Hawke's Bay Arts Festival

View on map
Arts & CultureHastings/Napier
DatesDates TBA · Usually OctoberCheck locally before booking
DurationAutumnEstimate from available data
Crowd-Public scale varies
Best forPerformance, exhibitionsThe festival began in a Spiegeltent, a
LanguageLocal language; English access variesCurrency: NZD
CategoryArts & CultureFestival type
The story

Hawke's Bay Arts Festival in Hastings/Napier

Launched in 2015 with a single Spiegeltent in Havelock North, the Hawke's Bay Arts Festival marked its tenth anniversary in 2025 with an eleven-day programme of theatre, circus, dance, comedy and visual arts spread across Hastings, Havelock North and Napier venues each spring October across three towns.

The Hawke's Bay Arts Festival began in 2015 with an unusual choice of opening venue: rather than a conventional theatre, its inaugural programme was staged in a Spiegeltent, a travelling mirrored marquee, set up in Havelock North.
Your trip starts here
What is special

The part that makes it specific.

01

The place changes

The festival began in a Spiegeltent, a distinctive travelling mirrored tent, rather than a conventional theatre, giving its early editions an atmospheric, boutique identity before it expanded into permanent venues including Toitoi in Hastings and the Napier Municipal Theatre

02

The mystery stays covered

Its 2023 edition was a record year with more than 30,000 people attending across the programme, and by its tenth anniversary in 2025 it had become an established fixture on the region's spring calendar, receiving support from Hastings District Council and Creative New Zealand since its founding year

Traditions & symbols

The language of the festival.

What moves first

Living ritual

Opening in a travelling Spiegeltent in Havelock North and later expanding to permanent venues across three towns has shaped the festival's identity since its 2015 founding

Before you go

Essential information

When to go

Dates TBA · Usually October

Getting around

For Hawke's Bay Arts Festival, choose the arrival point in Hastings/Napier first, then work backward to transport and return timing.

What to wear

Smart casual clothing suited to indoor theatre and events venues, with a light jacket for cooler Hawke's Bay spring evenings.

Safety

Hawke's Bay Arts Festival is easier with a small bag, charged phone and group plan that survives poor signal.

Where to stay

For peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Hastings/Napier.

Tickets/cost

Check official or local sources for ticketed areas, paid stands, and same-year access rules.

Language/currency

NZD

Family friendly

unknown

Interactive map36.85 S, 174.76 EOpen in Google Maps

Hastings/Napier, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Nearest airportNPE — Hawke's Bay
TransportFor Hawke's Bay Arts Festival, choose the arrival point in Hastings/Napier first, then work backward to transport and return timing.
Stay areaFor peak dates, book flexible lodging near reliable routes into and out of Hastings/Napier.

Your Trip Starts Here

External travel services to turn the plan into a trip — each opens in a new tab.

How to get thereRoutes, times and prices to Hastings/Napier via local transport.Search routesFind a place to stayStays near Hastings/Napier, close enough for the event-day route.Browse staysFind flightsCompare fares into the nearest practical airport for October.Compare faresFestival gearSmart casual clothing suited to indoor theatre and events venues, with a light jacket for cooler Hawke's Bay spring evenings.Shop the kitCheck visa requirementsSee whether you need a visa for New Zealand and apply online.Check entry rulesTravel insuranceCover for trip hiccups, gear and health on the road.Get covered

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FAQ

Quick answers.

When is Hawke's Bay Arts Festival?

Hawke's Bay Arts Festival is listed for October · Autumn. Always re-check the official or local source close to travel.

Where does Hawke's Bay Arts Festival take place?

The festival is listed in Hastings/Napier, New Zealand. The map coordinate is a planning reference, not a guarantee of a ticket gate or exact venue.

How long should I plan for?

Autumn is the listed festival span. Add time for arrival, local transport, queues, and any route changes during the event.

Is a source linked?

Official source linked. Eventisimus separates source confidence from travel suggestions, so check final details before booking.

Where exactly is it?

Hastings/Napier, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

Is it family friendly?

unknown

Sources and editorial review

About this guide

This guide is independently written by Eventisimus using publicly available information, official event and organiser sources where available, local tourism references, and additional editorial research. Eventisimus is not the official organiser of this festival and is not affiliated with it unless explicitly stated.

Festival dates, schedules, ticket conditions, access rules, and local arrangements can change. We aim to present useful and accurate information, but travelers should confirm important details with the official event source before booking transport, accommodation, or tickets.

Found something inaccurate or outdated? Email hello@eventisimus.com with the festival page link and the correction.

Official URLhbaf.co.nz
Organizer accessAre you the organizer? Claim this listing →
SourceSource link available
Listed datesDates TBA · Usually October
Source statusOfficial source linked
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