NZ Herald Afternoon News Update | NZ's economic outlook and Aotea Square bomb scare
The co-founders of a much-loved Hawke’s Bay music festival are determined to not let cost get in the way of a good time.
This year, they’re launching early bird tickets for Outfield Music, Food and Arts Festival at half the price of the main ticket release.
The catch isthat the $59.90 (plus booking fees) tickets that went on sale on Tuesday will have to be purchased by punters without knowing who will be playing.
The line-up for the January 31, 2026, festival is set to be announced later in September.
The festival has become a staple of the Te Awanga summer scene in recent years with its genre-defying mix of live music, street-style food, and vibrant art.
Outfield Music, Food and Arts Festival will return for the sixth year on January 31, 2026.
In its sixth year, fans get the chance to watch three stages, and enjoy bars, a food court and art installation areas.
In 2024, an eclectic mix of more than 25 exceptional performers and rising stars performed, including Troy Kingi, David Dallas, Tiny Ruins, Te Whānau Puoro, Uncle Les, Molly Pawson and Joe Cole.
Co-founder Reuben Vergis said at a time when costs are rising, especially in regional areas, they are standing by their community-first ethos.
“It reflects our independent spirit and our belief that music and arts shouldn’t be sidelined by financial barriers.”
When earlybird tickets went on sale for Hawke’s Bay Outfield Music, Food and Arts Festival on Tuesday no line-up had been announced.
Vergis said each early bird tier is strictly limited by time or allocation, running between 48 hours and seven days or until exhausted.
Co-founder Haydn Middleton said the festival was rooted in community, independence, and creating genuine connections, and they wanted to do something that made a real difference.
“It’s the biggest early bird release we’ve ever done - I’d love to see people make the most of it while it lasts.
Middleton said it was their way of thanking loyal supporters and was an invitation to new faces, while keeping the magic of music and arts accessible in Hawke’s Bay.
Michaela Gower joined Hawke’s Bay Today in 2023 and is based out of the Hastings newsroom. She covers Dannevirke and Hawke’s Bay news and loves sharing stories about farming and rural communities.
