From the moment you arrive in Napier, you notice the Art Deco buildings, but it isn’t until you experience the Napier Art Deco Festival that you get caught up in the 1930s party atmosphere.
Cruise ships are usually
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The Festival starts on the third Wednesday of the month and lasts for the next five days. On the first day, you start seeing people dress up in the era’s fashion. It’s as though people are stepping through the fabric of time and mingling with the modern-day. By Friday, vintage cars have joined even more people, with dapper gentlemen in their fedora hats and suspenders, or three-piece suits, and elegant ladies in their cloche hats or fascinators, paired with mid-length dresses.
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Contents
All The Action of the Napier Art Deco Festival Weekend
Entertainment is constant during the weekend in the Sound Shell. On Friday afternoon, dancers mingled with the school kids, dancing to
On Friday night in the Sound Shell, the Big Band’s sounds have young and old dancing to the tunes.
Vintage Car Parade
Saturday is the Vintage Car parade, and there are many more activities to fit in on the weekend. Some of them require booking months in advance, but most don’t. Beware, though, crowds are getting bigger each year, so get in early for a great view.
The Vintage Car Parade in the City Centre is a popular event on Saturday morning. The Parade meanders its way down Emerson Street. Slowly, it goes by the crowds of people dressed in 1930s outfits, and some did not. Even the New Zealand Prime Minister was getting in the spirit, waving to the crowds as she went by.
More Entertainment
There is more entertainment in the Sound Shell, including dance lessons, aerial displays, and a Royal Navy Concert to round out the evening.
On Sunday, you have the Dog Parade, markets, more dance lessons for
There is also the Gatsby Picnic in the grassed areas of the foreshore. All the finery comes out under the gazebo covers for lunch with entertainment. Everyone here is dressed up and has silver, glassware and tiered stands for cakes and sandwiches. You will then be entertained by the dancers again, but this time, of all age groups.
Napier Art Deco Festival For The Kids
On Sunday morning, one of the more popular events is the Soapbox Derby, which is enjoyed by kids with their parents, siblings, or friends. Carts have been built, some elaborate, to race down Tennyson Street. There are a few spills, but most of all, everyone has fun, and the streets are lined 2-3 deep watching them.
1931 Earthquake Exhibit
Whether you’re here at festival time or not, the 1931 Earthquake exhibit in the MTG museum is a must-see. Not only are there bits and pieces rescued out of the debris, but also photos. There is also a film about the devastation that occurred after the quake and fire. There is also another film about survivors’ stories. We listen to them as they recount the day, days before and after, and how it affected them.
Art Deco guided tours are also done throughout the day, all year round. These informative tours highlight the historic buildings constructed after the 1931 Earthquake. There are several ways to take the tours, including guided and self-guided options. Click on the link here for details, as this should be your first point of contact to explore your options.
All year round, lights illuminate the Art Deco buildings and the Tom Parker Fountain on the waterfront.
More Information on the Napier Art Deco Festival
The Napier Art Deco Festival is a popular time of year, and not only are some activities booked months ahead, but accommodations also need to be reserved in advance, so keep that in mind.
The future dates for the Art Deco Festival in Napier are 19–22 February 2026 and 18–21 February 2027.
There is also a Winter Deco in July. You can check out more information here.
The Winter Deco Festival will be held from July 18 to 20, 2025, from July 17 to 19, 2026, and from July 16 to 18, 2027.
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What an interesting place Napier is I’ve never been there but that festival seems like a lot of fun your description of the events going was good it looks like a good place to visit if only to see the Art Deco
You would have an absolute ball dressed up to the nines Kathy. Definitely something to keep in my mind for the future.
I loved visiting Napier…the buildings were so beautiful! There were a few classic cars there when we visited, with people dressed in their 1920’s gear, but nothing like this festival! It looks fabulous. Especially those flapper dresses.
It really is a great atmosphere, Nicky, and I’m sure you’d love it at Festival time.