Summer is officially here, which means it’s time to start planning your calendar with the best summer festivals of the season. We are heading into a brand new decade, so it’s essential to make sure you start the ‘Roaring Twenties’ the right way.
From one-dayers to weekends, New Year’s Eve parties to family-friendly fun, we’ve put together the ultimate summer festival guide. With the best lineups of music, art, food and pure escapism available throughout New Zealand, it’s time to dust off your festival fashion and let the good times begin!
Hidden Valley
When: December 27
Where: Matakana Country Park (50 Minutes North from Auckland)
If you love: To get the party started with Drum & Bass
Northern Bass
When: December 29–January 1
Where: Mangawhai
If you love: Sick beats
Rhythm & Alps
When: December 29-31
Where: Cardrona Valley, near Wanaka and Queenstown
If you love: Stunning scenery and world-class line-ups
Rhythm & Vines
When: 28-31 December
Where: Gisborne
If you love: The ultimate New Year’s party
Highlife NYE
When: December 31
Where: Matakana, Auckland
If you love: A more sophisticated experience (R22)
Bay Dreams
When: January 2-4
Where: Mount Maunganui, Nelson
If you love: International acts and glitter
St. Jerome’s Laneway
When: January 2020 (Dates TBA)
Where: Auckland
If you love: International and local musicians in the city centre
Soundsplash
When: January 17-19
Where: Auckland
If you love: Surf, sunshine and good vibes
Luminate
When: January 30-6 February
Where: Nelson
If you love: Live and electronic music, performing arts
Shipwrecked
When: February
Where: Te Arai (90 Minutes North from Auckland)
If you love: Boutique music and arts festivals
Takapuna Food, Wine and Music Festival
When: 16 February
Where: Smales Farm, Auckland
If you love: Enjoying delicious food and beverages with great music
Splore
When: February 21-23
Where: Tapapakanga Regional Park, Auckland
If you love: Fancy dress, music and performing arts
Electric Avenue
When: February 22
Where: Hagley Park, Christchurch
If you love: Music and art
WOMAD
When: March 13-15
Where: New Plymouth
If you love: The global village vibe
Homegrown
When: April
Where: Wellington Waterfront
If you love: New Zealand music and culture
With such an incredible line up of summer festivals, the Roaring Twenties is shaping up to start strong.
