WINE, DINE AND SUPPORT THE COMMUNITY
Photos Little Doves Photography
The Mangawhai Lions Food & Wine Festival is back for 2026, promising a day of delicious food, local wine, and community spirit.
The second festival will be held at the Mangawhai Domain on Saturday 21 March 2026, with this year’s main beneficiary being the Mangawhai Coast Guard. Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, organisers are promising a bigger and better festival for locals and visitors alike.
A new VIP marquee, sponsored by PlantHouse, will feature seated tables for ten, a dedicated bar, VIP entry, and shareable platters for each table. New this year, groups can also reserve a 3m x 3m gazebo with six general admission tickets, ensuring guaranteed shade for a relaxed day out.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their own picnic blankets, chairs, or bean bags to settle in comfortably for an afternoon and evening of food, wine, and entertainment.
The festival boasts a mouthwatering lineup of food and drink, including BBQ, pizza, dosa, burgers, sweet treats, boutique wines, craft beers, cider, and slushies. It truly is a day of delicious discovery. Due to last year’s popularity, an extra brewery has been added to keep the taps flowing.
Live music will run throughout the day, beginning with Dan Rodderick, performing acoustic covers of classic and modern hits. He will be followed by Abba Heaven, the country’s premier ABBA tribute band, and Tasman AZ, performing favourite Kiwi and Aussie covers. DJ Dougy G will keep the vibe going between bands ensuring a diverse lineup to appeal to every musical taste.
All proceeds from ticket sales are reinvested into the Mangawhai community. Last year’s event allowed the Lions Club to donate $20,000 to the Mangawhai Surf Life Saving Club rebuild, fund a new computer and ticketing system for the museum, purchase a storage shed for Coast Guard, install a new picnic table at the library hall, support North Haven Hospice with new equipment, and provide a community food bank for the Heads.
Gather friends and family, and enjoy a relaxed afternoon and evening celebrating local flavours, live music, and community spirit. Tickets are available now.