Ready to be captivated by the sound of Jazz and Blues? The Harbour Street Jazz and Blues Festival is on this Otago Anniversary Weekend, 20-22 March, 2026, putting on a party of music and arts in the heart of Ōamaru.
A cultural cornerstone on the Waitaki region’s calendar, the free-to-attend festival showcases over 40 musicians and bands across multiple venues, from intimate gigs in cosy spaces, to along the street and on outdoor stages.
Set against Ōamaru’s beautifully preserved Victorian limestone architecture, this unique event brings together the local music scene, fans, and visitors together for one fun, highly anticipated occasion for all-ages – and yes, every performance is free to attend!
Celebrating local and international musicians
Harbour Street Jazz and Blues Festival is globally recognised for its vibrant community and world-class live music. Attracting performers from around the motu (the land) and overseas, watch returning favourites such as Mike “Dr Blue” and Paul Ubana Jones, emerging artists including local duo Winnie and Liv, as well as the full-bodied sounds from the Dunedin City Jazz Orchestra and Ellesmere Big Band.
Local legends Dee May & The Saints, Ōamaru four-piece Hot Mess, NZ father-son duo Garage Avenue, and more, are set to get those feet moving and souls stirring across the three-days. Don’t miss the Talent Quest and Showcase, supported by the Bedford School of Music, where budding musicians will take to the stage and perform their best for a chance to win a professional recording session.
Enjoy the festival at a slower pace and enjoy everything Ōamaru has to offer. From the cafes, galleries, and boutique shops around Harbour Street, to a history lesson at Whitestone City and the Waitaki Museum, there is nothing short of activity as you wander.
Extend your trip and explore the region
Make it an extra-long weekend, and head out to the Waitaki Valley for striking landscapes, award-winning wine, and quaint historic towns, or follow the coastline towards Dunedin and check out the beaches, and the famous Moeraki Boulders.
If you’re staying in Ōamaru, don’t miss the opportunity to see the world’s smallest penguins in their natural environment at Ōamaru Penguins. Book a day or evening viewing to see the penguins and learn more about the research and conservation the team are doing to support the region’s littlest residents.
From incredible eats, lively bars, breweries, and cafes, there’s everything you need for a jam-packed, music-filled festival weekend.
See the schedule for the Harbour Street Jazz and Blues Festival at www.harbourstreetfestival.com
