Art Deco Festival Napier 2027

What it is

In February 1931, the Hawke’s Bay Earthquake destroyed much of Napier. The city was rebuilt in the fashionable style of the day, and it is now known as one of the Art Deco capitals of the world. The Art Deco Festival Napier, presented by the Art Deco Trust, celebrates that heritage and “the resilience and spirit of the people of Hawke’s Bay” who rebuilt their town.

It is New Zealand’s largest heritage festival, with hundreds of events across Napier’s streets, restaurants, cafes, bars, theatres, galleries, parks and homes, and even the skies above. In 2027 it runs from 18 to 21 February.

What to expect

• Vintage cars, trains and planes
• Live jazz, dancing and glitzy soirees
• Speakeasy bars and vintage cocktail evenings
• Fabulous fashion and classic films
• Dining experiences in Napier’s Art Deco restaurants
• Art Deco tours of the city’s architecture, history and stories

Many people dress in 1920s and 1930s style for the whole weekend. The full programme is released in October of the year before.

Who it suits

Architecture and history fans, anyone who loves a dress-up, families and couples. There is a parents’ room, Te Kōhungahunga, on Ocean Boulevard, with feeding spaces, a play area, changing facilities and a kitchenette.

Tickets and booking

• Online: through the festival website.
• In person: at the Hastings i-SITE (Heretaunga Street East), the Havelock North i-SITE and Toitoi: Hawke’s Bay Arts and Events Centre.
• Phone: through iTICKET, Ticketek or Eventfinda. The Art Deco Trust cannot sell tickets by phone.
• Door sales: at the Art Deco Trust for selected events only, subject to availability.

Booking, transaction and credit card fees apply. Refunds are only given if an event is fully cancelled. Use the official Art Deco Ticket Exchange to buy or sell unwanted tickets, and be wary of tickets printed on plain paper.

Getting there

Napier Airport is about 10 minutes’ drive from the city (an estimate), with domestic flights. Estimated drive times:

• Taupō: about 140 km, 2 hours 10 minutes
• Wellington: about 320 km, 4 hours 10 minutes

The Napier CBD is closed to traffic from 5 pm on Friday 19 to 5 pm on Sunday 21 February. There is a taxi stand on Dickens Street, but expect waits if you have not pre-booked. The Art Deco Trust has a limited number of mobility parking passes; email the Trust to request one.

Where to stay

Napier and nearby Hastings and Havelock North book out for festival weekend, so book as soon as you can. Staying in the city centre means you can walk to most events.

Food and drink

Napier’s CBD has plenty of restaurants and bars, and in February there is a food truck village on the lower lawn below the Tom Parker Fountain. No alcohol is allowed in public spaces.

What to bring

A 1930s outfit if you want to join in. If you need one, the festival suggests costume hire at the Tabard Theatre (Coronation Street, Napier), Napier Antique and Jewellery Centre, and Art Deco Costume and Fancy Dress Hire in Havelock North. February in Hawke’s Bay is usually warm and sunny, so bring sunscreen and a hat as well.

The Festival Information Hub is on Herschell Street, behind the Art Deco Masonic Hotel. If you have children with you, agree to meet at the Art Deco Trust in Memorial Square if you get separated.

Make a trip of it

Hawke’s Bay is one of New Zealand’s main wine regions. Pair the festival with Lake Taupō: see our things to do in Taupō guide and our 10-day North Island road trip.