But I had read the programme, I had made my picks, and Friday night's show - Songs for the Fallen - well, my programme had been sporting a bright yellow post-it note on that page for more than a month.
First though, I had to negotiate the new Festival Garden, which proved to be a bit of a distraction. Funky furnishing and the convenience of food, a bar, coffee ... what a welcoming space, a fab idea. I saw familiar faces and there was room for a chat, a wander, it made the venue seem larger, expansive.
The spiegeltent issue had still to be broached.
There was a sell-out crowd lined up to go in, and yes it was, as I had heard, a larger space. But there were still booths, mirrors, and stained glass, much to my relief. Mirrors etched with Kiwi flora, woodwork embellished with paua, a tented roof with Maori motifs. The atmosphere was intact. The circled audience still had that special intimacy. The table in our booth still wobbled ... just like last year.
The show? Magic, enthralling, hilarious.
The story of legendary 19th century courtesan and muse Marie Duplessis, written, performed, sung and embellished by Sheridan Harbridge. Marie goes from rags to riches and back again and takes the audience with her, laughing and crying all the way.
Harbridge's voice is astounding, her cast delightful and her humour romps from 1800 to 2016 and back again.
But you've missed this show ... it finished on Saturday. Don't miss any more!
Harcourts Hawke's Bay Arts Festival, you've done it again.
