Outfield Music Festival 2026 draws 3400 fans after 2025 break

Crowds at Outfield Music Festival 2026 in Te Awanga. Photo / Morgan Hide

Organisers of Hawke’s Bay’s Outfield Music Festival say they couldn’t have asked for more out of their 2026 show.

Saturday’s festival saw more than 3400 music fans descend upon Te Awanga to catch acts including Che Fu and the Kratez, Reb Fountain and Summer Thieves.

Che Fu performs at Outfield Music Festival. Photo / Morgan Hide

Festival co-director Reuben Vergis said the large attendance was a good outcome after 2025’s break, and crowd behaviour was excellent.

“We’ve got more families attending the festival, and the attendees that return understand the festival ethos around the various elements that we bring together with the arts, the music, the food, the local market stalls.

“There are a lot of elements that the festival looks to bring together to showcase the best of Hawke’s Bay.”

Revellers at Outfield Music Festival 2026 in Te Awanga. Photo / Morgan Hide

Vergis said a key aspect of the festival was the local volunteers.

“The festival wouldn’t be possible without the community first and foremost.”

Vergis said the festival’s organisers were already thinking about next year’s show.

Organisers say growing family crowds reflect the festival's ethos. Photo / Morgan Hide

After the festival finished, police held a checkpoint operation in nearby Haumoana.

Hawke’s Bay area prevention manager Inspector Caroline Martin said three drink-drivers were caught.

“We continue to encourage anyone heading out to a festival to make a plan before you go, about how you’ll get home safely.”

Jack Riddell is a multimedia journalist with Hawke’s Bay Today and has worked in radio and media in the UK, Germany, and New Zealand.