Hawke's Bay Summer Events Guide
Hawke's Bay plays host to an impressive line-up of events throughout spring, summer and early autumn. Check out the list below for when, where and how to entertain yourself!
For a full list of events, you can also check out our What's On Guide.
26 December
Cape Estate Boxing Day Festival, Te Awanga
Returning to Cape Estate for its ninth running, the festival delivers the best in Hawke’s Bay hospitality and entertainment drawing together family and friends in an open-air garden stage setting to bring you a memorable summer occasion.
27 December
Club Festivus, Black Barn Amphitheatre, Havelock North
Dance the night away with some of the world’s best electronic dance acts, with legendary performances from Sammy Virji, CC:Disco, Frank Booker, Messie and Willo.
1 January
Sublime with Rome, Black Barn Amphitheatre, Havelock North
Sublime with Rome are returning this summer for the final leg on their last ever world tour. With special guests, Elemeno P.
4 January
Dragon + Hello Sailor, Black Barn Amphitheatre, Havelock North
On the back of their stunning sold-out show at Black Barn Amphitheatre earlier this year, NZ’s hit makers Dragon is hitting the road for three summer hotspot dates this January, stopping by the Amphitheatre on Saturday, January 4. Dubbed ‘The Encore Series,’ these exclusive shows will feature all the sing-along hits we know and love, giving fans the perfect hit of Kiwi nostalgia this summer break.
12 January
Timeless Summer Tour, Church Road Winery, Napier
Timeless Live is proud to present Timeless Summer Tour – a new summer concert series celebrating legendary musicians from around the world. Making its debut in 2025, the inaugural concert series features Boy George of Culture Club, Little River Band, Bonnie Tyler and Starship featuring Mickey Thomas.
18 January
Bridge Pa Wine Festival, Bridge Pa Triangle, Hastings
The iconic Bridge Pa Wine Festival welcomes visitors to indulge in wines from one of the New Zealand's leading wine-growing areas. Wineries involved are Abbey Estate, Alpha Domus, Ash Ridge Winery, Oak Estate, Paritua, Sileni Wines, Radburnd Cellars, and RedMetal Vineyards.
18 January
SLACKBARN! festival, Black Barn Amphitheatre, Havelock North
There's a new one-day festival on the block featuring international acts Los Bitchos (UK), Cosmo Pyke (UK), and Ashes to Amber (US), alongside homegrown New Zealand artists The Black Seeds, Muroki, Half Hexagon, Molly Payton, Rita Mae, and Eli Superflyy. Whether you’re into psychedelic rock, Latin grooves, reggae-infused beats, alternative-indie or fan favourite classic Kiwi sounds, SLACKBARN has something for everyone.
24 January
The Teskey Brothers, Black Barn Amphitheatre, Havelock North
After selling out five shows in 2023, these Melbourne legends are ready to wow Kiwi audiences again with their soulful mix of rock, folk, and blues. With hits from their acclaimed album The Winding Way, this is a live show not to be missed! Hawke’s Bay’s own Miakie is opening the night, bringing her breezy indie-soul vibes to kick off the summer.
8 February
Te Awanga Wine Festival
With some fresh new wineries taking part from the Te Awanga coastline, a new tasting village down variety lane, boutique winery pop up's in more areas across the festival, masterclasses and exciting promotions from each of our three anchor wineries - there's heaps in store for a full day out!
8 February
SIX60 Grassroots Tour, Shed 530 Estate, Puketapu
After their Grassroots Tour earlier this year became the fastest sell-out tour in SIX60’s history, New Zealand’s biggest band is back, answering the call from fans who missed out. The SIX60 Grassroots City Edition Tour gives fans another chance to experience the band up close in a raw, intimate setting - with Shed 530 in Puketapu set to transfer into an incredible outdoor concert venue.
9 February
Freestyle Kings, McLean Park, Napier
The world’s best action sport athletes including the legendary Robbie Maddison and his 2 sons, Kruz and Jagger Maddison, the wild Ronnie Mac, FMX world champions Pat Bowden and Robbie Adelberg, and Kiwi BMX star Ellie Chew, will be taking this show to a whole new level.
13 - 16 February
Art Deco Festival
New Zealand’s Art Deco capital, Napier, celebrates its annual festival in February with a stunning line up of events including outdoor concerts, vintage car parades, fashions shows, dining experiences, great Gatsby picnics and so much more.
22 February
Super Rugby Pacific: Hurricanes vs Fijian Drua, McLean Park, Napier
The Hurricanes are back at McLean Park for the first time since 2021, taking on the exciting Fijian Drua in what promises to be a high-energy match-up!
Tickets (from 5 November)
4 March
International cricket: WHITE FERNS vs Sri Lanka, McLean Park, Napier
Catch all the action as New Zealand's WHITE FERNS take on the touring Sri Lankans in the first One Day International of the series
4-9 March
Horse of the Year, Tomoana Showgrounds
This event is a must-see for equestrian fans and sports enthusiasts who enjoy watching world-class competitions. During this six-day extravaganza, over 1,400 riders and 1,800 horses compete for official Equestrian New Zealand titles, trophies, and high-stakes prize money.
14-23 March
F.A.W.C! Food and Wine Classic, multiple locations
When you’ve got a reputation as New Zealand’s Food and Wine Country, it goes without saying that you need a culinary festival which delivers on that promise. Hawke’s Bay F.A.W.C! Food and Wine Classic fits the bill perfectly if we do say so ourselves. A glorious blend of local and visiting talent, mouthwatering produce to rival any region, enticing event themes to suit all manner of tastes, and stunning venues to showcase the lot.
Programme available mid-late January
29 March
International cricket: Blackcaps v Pakistan, McLean Park, Napier
Catch all the action as New Zealand's BLACKCAPS take on the touring Pakistan team in the first One Day International of the series
More Outdoor Music Sessions
Abbey Winery & Brewery
Pretty much every Saturday and Sunday throughout summer
Church Road Winery
Gwen Summer Sessions on Sundays - 6 Oct, 3 Nov, 1 Dec, 2 Feb, 16 Mar, 13 April
Trinity Hill
Summer Sounds on Sundays - starting November 9, enjoy live music on the lawn from 2pm-4pm
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