Winter Street Jams aim to reignite Napier after dark

This winter, Napier isn’t slowing down. It’s switching on.

From music and mulled wine to evening shopping and fire performers, Winter Street Jams is turning small pockets of the city into lively evening spots worth heading out for. 

Earlier this year, Napier City Business Inc. (NCBI) sparked an important conversation about the future of our city centre after dark, with the Life After 5pm article prompting strong community response and widespread media coverage. Locals told us loud and clear: they’d happily come into town in the evenings if more shops stayed open later.

We listened. Our retailers were keen to get involved, and that’s how Winter Street Jams came to life; a series of small, street-level activations trialled in compact precincts. These free, family-friendly evenings bring together late-night shopping, live music & entertainment, street food, and a relaxed winter vibe that encourages people to reconnect with the city after 5pm.

The first event kicks off this Friday on Hastings Street from 5-8pm, with a range of local businesses keeping their doors open late for the occasion.

• Richard Boyd-Dunlop Gallery

• Music Machine 

• Department of Curiosities

• Wardini Books 

• Emily Mallard Ceramics 

• Tennyson Gallery

• Chantal Shop 

• Hapi Cafe

• Vinci’s Pizza

• Bistronomy 

• The Rose Irish Pub 

• Indigo 

• Zambrero

Grab a bite from The Doghaus, Li’l Donuts, and Swagberg, plus head to Bistronomy for White Glühwein mulled wine, steak sandos, hot chips, and drinks by the glass (wine, beer, and non-alcoholic options).

Live entertainment includes sets from DJs Sneeky, Taniwhunk, and DJ Longplayer on the decks, with a fiery performance from fire artists Fire & Flow.

“Winter is a challenging time for local businesses and it’s all too easy to hibernate at home when nothing’s happening,” says Pip Thompson, General Manager of NCBI. “But our community has shown there’s a real appetite for coming together. These events are part of building a more resilient, thriving city centre that people feel proud to support.”

Winter Street Jams are also a chance to explore how late-night trading and evening activations could work longer-term. If successful, they could help pave the way for more regular evening events, helping create a more vibrant city centre year-round.

Event Details: 

– Hastings Street – Friday 25 July, 5-8pm

– Emerson & Market St – Friday 15 August, 5-8pm

Brought to you by Napier City Business Inc and supported by Napier City Council.

Photo credit: Kirsten Simcox