The newly announced Kingston Calling music festival is set to hit Mt Maunganui’s Bay Oval on February 19 and 20, featuring major headliners Six60, Stan Walker, Maoli, and Fat Freddy’s Drop. Supported by the Government’s one-off events attraction package, the two-day destination festival aims to boost the local tourism economy.
The Bottom Line
- The Dates & Venue: Kingston Calling takes over Bay Oval in Mt Maunganui on Friday, February 19, and Saturday, February 20.
- The Headliners: Friday features Maoli and Stan Walker, while Six60 and Fat Freddy’s Drop anchor Saturday night.
- The Ticket Timeline: Presale tickets launch on September 9, followed by general public sales on September 10.
A Major Cultural Win for Mt Maunganui
Summer festival season in Aotearoa just got a contender. Festival director Toby Burrows, founder of Fabrik, hopes the event will become one of the country’s premier destination music festivals, drawing crowds from across the nation to the Bay of Plenty.
The band is thrilled to headline alongside the lineup.
“It has been a while since we have been in the Mount, so Kingston Calling will be a special one for us,” Walters shared, highlighting the venue’s unique physical setting. “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.”
Breaking Down the Two-Day Music Marathon
The festival organizers have curated two distinct daily lineups designed to appeal to a broad spectrum of contemporary roots, reggae, and pop audiences.
Opening night on Friday, February 19, leans into soulful contemporary sounds and international flavor. Alongside co-headliners Maoli and Stan Walker, the bill boasts performances from SOJA, Arrested Development, Katchafire, Hori Shaw, and A.R.T.
Saturday, February 20, shifts the momentum toward homegrown heavyweights. Six60 and Fat Freddy’s Drop share the top of the bill, supported by Rebel Souljahz, Te Wehi, Aaradhna, Marley NZ All Stars, and Myshaan.
| Festival Date | Key Headliners | Supporting Acts |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, February 19 | Maoli, Stan Walker | SOJA, Arrested Development, Katchafire, Hori Shaw, A.R.T. |
| Saturday, February 20 | Six60, Fat Freddy’s Drop | Rebel Souljahz, Te Wehi, Aaradhna, Marley NZ All Stars, Myshaan |
Economic Impact and Government Backing
Large-scale music festivals are as much economic engines as they are cultural celebrations. Kingston Calling has secured backing through the Government’s one-off events attraction package, signaling recognition of the live entertainment sector’s financial importance.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston emphasized that the festival is expected to attract visitors, giving a shot in the arm to Tauranga’s hospitality, accommodation, and tourism sectors.
Bay Oval general manager Kelvin Jones pointed out that the event builds directly on the momentum of summer concerts held at the venue last season, such as Fisher and UB40. According to Jones, feedback from those past events was overwhelmingly positive, proving that major gatherings provide a lifeline for local businesses while allowing the venue to give back to the community after a tough period.
With presales kicking off on September 9 and general tickets dropping on September 10, fans looking to secure a spot under the shadow of Mauao will need to move quickly. How do you think this two-day lineup stacks up against traditional summer festival heavyweights? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
