Katikati AvoFest 2026 early bird tickets now on sale

The popular annual festival has undergone a rebrand, now officially known as Katikati AvoFest, dropping the 'food and wine' label from its name. KatchKatikati general manager Jacqui Knight explained the change reflects how locals already refer to the event, and signals a sharper focus on the main stage entertainment and the kitchen tent. Last year's festival sold out at its 4,400-person capacity.

The 2026 event is set for Saturday, 10 January at Uretara Domain, running from noon until 6pm. The musical line-up announced so far features Wellington favourites The Relatives opening proceedings, followed by high-voltage supergroup SonarFlare — led by Jason Kerrison and drawing platinum artists from The Feelers, Opshop, Zed, and SolaRosa. The Lady Killers, comprising Tina Cross, Suzanne Lynch, and Jackie Clarke, will also perform a harmony-filled set spanning gospel to rock 'n' roll. The headline act and celebrity chef for the kitchen marquee are yet to be announced, with the main act reveal set for 7 October.

Katikati Fun Fest Charitable Trust chair Trevor Burgess credited the festival's success to thousands of volunteer hours and a deep community spirit. He said AvoFest is an opportunity each year to celebrate the region, share good kai and music, and shine a spotlight on Katikati's standing as New Zealand's Avocado Capital. Early bird tickets are available at www.KatikatiAvoFest.co.nz, with allocations expected to sell out quickly.

Originally published in Katikati News (Sun Media).