Guide to Art Deco events in Napier

The festival itself was cancelled due to recent COVID-19 restrictions.
The festival itself was cancelled due to recent COVID-19 restrictions. Photo credit: Art Deco Trust

The Napier Art Deco Festival 2021 may have been cancelled, but the city will still celebrate its art deco history with dozens of events still going ahead.

This year's festival would have come with a bit more gravitas as it was 90 years ago this month that Napier suffered a devastating 7.8 magnitude earthquake.

The rebuilding of the city at the height of the art deco era resulted in the style celebrated all these decades later.

At least 20 events are confirmed as still going ahead this weekend, with iconic venues such as Mission Estate, The County Hotel, The Art Deco Masonic Hotel and The Urban Winery at the National Tobacco Building all bringing the glitz and glamour of the art deco era to life.

Art Deco Events:

  • Not so Common Deco: February 18
  • Prohibition Casino: February 18
  • MacRag Time at the Common Room: February 18
  • Art Deco Jazz at the Cabana: February 18
  • Down Argentine Way: February 18, 19, 20 
  • At the Pictures: Top Hat: February 18, 19, 20, 21 
  • At the Pictures: Ninotchka: February 18, 19, 20, 21 
  • CAN-Do Deco: February 18 – March 11
  • Aunty's Maara Kai: February 19 
  • Tom Sainsbury & Dj Corysco at the Common Room: February 19 
  • Nicole & High Society Swingers at the Cabana: February 19 
  • Port O Call High Tea: February 18, 19, 20, 21 
  • Brunch with Style at the County Hotel: February 19, 20 
  • Ahuriri Dinner: February 19, 20 
  • Par2 Mini Golf: February 19, 20, 21 
  • Deco Belles: February 20
  • Charter Parade: February 20
  • Madcap Block Party at the Common Room: February 20
  • Hastings Art Deco & Earthquake Walk: February 20 
  • 'The Ritz' Street Party @ Market Street: February 20
  • Nicole & The High Society Swingers: February 20
  • The Mission Art Deco Party: February 20
  • Napier Municipal Theatre Viewing: February 20, 21
  • Lazy Sunday at the Common Room: February 21
  • Tea with the Stars: February 21
One of Napier's many historic buildings.
One of Napier's many historic buildings. Photo credit: Art Deco Trust

A handful of free events will still go ahead as well, including the Deco Belles bike ride along Marine Parade on Saturday morning, the Army Charter Parade from Clive Square to the Soundshell at midday and The Ritz Street Party at Market St on Saturday evening.

Hawke's Bay Tourism Chief Executive Hamish Saxton said although the Festival itself is cancelled, it's great to see associated and individual events still able to go ahead.

"With more and more independent events being confirmed, we are confident that everyone, from those who have been before to those who are discovering our art deco heritage for the very time, will have a wonderful time," Saxton said. 

"So, dust off the sparkly frocks and striped blazers and let's get into the spirit of art deco!"