Iconic festivals return
Summer’s on its way, and it’s time to dance and indulge in some Kiwi fare in the sun.
Two of Canterbury’s most anticipated summer events are back – Nostalgia Festival and the Great Kiwi Beer Festival, promising a season of great music, local food and drink, and a community coming together.
Held at Ferrymead Heritage Park on Saturday 7 February 2026, Nostalgia Festival once again invites festivalgoers to step into a world where vintage charm meets modern music. The key to this family-friendly event is its heritage setting– tramlines, cobbled streets, and timeless character transport visitors to another era. Some of the makers and creators that work in the park will also be resident in some of the vintage buildings and shops. Director Callam Mitchell says, “It’s where the festival began, and its unique setting is what makes the experience so special. There’s nowhere else that blends vintage charm with modern music and culture quite like it.”
This year, Nostalgia introduces an exciting new addition – the Future Nostalgia Stage, designed to give youth bands a platform to showcase their talent. “There’s a lack of opportunities for youth artists in the city,” Callam says. “We hope this becomes a regular feature and something for local bands to aspire to perform at.”
Nostalgia’s 2026 line-up is one of its strongest yet, headlined by Balu Brigada, returning home after more than a year of international touring, which included supporting Twenty One Pilots and selling out shows across the US and Europe. The Auckland-based alt-pop duo are joined by Kiwi icons Ladyhawke, Troy Kingi, Tami Neilson, Hollie Smith, and Harper Finn, promising an unforgettable Waitangi Weekend celebration.
The boutique, family-friendly festival features four stages across the historic park, with local food vendors, craft drinks, roving theatre, and artisan markets. Tickets start at $69.90 from Moshtix, with family passes available for $169 (two adults and three under-18s) and free entry for children under five – “fantastic value given the calibre of the artists,” Callam says.
Meanwhile, across town, Hagley Park plays host to the Great Kiwi Beer Festival on 31 January 2026, the ultimate day out for craft beer lovers and anyone looking for a vibrant social experience. Featuring an impressive lineup of breweries, including newcomers No.19 Brewing Company and Renegade Brewing Co., the festival celebrates Aotearoa’s thriving beer scene.
Attendees can sample rare and limited-edition brews, discover food zones featuring festival favourites from the likes of Fried Chicken Club and Low & Slow, and enjoy live performances from Th’ Dudes and Borderline. The festival also features interactive seminars exploring the art of beer and food pairings, offering something for both the curious and the connoisseur.
For those seeking an elevated experience, the VIP package ($289 + BF) offers exclusive access to a reserved area with complimentary food service and premium beers on tap from the festival’s best brewers – the ultimate way to savour the day.
Christchurch-based Team Event, the creative force behind Electric Avenue, the South Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Live in the Park series, produces both events. Together, they celebrate everything that makes Canterbury’s summer special – music, community, and great food.