Marchfest 2026 Goes Bigger with New Brewer-Led Experience
Marchfest pours bigger than ever, with a bold new format bringing together 20+ breweries, 100+ beers, and more opportunities to meet the makers behind your favourite drop.
Craft beer, live music, and golden summer vibes return to Nelson when Marchfest takes over Founders Heritage Park on Saturday, 28 March 2026. Now in its 19th year, the much-loved festival is unveiling a fresh new format designed to give festivalgoers more choice, more flavour, and a deeper connection to New Zealand’s thriving craft beer scene.
This year, Marchfest is welcoming more than 20 independent breweries, each with their own stand and lineup of beers to explore. Instead of a limited number of festival-only brews, attendees can discover a huge variety of styles, from crowd favourites to brand-new releases, all in one place. With over 100 beers on offer, it’s the most expansive tasting experience in the festival’s history.
Breweries already confirmed include local favourites The Mussel Inn, Sprig + Fern, Aliment, Golden Bear, and Acoustic Brewing, alongside standout breweries such as Behemoth (Auckland), Emerson’s (Dunedin), Boneface (Upper Hutt), Parrotdog (Wellington) and many more from across the country. They’ll be joined by a selection of cider, wine, brandy and cocktail makers, ensuring there’s something for every taste.
“Marchfest has always been about celebrating great beer and the people who make it,” says Festival Director Shelley Haring. “This new format allows brewers to really showcase who they are and what they do best. It gives festivalgoers more freedom to explore, and to connect directly with the brewers.”
Set against the historic buildings and backed by mountain views at Founders Heritage Park, Marchfest blends flavour with laid-back summer energy. Alongside the impressive beer lineup, festivalgoers can enjoy a mouth-watering selection of food trucks, local wine and cider, and plenty of space to relax with friends.
The ever-popular BrewZone also returns, offering live demos, expert talks, and insider tips from industry pros. Whether you’re a seasoned homebrewer or simply curious about what goes into crafting the perfect pint, BrewZone is your chance to dive deeper into the world of beer.
On the music front, Marchfest 2026 is serving up a healthy dose of nostalgia. Headlining the lineup is Danger 80s – Rock the 80s, New Zealand’s hottest tribute show, bringing powerhouse vocals, big-hair energy, and anthems from Queen, Whitney Houston, Bon Jovi, and more. They’ll be joined by a stellar mix of local and national acts including Steph Casey, Slippery People, Rich & The Poor Boys, Spinzoa, and Brad Staley Trio, delivering all-day live music to keep the good vibes flowing.
"Marchfest is about more than what’s in your glass,” says Haring. “It’s about music, connection, and bringing people together for a great day out.”
With interactive experiences, festival merch, chill-out zones, and endless discoveries to be made, Marchfest 2026 promises a full-day celebration of flavour, great tunes, and summer spirit.
Tickets are on sale now at www.marchfest.com. Gate sales will only be available if the event does not sell out prior.
Event Details:
What: Marchfest 2026 – NZ’s Big Little Craft Beer Festival
When: Saturday, 28 March 2026
Where: Founders Heritage Park, Nelson Tickets & Info: www.marchfest.com
Please note Marchfest is an R18 event.
Photo credit: Steve Hussey Photography
ENDS
Nelson Events & Venues specialises in managing and coordinating events, assisting local venues with marketing, bookings, and connecting clients with ideal locations. Proudly owning major local events such as the Marchfest Craft Beer Festival, and the NZ Cider Festival, Nelson Events collaborates with a network of local professionals to deliver seamless event experiences.
For more information, visit www.nelsonvenues.co.nz
