One of the country's most beloved Kiwi music festivals has packed up and headed to a new location - and now we know where!
After 18 incredible years on Wellington’s Waterfront, Jim Beam Homegrown is officially moving back to its original stomping grounds for 2026 - Claudelands in the mighty Waikato.
Hamilton is where it all began for the festival, as part of the XAir action sporting event before the move to Wellington in 2008.
This time around, the Waikato promises a fresh backdrop while keeping its unreal lineup of New Zealand’s most talented artists, local flavours, and memories that will last a lifetime.
The decision on where to relocate was a tough one, with plenty of suitable hot spots around NZ. But, festival directors Andrew Tuck and Michael Lamusse were sold on celebrating Homegrown’s roots.
"Returning to the Waikato is not just about nostalgia; it’s about creating something that celebrates our roots and gives back to the region that inspired us," says Andrew.
We want the whole of Aotearoa to feel proud of this festival, and we are committed to making it unforgettable.
Both Andrew and Michael are proud Waikato locals and are stoked to bring the event back to their hometown.
Claudelands being chosen as the new spot really shows how much the city is growing and buzzing.
Buy Jim Beam Homegrown tickets
As NZ’s fastest-growing city, Hamilton has loads of potential to keep evolving while holding onto what made the festival so special in the first place.
Its central location - just a quick drive from the Bay of Plenty, Auckland, Coromandel, and the King Country - makes it ideal for people from all over the motu to come and enjoy the best of Aotearoa’s music scene.
“Accessibility is key for Homegrown,” says Andrew. “We want as many people as possible to experience this celebration of Aotearoa’s talent and culture. Being close to such a large population makes this dream even more achievable.”
Hamilton City Council Deputy Chief Executive Sean Murray says it’s exciting to have Jim Beam Homegrown ‘locked in’ for next year’s busy Hamilton schedule.
"We have the benefit of being the hub of the Waikato, and this is a win for the whole upper North Island. We've proven we can deliver big events and are ready and excited to make this next era of the festival unforgettable."
As Jim Beam Homegrown prepares to settle into its new Waikato home, Andrew and Michael are reflecting on how far the festival has come and how deeply woven it is into our culture.
“People said it would only last 2 years as New Zealand couldn’t sustain a Kiwi-only festival,” Andrew said. “18 years on and the talent being produced is nothing short of inspirational”.
Now that it’s all locked in, the countdown to Jim Beam Homegrown’s return on March 14, 2026, has begun, and we’re keen to get some of you there!
So keep an eye and an ear out for your chance to head along and celebrate the big homecoming.
