A three day extravaganza of free events and activities including the Blossom Parade.
Spring has arrived in Hastings which means Blossom Fest is back for 2023, with a three-day weekend jam-packed with free activities and events for families and party seekers. The fun includes an outdoor movie, carnival rides, live music, street performances and more plus everything is FREE.
On Friday 22nd make your way to “Blossom Lane” aka the Municipal Building Laneway, for a magical start to the weekend. The bars and restaurants will be blooming with cocktails and dining delights, whilst live music from divine diva Margot Pierard will set the scene.
Saturday 23rd the Hastings city centre will be fiesta central with a free “Blossom Breakfast” bowl of delicious apple crumble, free carnival rides, a stage packed with live performances all day. Headlining the day is the famous Hastings Blossom Parade with all of its culture, colour and entertainment. Don’t miss the “Kids Creative Corner” in Landmarks Square and the extra family fun in the CBD Mall.
The free carnival rides continue on Sunday 24th before the free outdoor movie begins in Civic Square (2pm) where you’re invited to step right up to The Greatest Showman movie experience. Food Trucks onsite. Bring your picnic blanket or chair to lounge around and enjoy the entertainment on and off the screen.
Be part of the Hastings Blossom Parade!
Calling all local businesses, organisations, community groups or clubs - have you registered to take part in the 2023 Hastings Blossom Parade?!
Here is your chance to promote yourself in front of over 20,000 people at an iconic Heretaunga event.
Taking place on Saturday 23 September, we'd love to bring the community together for the biggest and best Parade yet! Themed 'Our Hastings', you can use your float or display to share with us what Hastings means for you and your group - the list of possibilities are endless.
We encourage you to spread the word and invite businesses, schools, community groups or organisations to participate in the 2023 Blossom Parade, bought to you by Arts Inc. Heretaunga with Hastings District Council.
Please head to the Arts Inc. Heretaunga website for details and to register, or email lyn@artsinc.co.nz.
Friday 22 and Saturday 23 September
Blossom Lane
Municipal Building Laneway, from 5pm
Make your way to ‘Blossom Lane’ for a magical evening with cocktails and live music from divine diva Margot Pierard on Friday and DJ ‘Lil B’ on Saturday playing jazz house and funky vibes.
Blossom Dining Deals
Various, Hastings CBD
Bars and restaurants will be blooming with blossom themed cocktails and dining delights all weekend.
Participating venues include: Hastings Distillers, Decibel Wines, Rush Munro's, Cedric’s, Craft & Social, Fun Buns, Long Island Delicatessen, Pita Pit Hastings + more.
Saturday 23 September
Blossom Breakfast
Landmarks Square, from 10am
Start your day with a free bowl of delicious apple crumble made with locally grown apples. First in, first served so don’t miss out!
Family Fun
CBD Mall, 10am – 4pm
Play all day on the giant inflatable slide, ride the Party Train Express, face painting, balloon animals, Mr Whippy ice-creams and more.
Kids Creative Corner
Landmarks Square, 10am- 4pm
Fun for kids of all ages with all kinds of arts and crafts, including flag-making to wave and cheer as the Blossom Parade passes by. Supported by Hastings District Libraries.
Carnival Rides
Albert Square, 10am – 6pm
Mahons Amusements fun-filled carnival rides hit Albert Square. If you’re looking for a thrill, try the Ferris Wheel, or take a spin on the Sizzler. The Merry-Go-Round and Cup and Saucers offer a gentler ride for the little ones. Rides are free and suitable for various ages and stages.
Hastings Blossom Parade
Hastings CBD, starts at 1pm
Headlining the day is the famous Hastings Blossom Parade with all its culture, colour and entertainment. This year’s parade is themed 'Our Hastings', the floats or displays will show what Hastings means to those taking part.
Check the parade route on the website to plan your viewing spot.
Blossom Alley Stage
Cnr Heretaunga St East and Karamū Rd, 10am – 5.30pm
A full line-up of live entertainment on stage all day with local and national artists, hosted by The Breeze, Hawke’s Bay.
Sunday 24 September
Carnival Rides
Albert Square, 10am – 2pm
The Sizzler is still spinning on Sunday! Mahon Amusement rides continue for a second day.
The Greatest Showman Outdoor Movie Experience (Rated PG)
Civic Square, 2pm – 5pm
Step right up to an outdoor movie spectacular hosted by our very own Hastings Ringmaster. Bring your picnic blanket or chair to relax and enjoy the entertainment on and off the screen. Entertainment starts at 2pm with the movie on at 3pm. Food truck Fork & Noise are on-site with burgers and tacos. Plus, popcorn of course! No booking required.
