• Tairāwhiti & Gisborne Events 

Tairāwhiti’s event calendar never sleeps

Sunrise to showtime. From marquee moments to markets with heart. The social calendar stays stacked. What's on out East?

Serving up the goods year-round, the East Coast rolls out an event lineup full of local flavour, big gigs, and reasons to road trip. Kick things off with Rhythm & Vines, celebrate International Chardonnay Day at The Chardonnay Affair, catch homegrown talent at Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival in October, and toast summer at the Gisborne Food & Wine Festival. The Gisborne Farmers’ Market brings fresh kai and local goodness every Saturday from 9.30am, and Gizzy Local is your go-to for what’s on. From music to markets, art shows to surf comps- something’s always stirring on the Coast.

First Light Marathon

First Light Marathon

23 January 2027

Be the first in the world to greet the new day as you race along the magical East Coast.

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D1NZ National Drifting Championship

D1NZ National Drifting Championship

15-17 January 2027

Experience Aotearoa's premier drifting championship on the East Coast.

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The Chardonnay Affair

The Chardonnay Affair

22-24 May 2026
Enjoy Gisborne's finest chardonnays in an array of sumptuous events

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Wine & Food Gisborne 2026

Wine & Food Gisborne 2026

Saturday 25 October 2026

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Rhythm & Vines

Rhythm & Vines

28-31 December 2026
New Zealand's premier music and camping festival

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Gisborne Farmers Market

Gisborne Farmers Market

Every Saturday Morning 9.30-12.30pm
Where locals and visitors alike gather to get their fix of the region’s tastiest treats

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WHERE THE LOCALS GO

These are the events locals don’t miss - and neither should you.


Gisborne Farmers Market

Gisborne Farmers Market

Every Saturday Morning 9.30-12.30pm
Where locals and visitors alike gather to get their fix of the region’s tastiest treats

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Gizzy Local

Gizzy Local

For local event information and stories to connect you with our people and our place, be sure to check out Gizzy Local.

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live music & LOCAL GIGS

Catch coastline grooves, live & local music in the venues locals swear by - good times guaranteed.

Dome Cinema

Dome Cinema 

Enjoy a range of events from movies, blues nights & unique gigs. 

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Smash Palace

Smash Palace

Smash Palace is all about good times with great live music, delicious drinks + food and awesome locals. It's also a function venue like no other!

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the biggest annual events in Gisborne?

Gisborne's event scene includes the First Light Marathon, The Chardonnay Affair, Wine & Food Gisborne and the Gisborne Farmers Market. Across the year, you'll find sport, food and wine events, weekly markets and plenty more. This page is updated regularly with upcoming events across the region.

Where can I find out what's on in Gisborne right now?

This page is updated regularly with what's on across the region, from markets and live music to festivals, food and wine events and sport. Check back closer to your trip for the latest events happening while you're in Gisborne.

What is the First Light Marathon, and when does it take place?

The First Light Marathon is Gisborne's annual marathon, held every January. It starts and finishes at Midway Beach, with 42k, 21k and 6k distance options taking runners along the coast and over grassy hills with ocean views. Since it's timed around dawn, runners get to watch the world's first sunrise from the course itself.

How often is the Gisborne Farmers Market held?

The Gisborne Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 9.30am to 12.30pm. It's a weekly fixture, rain or shine, with local producers selling fresh food and goods. Get there early for the best pick before popular stalls sell out.

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