Te Matau-a-Māui / Hawke’s Bay’s most colourful summer celebration is back; Outfield Music Food & Arts Festival returns on Saturday 31st January 2026 bringing its unique mix of live music, visual art, and culinary delights to the scenic surrounds of Te Awanga Downs.
Since its debut in 2020, Outfield has grown into a much-loved fixture of the summer season, combining world-class artistic and creative talent, with the warmth of a community-led event for the whole family. The 2026 edition continues this spirit, with a carefully curated programme designed to inspire connection and creativity.
Festival goers can expect an eclectic mix of more than 35 exceptional performers across three vibrant stages, the Outfield Arena, Art Valley, and the Dance Yard, all of which continue to strike a balance across genres, representation and styles across headline performances, emerging talent, and space for discovery.
Leading the 2026 line-up is Che Fu & The Kratez, one of New Zealand’s most beloved hip hop and soul voices. With the most top ten singles of any New Zealand artist, Che’s career spans Supergroove, solo classics like Chains and Misty Frequencies, and decades of genre-defining live shows. Joining him is Reb Fountain, internationally acclaimed for her spellbinding, genre-bending alt-folk that Rolling Stone called “impossible not to be moved.”
Festival favourites Summer Thieves bring their infectious blend of indie, rock, and party-starting energy, while Isaac Chambers & Dub Princess promise uplifting reggae, hip hop, and electronic grooves. The dance stages will pulse with world-class electronic sounds, from legendary DJ and producer Dick Johnson, George FM tastemaker Sin and festival favourite Aunty El to drum & bass heavyweights Flowidus and fast-rising star Elipsa.
Emerging talent is central to Outfield’s kaupapa. In this edition, the spotlight shines on The Splinters, a Hawke’s Bay punk band whose unapologetic energy and raw sound took them to second place at the 2024 Smokefree Rockquest national final. Alongside, Heaps Moore, the Hawke’s Bay Rockquest regional solo/duo winners from Havelock North High School, with a musical partnership a few years in the making. Rising pop star Liberty joins the roster too, bringing diary-like storytelling, charting singles, and recent festival appearances that mark her as one of NZ’s most exciting new voices.
Beyond the music, festival goers will discover art installations, roaming performers, interactive experiences and enchanting surprises through the magical forest, designed to spark wonder at every turn. Led by artistic director, Sophie Watkins, alongside established artists such as Bernie Winkels, Fish Radich, Joe Rowntree and Sam Savage.
Food is just as central to the Outfield experience, with Hawke’s Bay’s best vendors serving everything from savoury bites to sweet treats, making the festival a true feast for the senses.
Built on values of honouring the land it takes place on, inclusivity, creativity and the community that make the event possible, Outfield has established itself as one of Aotearoa / New Zealand’s most distinctive independent festivals with a local vibe.
For further info visit www.outfieldfestival.co.nz or contact hello at outfieldfestival .co.nz
