Mark your calendars for this year’s Blossom Fest in Heretaunga Hastings!
An extravaganza of free events and activities including the iconic Blossom Parade.
On Saturday 21 September, Hastings city will be bursting with colour!
The festival starts from 10am with live music, street performers and FREE carnival rides! Plus heaps more family fun in Landmarks Square and the CBD Mall.
Don’t miss the iconic Blossom Parade starting at 1pm, or the special Blossom Dining Deals on all weekend at participating eateries and bars.
Hastings Blossom Parade 2024
Arts Inc. Heretaunga will once again organise the parade on behalf of Hastings District Council, with generous support from charitable trusts and sponsors.
We invite the people of Hastings, their friends and families to create entries that will be memorable for all. We want to celebrate the diversity of the Hastings district with Maori, Pasifika and all other ethnic communities being an essential part of the 2024 Blossom Parade.
The theme chosen for the 2024 Blossom Parade is: 'Regeneration: Spring Back Hastings!'
This theme offers numerous opportunities for interpretation. Hawke's Bay boasts a wealth of artists, craftspeople, and entrepreneurs who design, create, and build. Our schools are filled with talented young individuals, and our community groups and leaders significantly enhance our lives. The Blossom Parade celebrates our people and their remarkable ideas, actions, and accomplishments.
We are in a time of recovery and rebuilding in the region. This is reflected in this year's theme. Our community can and will continue to 'spring back'. We have a lot to be proud of as part of the community in the wider Hastings District and we have the opportunity to raise the profile of our city and our community, by taking part in the Hastings Blossom Parade.
How to be part of the 2024 Blossom Parade?
To confirm your interest and participation please fill in an entry form and submit it online as soon as possible. Alternatively visit Arts Inc. Heretaunga at the Hastings Community Art Centre on 106 Russell Street South or call 06 878 9447 for any additional information.
How can I participate?
The Parade will once again be highly colourful, exciting and full of fun for the public who line the streets to watch this iconic event. There are a number of ways that you can be part of the parade. This includes:
- Build a float as a business or community organisation
- Decorate a car, motorbike, bicycle or even a pram
- Dance, dance, dance
- Be part of a performance group
- Encourage your school or sports team or social club to participate
- Form a band
- Dress up with your friends and join the parade in your best blossom themed outfit
- Sponsor someone else's parade entry.
Blossom Alley
Running the stretch of Heretaunga Street East from Karamū Rd to Hastings St, 10am–3pm.
A full line-up of live entertainment on stage all day with local and national artists including Rezpect Dance Academy, Kahurangi Māori Dance Theatre, Hawke’s Bay Soul Choir, Naked Gun Band, and Blossom Boogie Comp with Nerida & Jett.
Blossom Alley East
Heretaunga Street East, located near Hastings isite.
Featuring the Flock Events Blossom Lounge and food trucks for a tasty bite plus entertainment from Cherry Boomb Aerialist, Project Prima Volta, and Bay Cities’ Symphonic Band.
Family Fun
CBD Mall, 10am–4pm.
Play all day on the giant inflatable slide, ride the Party Train Express, face painting 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.
Live Performances
Landmarks Square, 11am–2pm.
Live performances from Matiu Te Huki - Rainbow Warrior, Cherry Boomb Aerialist and Basketball Jones.
Carnival Rides
Albert Square, 10am–4pm.
Mahons Amusements fun-filled carnival rides hit Albert Square. If you’re looking for a thrill, try the Rockin’ Tug, or take a spin on the Sizzler. The Dragon Wagon and Flying Chairs are loved by kids of all ages and Cup and Saucers offers 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 'Regeneration: Spring Back Hastings!', the floats and displays will show what Hastings means to those taking part.
Blossom Dining Deals
Blossom dining deals at participating eateries and bars.
| Eateries | Offer |
| Hastings Gin Distillers | 2024 release of the legendary Blossom Parade Limited Edition Gin |
| Craft & Social | Rosebud Cocktail with Haymans peach & rose gin. Refreshing delicious! |
| Brave Brewing | Enjoy a classic Stay Gold - Pacific Ale pint for $10 |
| Long Island Deli | Cherry blossom smoothie with coconut, cherry juice, cherries and cacao. $12 (Fri only) |
| OTT In The City | Bahn Mi (pork) for $15 and receive a free small coffee |
| Cellar 495 | Spring cocktail $20 or a glass of Rosé $10 |
