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Jim Beam Homegrown heads to Hamilton: What You Need To Know for 2026

A saxaophonist and singer stand either side of the Jim Beam Homegrown stage in a photo collage

New Zealand’s biggest local music celebration is returning to Waikato!

With 40 acts across seven stages, the activity kicks off before you even reach the grounds, so be sure you’ve prepped for a big day on Saturday, 14 March.

So even if it’s your first time, or your 18th time, there will be new things to discover when Jim Beam Homegrown makes its debut at Claudelands Oval.

The Details:

  • When: Saturday, 14 March 2026.

  • Where: Claudelands Oval, 800 Heaphy Terrace, Hamilton. (Entry is via Claudelands Gate 3 off Brooklyn Road.)

  • Hours: Main gates open at 12:00pm. Music kicks off at 1:00pm and wraps up at 11:00pm.

  • Age Limit: This is a strict 18+ event. You’ll need a valid photo ID (NZ Driver's License, Passport, or Kiwi Access Card) to get through the gates.

The Lineup & Stages:

The 2026 bill is stacked with Kiwi music royalty. Headliners include SIX60, L.A.B, Dragon, Lee Mvtthews, and Blindspott - so be sure to note down your favourites ahead of time so you don’t miss a moment!

New additions to the stage list include the Manuka Phuel Nexus Stage so you can discover the next big artists in Kiwi music, and a dedicated Dance Stage which will bring street and break dancing into the heart of the festival for the first time.

Must-See Sights on Site:

Beyond the music, you can also catch your favourite stations with some awesome activities and places to check out:

  • George FM Container Rave: The famous Container returns! And it’s still doing what it says on the tin - it’s a Rave within a 40-Foot Shipping Container, complete with DJ’s playing all throughout the Festival, fitted out with a full Sound & Lighting rig.

  • More FM Lounge: Need a breather? Come hang out at the More FM lounge! Kick back and watch some of the amazing Kiwi acts at the City Stage.

  • Mai FM’s Swish and Win: An epic twist on the classic Connect Four, except with a giant board using basketballs. Go head-to-head with your opponent, drop your basketball into the board and race to be the first to connect four.

  • The Edge Photo Wall: Grab your besties and take a snap at the photo wall to remember the day. Plus, keep an eye out for The Edge Road Runners to score limited edition sunglasses and festie scarves to elevate your look (be quick, though, as there's limited stock!).

  • The Rock’s Free Singlets: Don’t have an outfit? The Rock Roadies will sort you out. Be the first 200 at The Rock Stage to score a FREE Rock singlet, and return at 3pm to meet your faves - Blindspott, Devilskin, Villainy, Racing and more!

Parking, Transport and getting across The Bridge:

With Hamilton coming alive for Homegrown, there are many easy ways to travel to Claudelands, so you can leave your car at home.

The Claudelands Bridge will be closed to cars from 6am on Saturday and transformed into a pedestrian-only ‘Bridge to Homegrown,’ connecting you closer to the festival! The pedestrian-only bridge opens at 10:00am.

  • Free Buses: Show your valid Homegrown ticket for free travel on all Hamilton urban BUSIT services (the green buses) all day Saturday.

  • Dedicated Shuttles: Free event shuttles will run from Rotokauri Transport Hub and The University of Waikato (11:30am–2:30pm, and 11:00pm–1:00am).

  • Drop-offs: If you’re using Uber or a private drop-off, the designated zone is the Settlement Centre on Boundary Road before the event. A dedicated pick-up zone will be located on Claudelands Road for after the event.

  • Lime e-scooters: Designated parking areas will be located at: 

    • Boundary Road/Brooklyn Road roundabout

    • Five Cross Roads roundabout 

    • Corner of Victoria Street and Claudelands Bridge 

    • Corner of Te Aroha Street and Grey Street

  • Road Closures: Claudelands Bridge will be closed from 6am, while many surrounding streets will have traffic management in place from 11am. The full map can be found here.

Important Festival Rules:

  • No Pass Outs: Bring your tickets (printed or on your phone) to the gate. Once you scan in, you're in for the day. Because all stages are now within Claudelands Oval, you can move between them freely without needing to scan out.

  • Hydration: You can bring an empty, clear plastic water bottle (up to 750ml). Free filtered water stations are located throughout the site.

  • No Cash: The festival is fully cashless. Most vendors accept Eftpos and Credit.

  • What to Leave Behind: Strictly no glass, no alcohol, no umbrellas, and no professional cameras (anything with a lens larger than 4cm).

This is bound to be an event Claudelands Oval won’t forget, so look after your mates, dress for the weather (rain or shine!) and enjoy the vibe. This is THE event of the Kiwi music calendar, so make the most of it!

Be prepped for all the Kiwi music with the official Jim Beam Homegrown playlist on rova now.