[As published in Summer 2025/26 BayBuzz magazine.]
January 10
SLACKBARN at Black Barn
Back for a second annual edition, SLACKBARN is an intimate music festival, celebrating art and music, across two stages – the larger being the iconic amphitheatre. The smaller stage will be in the Growers’ Market area, with stalls creating a festival village atmosphere.
This year’s line-up features Kate Bollinger (dreamy indie pop from the USA), Dunedin favourites Marlin’s Dreaming, surf-garage rockers The Grogans from Australia and loads more. blackbarn.com
January 16
Th’ Dudes, Mockers and Stellar – Ready to Roll Tour at Black Barn
Warm up your pipes and get set to belt out classics like Bliss, Forever Tuesday Morning and Undone with these iconic Kiwi acts at this iconic summer concert spot.
As with the other Black Barn concerts, buses are available so book your fare when you buy tickets and make the evening free of parking worries. blackbarn.com
January 17
Bridge Pa Wine Festival
Join Abbey Estate, Alpha Domus, Ash Ridge Winery, Oak Estate, Paritua Winery, Red Metal Vineyard, Zaria Wines, Bostock Wines, and Radburnd Cellars located across eight venues in the Bridge Pa Triangle for the 12th version of this fun day out. Use the Hop-On / Hop-Off shuttles to get around and taste beautiful wine and food and hear live music under the January sunshine. facebook.com/bridgepawinefestival
January 31
Outfield Festival at Te Awanga Downs
Hawke’s Bay’s much-loved independent music, food and arts festival is back for 2026 at Te Awanga Downs. Now in its sixth year, Outfield is family-friendly and a sunny celebration of creativity and community. This year’s line-up includes Che Fu & the Krates, Reb Fountain and Summer Thieves. There have been several early releases of tickets, so get cracking to secure yours in time. outfieldfestival.co.nz
February 6
Waipureku Waitangi Commemoration at Farndon Park Domain
Starting at 7:45am with karakia at Ātea a Rangi, Waitangi Park, this inclusive event will then see a Hikoi of Unity to Farndon Park in Clive for the Haka powhiri at 8:45am, led by mana whenua, followed by korero from historians and local leaders. All welcome to unite, learn, and commemorate our shared heritage. eventfinda.co.nz
February 14
Te Awanga Wine Festival
Sunshine, sea breezes, snacks and sips out on the Cape Coast! The 2026 event promises to build on previous years, now with seven wineries and two gin distilleries on board. Your ticket includes entry to each of the wineries from 10:30am to 5pm, entertainment, wine glasses, hop-on-hop-off buses, the option to attend masterclasses, and limited tastings.
What better way to spend Valentine’s Day? tawinefestival.co.nz
February 19-22
Art Deco Festival
The hard workers of the Art Deco Trust have a lot to celebrate after the fantastic redevelopment of and relocation into their new home in Memorial Square, so we’ll be doffing our boaters in February come festival time. Tickets are now on sale for the world-famous weekend of heritage, style, spectacle and sparkle – don’t leave your bookings till last minute, and don’t forget to reserve restaurant tables for utterly fabulous people-watching throughout the city. artdecofestival.co.nz
March 1
Napier Triathlon Festival at Ahuriri Beach
This time, the Napier Triathlon Festival hosts the Napier Sprint (750m Swim, 20km Cycle, 5km Run), Sprint Paratri (for all Paraplegic athletes), Tri-er (300m Swim, 10km Cycle, 2.5km Run) and Tri-er Paratri, so there’s options for all, from elite to first-timers. There’s even the choice to skip the swim and / or ride an e-bike! trifestival.kiwi
January to March
Central Stags Cricket at McLean Park
We’ve got a load of great cricket coming to McLean Park this Super Smash season. Three double-header T20s with the Central Hinds playing too, on January 13th (against the Northern Brave), January 16th (against the Auckland Aces and Hearts) and January 24th (against the Otago Volts and Sparks). Then the Stags play a one dayer against Auckland on February 7th and a test against the Wellington Firebirds over February 28th to March 3rd. to finish things off, there’s a test against Northern Districts from March 9th to 12th.
Out come the picnic rugs and Zinc, see you on the Bank! cdcricket.co.nz
Keep in mind the Hawke’s Bay Music Hub
If you’re planning an event this summer (or later), or looking for more to do, or want to find out about the massive amount of musical talent here in the Bay, check out the Hawke’s Bay Music Hub. The website is a treasure trove of info on upcoming events, venues, local musical acts and related news. It’s also home to the first four volumes of Under the Sun, the HB Compilation Record. Sign up to the database and you’ll stay abreast of things and hear about Volume 5, which launches in March, 2026.
hbmusichub.co.nz
