In a heartfelt and historic move, Jim Beam Homegrown is returning to its origins after 18 incredible years of celebrating Kiwi music and culture. The festival, deeply woven into Aotearoa's musical legacy, is coming home to the Mighty Waikato—where it all began.

The story of Homegrown Events is one of evolution and inspiration. What started as X*Air on the picturesque Waikato River, blossomed into the iconic Homegrown festival we know today. Before Homegrown, the team successfully ran X*Air, an extreme sports event, at Claudelands for three years. X*Air later moved to the Wellington Waterfront for four years, before evolving into the nationally recognized music festival Jim Beam Homegrown. “People said it would only last 2 years as New Zealand couldn’t sustain a Kiwi only festival” Festival Director Andrew Tuck said, “18 years on and the talent being produced is nothing short of inspirational".

Both Andrew Tuck and co-director Michael Lamusse are proud Waikato locals and are thrilled to bring the event back to the Waikato, the region they proudly call home and are deeply committed to giving back to their community and honouring the region's spirit. "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 Tuck. "We want the whole of Aotearoa to feel proud of this festival, and we are committed to making it unforgettable."

The Waikato isn’t just a location—it’s a symbol of creativity, unity, and connection. With its picturesque landscapes, dynamic culture, and warm embrace of Kiwi heritage, Waikato captures the spirit of Jim Beam Homegrown like no other. Hamilton, as the beating heart of this vibrant region, stands as the perfect stage to welcome the iconic ‘Homegrown’ festival, set to offer an unparalleled experience for music lovers near and far. Fans will experience an electrifying lineup of New Zealand’s finest artists, enjoy flavours from local vendors, and create memories that resonate long after the last song has played.

Hamilton’s selection as the new home for Homegrown speaks volumes about the city’s growth and vibrancy. As New Zealand’s fastest-growing city, Hamilton offers potential for the festival to expand and evolve while staying true to its roots. Its central location—just a short journey from the Bay of Plenty, Auckland, Coromandel, and the King Country—makes it accessible for a wide range of attendees eager to enjoy Aotearoa’s finest musical acts.

“Accessibility is key for Homegrown,” says Tuck. “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.”

While many cities across the country presented compelling proposals, Hamilton’s unique charm and cultural significance made it the clear choice. Homegrown extends its heartfelt gratitude to all the cities that submitted their proposals, showcasing the incredible diversity and beauty of New Zealand.

As Jim Beam Homegrown prepares to settle into its new Waikato home, the festival remains committed to its mission of enhancing the audience experience while staying true to its heritage of celebrating the best of the exceptional music talent in New Zealand.

Hamilton City Council Deputy Chief Executive, Sean Murray, says his team is always looking at opportunities to make the city even more attractive for event partners.

"There’s so much happening in Hamilton and it's exciting to have Jim Beam Homegrown locked in," said Murray. "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."

The countdown to Jim Beam Homegrown’s return on the 14 March 2026 has begun, promising an unforgettable celebration of music, memories, and kiwi pride.

With a steadfast commitment to creating positive memories and unforgettable experiences, Jim Beam Homegrown looks forward to welcoming festival-goers to the next chapter. The team is excited to continue its legacy of celebrating New Zealand’s music scene, while giving back to the Waikato region that first inspired it all.

Tickets to the inaugural event in Hamilton can be found at www.homegrown.net.nz