

Where do I buy tickets?

Please vist <a href="https://flicketltd.zendesk.com/hc/en-us">Flicket for any ticketing queries.</a>

I have a question about my tickets?

There is no onsite parking provided for this event. Limited parking may be available on the streets and businesses surrounding the venue. Please be aware that some surrounding streets will be closed during the event.&nbsp;

Is there onsite parking available for this event?

Yes.&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>For safety reasons, footwear is to be worn at all times.</li>
	<li>We do not permit gang patches or gang paraphernalia to be displayed.</li>
	<li>No high-visibility vests or clothing may be worn.</li>
</ul>

Does the stadium have a dress code?

Lilyworld is a family-friendly venue, so bring the whole whānau along. There are no age restrictions for SOULWAVE entry.

We are a licensed venue, so you must be 18 years or older to purchase alcohol. A range of non-alcoholic beverages will also be available for your tamariki.

Are there age restrictions?

SOULWAVE 2026

THE BIGGEST DANCE BATTLE PRIZE IN NZ HISTORY, SOULWAVE 2026 at Lilyworld.

SOULWAVE 2026

Inspired By Culture!

Event FAQs