Marchfest - NZ's Big Little Craft Beer Festival

 

Marchfest is a unique craft beer and music festival celebrating it’s 19th year. Held in Nelson, at the top of the South Island, and set in the beautiful, traffic-free environment of Founders Heritage Park, Marchfest will take place on Saturday, March 28th 2026 from 1-9pm

The Nelson region is New Zealand’s sole hop growing area – and has more craft breweries per head of the population than anywhere else in the country. Our local top of the south breweries always feature and the rest travel from across NZ to celebrate with us as this much loved event, with many commenting that Marchfest is the highlight of their event calendar! Some will brew a brand new beer which gets released at Marchfest, you have to be there to try it!

 

Marchfest isn’t your average beer festival. Alongside fresh craft brews, you’ll find local wines, ciders, and even a cheeky cocktail. Only the best local food trucks are hand-picked to keep you fuelled. Part craft beer showcase, part iconic Kiwi music gig, part hops celebration, and part brewer’s forum—it’s a unique festival mash-up that just works.

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Welcome to Marchfest, Nelson and New Zealand's little big craft beer festival - a celebration of music, food, fun and of course, proper beer.

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We cant wait to welcome to you to Nelson on Saturday March 28th, 2026!

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Please note: Marchfest is an R18 event.