There are a myriad of colourful events, festivals and celebrations throughout the Hawke’s Bay region during the year.
Below are just a few of the annual events from sporting, creative arts, theatre and culture right through to seasonal celebrations such as the blossom festival and don’t miss the many wine, food and jazz festivals, concerts with international and local acts, outdoor cinema and the ever popular Art Deco Weekend.
Make sure you don’t miss your opportunity to have a wine amongst the vines in the Black Barn Vineyards with family and friends while watching your favourite musical acts play live in custom- built natural amphitheatre and outdoor stage.
Be sure to ask here at The County Hotel, about how we can help you plan the trip, conference, wedding or getaway of a life time while here in Hawke’s Bay and Napier.
Art Deco Weekend
On the third weekend of February, the Art Deco Trust stages its annual Brebner Print Art Deco Weekend, a not-too-serious celebration of the Art Deco style. The city gleams with classic cars and aircraft of the Deco era and people dressed in Deco style bring glamour and elegance to this unique festival which attracts people from many overseas countries.
A cooler mid-winter celebration is the Bluewater Hotel Deco Decanted and Jazz Festival. This is held each year in late July, providing another opportunity to live the classic lifestyle of the Art Deco era whilst enjoying quality jazz from some of New Zealand's best performers.
For information on either of these two events email weekend@artdeconapier.com
Weta Wine & Food Festival
Saturday 16 February 2008
Soak up the ambience of the WETA Wine Festival in Central Hawkes Bay, with the best of Hawke's Bay's wine, tantalising tastes and summer jazz.
Contact: (06) 857 8331
New Zealand Horse of the Year Show
March
Celebrate all things equestrian at the largest equestrian event in the Southern Hemisphere.
Matariki Festival
Maori New Year Celebration of New Zealand June - July 2008
Matariki is our unique Maori New Year. It's a seasonal occasion to mark the end of harvest, a time to celebrate throughout June and midway July. It's about the 'new year' planting season, new beginnings when we can reinvent and rejuvenate ourselves. Matariki is a time for reflection, remembrance as well as joy.
Black Barn vineyards
Ampitheatre and Outdoor Venue
The reputation of the Black Barn Amphitheatre as one of New Zealand’s finest outdoor venues spread to some of the top names in the New Zealand music industry last summer.
The Amphitheatre has been described by internationally recognised singers and musicians as probably the best outdoor venue in the country. Renowned for its acoustics and atmosphere it is a truly memorable location.
Large flat grassed terraces mean concert-goers sit in comfort with close uninterrupted views of the stage and the whole of Hawke’s Bay as their backdrop. Every terrace is fairy lit for concerts and the entire amphitheatre is surrounded by a circle of 50 year-old muscatel grapes. The Black Barn Concert season is restricted to a very limited number of events over Summer and bookings can be made via the winery.
Website: www.blackbarn.com
Triple Peaks Challenge
Bike - Run - Walk - Teams - Individual
8th March 2008
The Triple Peaks Challenge can truly be called an iconic event. Much of the picturesque course is on private land and can only be accessed on this one special day. The course provides a day of adventure like no other and encompasses three of Hawke’s Bay's most prominent peaks, Mt Erin, Mt Kahuranaki and Te Mata Peak. The 47km course provides a unique Hawke's Bay experience, meeting the needs of all cross country runners, walkers and mountain bikers. The event is open to individuals and teams of 3 or 6 and attracts everyone from complete novices taking part in the Workfit Challenge through to some of New Zealand’s most experienced athletes vying for the podium finish and a share of almost $5000 in cash prizes. The Triple Peaks Challenge is an authentic adventure in the heart of Hawke’s Bay Wine Country.
Website: www.triplepeakschallenge.co.nz
Creative Napier Winter Solstice Fire Fest
Mid-winter celebration
The combination of fire, excitement and tradition continues to inspire the supporters and organisers of Creative Napier’s Solstice Fire Festival.
This midwinter celebration is a free, fun event for the whole community with a multicultural programme featuring fire artists, musicians, dancers, beach fire sculpture and spectacular fireworks display.
The fundamental human need for and love of warmth, fire and the sun is the foundation of the festival. It is an annual reminder of how diversity enriches the community and what we all share. Historically, Solstice celebrates the day the winter days stop getting shorter and begin getting longer as the sun returns to our hemisphere. Celebrating this day is an ancient tradition all over the planet.
Our Solstice also celebrates the warmth of Napier a town where you can stage a beachfront festival in midwinter and get away with it.
Website: www.creativenapier.org.nz