What’s On in Napier

Your weekly guide to the best events, gigs and markets in Napier

This week · 11–18 October 2026
🎵 Live Music & Nightlife
An Evening with Che Fu & The Kratez

Wed 14 Oct · Napier Municipal Theatre

Che Fu and The Kratez perform the 2001 album Navigator in full for its 25th anniversary, with special guests Aaradhna, Betty-Anne and King Kapisi.

Björn Again: ABBA Forever Tour

Thu 15 Oct · Napier Municipal Theatre

The ABBA tribute show performs the group’s greatest hits, starting at 7:30pm.

Macy Gray

Sun 18 Oct · Napier Municipal Theatre

The Grammy-winning singer plays the Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival on her first New Zealand visit in over a decade; the festival listing shows the show as sold out.

🎭 Arts, Culture & Performance
Machine de Cirque

Fri 16 – Sun 18 Oct · Toitoi Opera House, Hastings

A circus performance as part of the Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival.

Bob Marley: How Reggae Changed the World

Fri 16 – Sat 17 Oct · Paisley Stage, Napier

A theatre production about the history of reggae, part of the Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival.

The Night Has A Thousand Eyes

Sat 17 Oct · Napier Municipal Theatre

A dance performance at the Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival, listed as selling out.

CIRCA – Immersive Visual Art

Until Sun 18 Oct · Civic Square, Hastings

A free immersive sculpture installation at the Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival.

HBRW Hawke’s Bay Poetry Slam 2026

Thu 15 Oct · Arts Inc. Hawke’s Bay, Hastings

Regional poets compete over three knockout rounds to become Hawke’s Bay’s ninth Slam Poetry Champion; 7pm start.

🍴 Food, Drink & Markets
Napier Urban Farmers’ Market

Every Saturday · Clive Square, Napier

Fresh produce, meat, bread, eggs, pickles and preserves.

Hawke’s Bay Farmers Market

Every Sunday · Tōmoana Showgrounds, Hastings

Fresh produce, meat, bread, eggs, pickles and preserves.

💪 Sports, Fitness & Wellness
Harcourts HB Women’s Triathlon

Sun 18 Oct · Mitre 10 Sports Park, Hastings

Run/walk, multisport and team options from beginner to experienced, with entry fees supporting the Heretaunga Women’s Centre; starts 9am.

🎓 Workshops, Classes & Talks
Pecha Kucha

Tue 13 Oct · The Blyth Performing Arts Centre, Hastings

A public talks evening held as part of the Hawke’s Bay Arts Festival.

Coming up later this month
Louis Baker

Thu 22 Oct · Paisley Stage, Napier

Live show at the Paisley Stage.

Flamingo Pier

Fri 23 Oct · Paisley Stage, Napier

Live show at the Paisley Stage.

Shaun Kirk

Sat 24 Oct · Paisley Stage, Napier

Live show at the Paisley Stage.

Murder on the Napier Express – Murder Mystery Dinner Show

Sat 31 Oct · King George Hall, Bay View

A Halloween-themed three-course dinner with a live comedy murder mystery set on a 1930s train; R18, $90.

Sources: Eventfinda and Hawke’s Bay NZ. Always check the venue or organiser for the latest details.

Keep exploring Napier

Two more ways to make the most of your time in Napier. Tap through below.

Frequently asked questions

What’s on in Napier this week?

The What’s On calendar lists concerts, markets, sport, theatre, exhibitions and community events happening across Napier this week, each with its date and venue.

What events are coming up in Napier?

Upcoming events in Napier, from gigs and festivals to markets and sport, are listed in date order on the calendar, so you can see what’s ahead at a glance.

Are there free events in Napier?

Plenty. Markets, exhibitions and community days in Napier are often free, and they appear alongside ticketed events in the calendar so free options are easy to spot.

Where can I find live music and gigs in Napier?

Live music, gigs and club nights across Napier are grouped in the calendar under their own heading, with the venue and date for each so you can plan a night out.

How do I find family-friendly events in Napier?

Markets, festivals and daytime community events in Napier are generally suitable for all ages, so look for these in the calendar for family-friendly outings.

How often is the Napier events calendar updated?

Regularly. We refresh the Napier What’s On calendar as new events are announced, so it stays current from week to week.