EVENTS
Explore Events
& What's On
in Gisborne
Discover Gisborne events, festivals, markets, live music, food and wine events, sporting events and local favourites. Whether you’re looking for what’s on this weekend or planning around one of Gisborne’s major annual events, this guide brings the city’s event calendar together in one place.
What’s On in Gisborne
Gisborne doesn’t really “do” events the same way larger cities do.
There are no endless queues, oversized stadium precincts, or people spending three hours trying to find parking before paying $19 for a lukewarm beer.
Events here tend to feel more relaxed, more local, and far more connected to the place itself.
One weekend it might be a vineyard concert as the sun drops behind the hills. The next, a surf competition, food festival, riverside market, live music session, twilight gathering, or a community event where half the crowd somehow seems to know each other.
That’s part of the Gisborne atmosphere.
The city moves at its own pace, but when something good is happening, people show up.
This page keeps track of the festivals, markets, live music, sporting events, seasonal celebrations and local happenings worth knowing about across Gisborne. Some are major annual events that bring visitors from around New Zealand. Others are smaller gatherings that feel uniquely local and surprisingly memorable.
Because in Gisborne, the best events often feel less like productions and more like part of the lifestyle itself.
Live Music & Local Gigs
Compare & Book Gisborne Accommodation
Gisborne is wonderfully relaxed. Finding accommodation during a popular event weekend? Sometimes not quite so relaxed.
Whether you're visiting for a festival, sporting event, concert, show or local celebration, the accommodation search below makes it easy to compare hotels, motels, holiday parks and unique stays across Gisborne.
Check current availability, compare rates and secure your stay before the crowds arrive.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Whether you're planning your visit around a major festival, looking for local markets, or simply wondering what's happening while you're in town, these frequently asked questions cover some of the most common things visitors want to know about events in Gisborne.
From internationally known festivals and motorsport events to farmers markets, community celebrations and seasonal activities, Gisborne's event calendar offers something throughout the year.
Browse the answers below to help plan your visit and discover what's happening during your stay.