A massive new two-day music and culture festival is heading to Mount Maunganui next summer, with some of Aotearoa and the Pacific’s biggest names on board.

Kingston Calling will make its debut at Bay Oval on February 19th and 20th, 2027, led by Six60, Maoli and Stan Walker.

They’ll be joined by a stacked mix of local and international acts, including Fat Freddy’s Drop, SOJA, Rebel Souljahz, Arrested Development, Katchafire and Aaradhna.

Presented by Fabrik and Mai FM, the festival will bring 14 artists to Bay Oval across two days, spanning reggae, roots, soul, hip-hop and contemporary Pacific music.

The lineup puts some of Aotearoa’s best-known artists alongside acts from across the Pacific and further abroad, adding another major summer event to New Zealand’s festival calendar.

Fabrik founder and festival director Toby Burrows (Ngāti Hauā) said the festival takes both its name and its ethos from the tradition of people coming together around a call.

“In times of old, people gathered around a call,” he said. “Kingston Calling is built on that same idea, a call that has now been answered. We have the best international, Aotearoa and Pacific lineup uniting at the festival, it’s going to be one of the premier destination music festivals in Aotearoa.”

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Friday’s opening day will be led by Maoli and Stan Walker alongside Grammy Award-winning reggae band SOJA and US hip hop veterans Arrested Development. Katchafire, Hori Shaw and A.R.T. round out the first day.

Six60 will headline Saturday, joined by Fat Freddy’s Drop, Hawaiian reggae group Rebel Souljahz, Te Wehi, Aaradhna, Marley NZ All Stars and Myshaan.

For Six60 frontman Matiu Walters (Ngāpuhi), Kingston Calling will also mark the band’s return to the Mount after some time away.

“All of the boys are excited about playing with such a great lineup and what a great place to do it,” he said. “It has been a while since we have been in the Mount, so Kingston Calling will be a special one for us. There is an amazing wairua in the Oval, with the view of Mauao and a sea of fans there to sing, dance and party as one, it’s going to be one to remember for sure.”

Kingston Calling is being supported through the New Zealand Government’s one-off Events Attraction Package, with Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston saying the event is expected to draw visitors to Tauranga while benefiting the region’s hospitality, accommodation and tourism sectors.

“Kingston Calling is the kind of event that showcases the best of our summer events calendar. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate music and culture, and experience everything the Bay of Plenty has to offer during the summer season,” Upston said.

Festival organisers are also introducing an Ask for Angela / Andrew initiative and a Kingston Calling Safe Space Policy as part of the event.

“Within the Fabrik whānau, we are creating a space of manaakitanga, the same warmth extended from start to finish. Nau mai, haere mai, we can’t wait to celebrate the very best of music and culture with everyone in February,” Burrows said.

Kingston Calling pre-sale tickets go on sale Wednesday, September 9th at 7pm NZT, followed by the general sale on Thursday, September 10th at 7pm NZT.

More information can be found via the festival’s website.

Kingston Calling 2027

Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
February 19th–20th, 2027

Friday, February 19th
Maoli
Stan Walker
SOJA
Arrested Development
Katchafire
Hori Shaw
A.R.T.

Saturday, February 20th
Six60
Fat Freddy’s Drop
Rebel Souljahz
Te Wehi
Aaradhna
Marley NZ All Stars
Myshaan