New music festival for Gibbston
Just a week after the Gibbston concert announced its new home in Wānaka, there's a new festival planned to take its slot.
The Valley will bring top-flight Kiwi bands and solo performers to The Church Cellar Door, Gibbston, on Saturday, 24 January, 2026, with the line up expected to be announced next month, and tickets on sale 1 September.
The venue has a consented capacity of 5000 people, roughly half the 11,000 that attended the final Summer Concert series at nearby Gibbston Valley Winery grounds earlier this year. The new festival is produced by the team from Ripe Events — best known for the much-loved Ripe – The Wānaka Wine & Food Festival.
Festival director Nathan White says the artist line-up is a monster, featuring a blend of beloved New Zealand icons, household names and rising stars from across NZ. The targeted demographic is people in their 40s, with food and wine a major part of the event.
“The Valley is about bringing together the best of what Gibbston has to offer — music, flavour, scenery and atmosphere,” White says. “This isn’t just another summer gig. It’s an elevated experience in one of the most iconic spots in the country.”
Wines will be poured by the team at Mount Edward, while Canyon Brewing will be on tap with a range of beers.
Ripe Events are also leaders in creating environmentally sustainable festivals.
Visit www.thevalleyfest.nz for more information or follow the festival on socials: facebook.com/the.valley.nz and instagram.com/the_valley_nz
