Planning what’s on in Napier? Explore heritage parades, waterfront festivals, gallery nights and match days across the Hawke’s Bay. Our guide highlights signature dates and community favourites so you can enjoy the best events in Napier at an easy pace. Stay with Scenic Hotel Te Pania near the waterfront and city centre for short walks, relaxed dining and smooth evenings out.

Napier Urban Farmers Market

Every Saturday
Clive Square, Napier
Explore a wide range of fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, bread, eggs, pickles and preserves and more

Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market

Every Sunday
Tōmoana Showgrounds, Hastings
Explore a wide range of fresh vegetables, fruit, meat, bread, eggs, pickles and preserves and more

Taradale Sunday Market

Every Sunday to 13 December 2026
The Mahoe Guide Hall, Napier
Spend your Sunday browsing locally made treasures, artisan goods, plants, art and more at the Taradale Sunday Market

Spring Fling Central Hawkes Bay

Various dates throughout September and October 2026
The Spring Fling is a series of standout events throughout September and October capturing the essence of springtime in Central Hawke’s Bay!
Various locations in Hawkes Bay
View website

Shockwave: Hawke’s Bay’s Great Quake, 1931

Now – 31 December 2026
Hawkes Bay Museum
Discover the story of Hawke’s Bay’s devastating 1931 earthquake through Shockwave, an immersive exhibition at MTG Hawke’s Bay

Skyscrapers to Toast Racks

Now – 31 December 2026
Hawkes Bay Museum
Step into the Art Deco era and explore the striking designs and craftsmanship that became an enduring part of Hawke’s Bay’s identity

Hawke’s Bay Mega Fun Carnival Moonlight Madness

23 October 2026
Tōmoana Showgrounds, Hastings
Get ready for an action-packed night at the Hawke’s Bay Mega Fun Carnival, with thrilling rides and fun for the whole family

Hawke’s Bay Diwali 2026

25 October 2026
Mitre 10 Park, Hastings
Experience the colour and excitement of Hawke’s Bay Diwali, with live music, cultural performances, delicious food, crafts and fireworks

Church Road Gwen Summer Sessions

Sundays from 1 November 2026 – 7 March 2027
Church Road Winery, Napier
Soak up the summer vibes with live acoustic music, delicious local food and a glass of Church Road wine on the lawn

Hybrid Minds

6 November 2026
Black Barn Vineyards, Havelock North
Get ready for a massive night of drum and bass as Hybrid Minds and Tempza take over Black Barn with an epic line-up of support acts

Beatlemania On Tour

6 November 2026
Napier Municipal Theatre, Napier
Step back into the heyday of The Beatles with Beatlemania On Tour, celebrating the timeless songs that defined a generation

Killer Queens – one night only

6 November 2026
Paisley Stage, Napier

Feel the energy of Queen live with Killer Queens, delivering a high-energy celebration of the legendary band’s iconic music, drama and unforgettable sound

Hawke’s Bay Arts Trail

7-8 & 14-15 November 2026
Various Locations
Discover Hawke’s Bay’s creative side as local artists open their studio doors, offering a unique chance to meet the makers and see their work up close

Ford Trophy cricket: Central Stags v Canterbury one-dayer

8 November 2026
McLean Park, Napier
Catch the action as the Central Stags and Canterbury reignite their rivalry in a Grand Final rematch, with free-entry Ford Trophy cricket at McLean Park

Ford Trophy cricket: Central Stags v Wellington Firebirds one-dayer

12 November 2026
McLean Park, Napier
Catch the action as the Central Stags take on the Wellington Firebirds in a free-entry Ford Trophy clash packed with big hits and top-class cricket

Mana Frequency @ Paisley Stage

14 November 2026
Paisley Stage, Napier
Get ready for a night of infectious grooves and soulful sounds as Mana Frequency bring their energetic live show to Napier’s Paisley Stage

Dónal Gunning & The Bucks – No Other Option – Album Tour

20 November 2026
Paisley Stage, Napier

Catch Dónal Gunning and The Bucks live as they celebrate the release of debut album No Other Option with their energetic live show

Harvest Hawke’s Bay

21 November 2026
Tuki Tuki Valley
A one-day showcase of Hawke’s Bay, New Zealand’s Food and Wine Country
Visit website | Accommodation deal for attendees

Heath Franklin’s Chopper – Gold

29 November 2026
Toitoi – Opera House, Hastings
Celebrate 20 years of laughs with Heath Franklin’s Chopper as he brings together his funniest bits and biggest comedy hits

The Sleeping Beauty – Royal New Zealand Ballet

19 – 20 December 2026
Municipal Theatre
Experience the timeless fairytale of The Sleeping Beauty brought to life by the Royal New Zealand Ballet with stunning costumes, classical choreography and Tchaikovsky’s beloved score

BLACKCAPS v Sri Lanka – ODI

16 January 2027
McLean Park
Watch the BLACKCAPS take on Sri Lanka in a thrilling international cricket series, featuring world-class talent, fierce competition and excitement

Art Deco Festival

18-21 February 2027
Various Locations
Experience the glitz and glamour of the Napier Art Deco Festival as the city comes alive with vintage cars, fashion, music, dining and entertainment
Visit website

Horse of the Year (2027)

March 2027 (Date TBC)
Heretaunga Hastings
New Zealand’s premier equestrian event
View Website

Hawke’s Bay Marathon

15 May 2027
Napier
Run through the stunning landscapes of Hawke’s Bay before celebrating at the finish line with delicious local food and wine
Visit website

Art Deco Festival

17-20 February 2028
Various Locations
Experience the glitz and glamour of the Napier Art Deco Festival as the city comes alive with vintage cars, fashion, music, dining and entertainment
Visit Website