Six60, Maoli and Stan Walker to headline new two-day festival ‘Kingston Calling’ in February

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Musical legends of Aotearoa and the Pacific will unite at Kingston Calling, a vibrant new two-day music and culture festival transforming Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui, on 19 and 20 February 2027.  

Presented by Fabrik and Mai FM, Kingston Calling sets a new benchmark for live music in Aotearoa, bringing together world-class production and a marquee lineup of international artists including Maoli, Soja, Rebel Souljahz and Arrested Development alongside the very best of Aotearoa - Six60, Stan Walker, Fat Freddy's Drop and more. 

 Founder of Fabrik and renowned festival director, Toby Burrows (Ngāti Hauā), says the festival takes its name and its spirit from an old way of gathering.

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“In times of old, people gathered around a call. Kingston Calling is built on that same idea, a call that has now been answered. We have the best international, Aotearoa and Pacific lineup uniting at the festival, it’s going to be one of the premier destination music festivals in Aotearoa,” says Burrows. 

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Matiu Walters (Ngāpuhi), lead singer and guitarist of headliner Six60, says Kingston Calling is the stage the band has been waiting for to take their live show to the next level.

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“All of the boys are excited about playing with such a great lineup and what a great place to do it. It has been a while since we have been in the Mount, so Kingston Calling will be a special one for us. There is an amazing wairua in the Oval, with the view of Mauao and a sea of fans there to sing, dance and party as one, it’s going to be one to remember for sure,” says Walters.

14 artists across two days have answered the call to Kingston Calling alongside Six60:

Friday 19 FebMaoli, Stan Walker, SOJA, Arrested Development, Katchafire, Hori Shaw, A.R.T.‍ ‍

Saturday 20 FebSix60, Fat Freddy’s Drop, Rebel Souljahz, Te Wehi, Aaradhna, Marley NZ All Stars, Myshaan

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Kingston Calling is proudly supported by the New Zealand Government's one-off Events Attraction Package. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says the festival is expected to attract visitors to Tauranga from all over the country, providing a welcome boost for local hospitality, accommodation and tourism businesses. 
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“Kingston Calling is the kind of event that showcases the best of our summer events calendar. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate music and culture, and experience everything the Bay of Plenty has to offer during the summer season,” says Upston.

Through initiatives such as Ask for Angela / Andrew and the Kingston Calling Safe Space Policy, Burrows says Fabrik is ensuring that Kingston Calling is a safe, welcoming festival.

“Within the Fabrik whānau, we are creating a space of manaakitanga, the same warmth extended from start to finish. Nau mai, haere mai, we can’t wait to celebrate the very best of music and culture with everyone in February,” adds Burrows.

Presale opens Wednesday 9 September, with general tickets on sale from Thursday 10 September. Full lineup and ticketing information is available at www.kingstoncalling.co.nz 

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