New music festival added to Kāpiti Coast major events season

A summer packed full of events to entice music lovers, sports fans, foodies, and families alike is coming to Kāpiti thanks to support from Kāpiti Coast District Council’s Major Events Fund.

Amongst some regular favourites, a new major event for 2027 will be the Mostly Music Festival of Fusion.

Running 5-7 March, the three-day event will be spread across eight local venues, showcasing 40 music acts, and activating all that Kāpiti has to offer – from nature experiences and themed menus at food and beverage businesses to retail and goods and services.

Kāpiti Coast District Mayor Janet Holborow says the festival will be a fantastic way to highlight the district’s creativity sector.

"Kāpiti is ranked in the top five nationally on the Infometrics Creativity Index, which solidifies our district as the place to be for these types of endeavours,” says Mayor Holborow.

"The Mostly Music Festival of Fusion is an opportunity to showcase our district’s talent, draw visitors to the coast and boost our local economy.

"We're encouraging visitors to come for the festival and stay the weekend.”

Professional musician and Mostly Music creator Jess Deacon says it feels slightly nerve-wracking to launch a new festival while established festivals across Aotearoa are feeling the pressure.

"Despite the challenges, we believe this is the kind of event we all need right now, and we're excited to be creating a new festival in Kāpiti,” says Ms Deacon.

"Our district has so much talent and creativity, and it's important that we provide opportunities for that talent to be experienced.

"Our 2027 theme, Fusion, celebrates what happens when music meets other creative worlds – bringing artists, places and people together in unexpected ways.

"Tickets are on sale now so check out the programme, save the date and invite your friends."

Council’s Major Events Fund has proven to have a significant economic impact, with 2025/26 event organisers reporting 62,000 attendees and approximately $8 million in visitor-added value to the local economy.

Six events have received funding support for 2026/27 including the Mostly Music Festival of Fusion, which received a Strategic Growth Fund as a new and emerging event that shows potential to grow.

See the full line up of summer events:

• 5 December Kāpiti Food Fair

• 11-14 February NZ PGA Championship

• 21 February Kāpiti Women’s Triathlon

• 5-7 March Festival of Fusion

• 6-7 March Ōtaki Kite Festival

• 16-21 March Māoriland Film Festival