Gisborne’s 5th annual Craft Beer Festival in beautiful Tairāwhiti. 30th March

Sat 6th April
(back by a week to secure great weather)

Held at the Gisborne Soundshell

Get ready for an extraordinary experience at the 5th Annual Gisborne Beer Festival! This year promises the freshest brews, fruitiest sips, and a vibrant atmosphere. Top New Zealand breweries will showcase diverse flavours, accompanied by fantastic live music from Marlin’s Dreaming and Kita, a Silent Disco, and street food delights. Plus, enjoy an expanded drink menu with lots of cocktails, wines, and ciders. From craft brews to curated cocktails, the festival is a multisensory celebration demanding your presence!

 Beer?

Hazy, Double Hazy, Pilsners, IPA, Double IPA, American IPA, Kiwi IPA, Sours, Dark beers, Belgiums, Lagers, Milkshake IPA’s, Cold IPA’s, Dessert beers, classic beers and more. We're excited to announce that we'll be hand-selecting every keg and beverage for this year's festival. This means we can bring in even more amazing boundary pushing beers, including some unique, rare craft beers that have never been seen in Tairawhiti before, as well as perfected simple legend beers. Keep up with the beers on offer on our socials. For those who want to try something else, we'll also have a cocktail bar running throughout the weekend. There will be plenty of cider and wine to choose from as well. Our menu will be released the week of the festival, so stay tuned for what promises to be the most epic selection of beverages Tairawhiti has ever seen. In the meantime, here at the breweries sending us treats or coming!

Bands

We’re proud to present this years major lineup. Watch this space for 1-2 more acts, as the date change has stopped Marlin’s Dreaming.

Kita

Melding inspirations of folk, soul, pop and psychedelia with the guitar and spirited storytelling of musician-actor Nikita 雅涵 Tu-Bryant (Avatar 2, Far North); the thick lushness of Moog synth and Fender Rhodes from Ed Zuccollo (Zuke); and the filthy drive and barking drums of Rick Cranson (Little Bushman), KITA have long-since solidified themselves as a must-see live band with a massive sound.

Features

Silent Disco

Chuck on some headphones and check out the DJs in the Silent Disco. Liv, Disfunk, Johnny Roy, DJ Greenroom and more. DnB, Funk, RnB, Rock

Games area

Do we pay attention to the ads we get on social media? Apparently so, as we have bought in a selection of various sized games for your entertainment. These will be dotted around, so have a go, it’s all free of course.

Heidi And Sean Show

Unfortunately the date change has stopped these two amazing acts from coming to tairāwhiti now.

Home Brew competition results

Support our thriving local homebrew community, producing beer on par with commercial breweries nowadays, and stay tuned for the announcement of the fourth annual winners.

Cocktail bar

Alongside some pretty amazing bars, we’ll have a cocktail bar setup with Expresso Martini’s, Margaritas, and a few more tasty treats. Come hang out in style.

Face PaintingFX

Get your festival glitz on at the Glitter Bar with Face PaintingFX, your one stop local for all things glitz & glitter

But wait, there’s more (than beer)

Explore a diverse array of beverages beyond beer, including various types of cider 🍺, wines 🍷, and non-alcoholic options. Immerse yourself in our cocktail lounge, where specially crafted cocktails await, adding a unique local flair to the occasion. Whatever your preference, indulge in an abundance of delicious treats to satisfy your taste buds.

Tokens

To ensure a smooth beginning to your event, we offer pre-loaded and pre-paid tokens included with your ticket purchase, enabling you to bypass entrance queues. These tokens are valid for all standard drinks such as beer, cider, and wine. Payment for food, cocktails, merchandise, and items like soft drinks and high-percentage beer is accepted via both Eftpos and cash. Alternatively, tokens can be acquired at the main gate's dedicated token booth.

At the close of the event, any unused tokens can be returned to us for a refund. We're committed to making your experience convenient and enjoyable from start to finish!

FOOD

The Mexican

Using the freshest produce possible, The Mexican delivers the authentic flavours of Mexico. From humble beginnings at the Gisborne Farmers Market “ The Mexican” has grown to be a favourite at The Gizzy Monthly Market, Smash Palace, The A & P show and other events around Tairawhiti. Their secret? It’s food made with love!

Easy Eats

Fantastic and varied fried foods and more, from Wairoa. (A better blurb is coming that accurately describes the tasty treats they offer).

Neighbourhood Pizzeria

the first foodie to sign up for the Gisborne Beer Festival in 2019, Neighbourhood are back and will be firing fresh pizza slices at us all day long!

Info & fine details on tickets

1. Pricing and Inclusions

General Ticket Price:

Individual: $54
Group of 5: $250 (save $20)

On the Day/At the Gate:

$60 per person (No group discount)

Eftpos and Tokens available

Standard Drinks:

$9 each (exclusions apply such as light / non-alcoholic beverages, strong abv beers and cocktails)

All tickets are GST inclusive:

Minimal booking fee charges apply because our booking partner, Trybooking, is awesome

Complimentary 430ml Festival Keep Cup.

Return bus rides:
(Booked with tickets or on the day if available)

Bus #1: Bright st bus stop (McDonalds), Kaiti Mall, Zephyr cafe (Wainui)

Bus #2: Lytton West shops, Ballance st (Whataupoko)

2. Festival Schedule

12pm: Festival Begins

6:30pm: Bars Close

6:45pm Entertainment stops

7pm: Festival Finishes - buses depart

3. Transportation

We encourage drop-off and walk-ins.

Limited parking available on the street.

Overnight parking nearby, but attendees are responsible for their vehicles.

Additional cost for buses ($10) at the conclusion of the festival added at purchase; limited on-site purchases available ($15) until buses are full.

Bus #1 route: Lytton West shops, then Ballance St (Whataupoko)

Bus #2 route: McDonald's, Kaiti Mall, then Zephyr (Wainui)

4. Leaving the Festival

Respectful departure requested.

Dispose of rubbish in provided bins.

Recycling available for cups; limit one per person when leaving.

5. Ticket Presentation and ID

We can scan your ticket from your phone at the gate, and give you anything you need, including tokens, bracelets and your cup. You can also print paper tickets, as long as we can see your QR code

Proof-of-age ID required; event is R18, no children allowed.

6. Festival Dollars

Tokens are available for pre-purchase during ticket purchase to save time and avoid queuing.

Purchase or sell tokens at our ticket office at any time in increments of $9.

Tokens can only be used for standard drinks. Please note: All food, cocktails and low / non alcohol drinks can be purchased with Eftpos

7. Preparedness

Sunblock, hat, and sunglasses recommended.

Bring a jacket in case of rain.

Consider a camping chair/rug; limited shade available.

8. Food and Drink

No homemade food or drinks allowed; support our vendors.

9. Transportation Safety

Never drink and drive; arrange alternative transportation.

Multiple options available for a safe return.

10. Cancellation Policy

Festival scheduled for Saturday, March 30, 2024.

In case of adverse weather, may be postponed to Monday, April 1, 2024.

Refund available in certain circumstances.

11. Cups

Plastic pint glass provided upon arrival.

Cups can be recycled or reused; return them or take them home.

12. Entry Conditions

Valid admission ticket required for entry.

Security bag check at the entry point.

Organizers reserve the right to refuse admission.

No admission for persons under 18; proof of age may be required.

No admission for babies in prams, very young children, or anyone under 18.

No dogs allowed, except guide or assistance dogs.