Fireworks and Food Trucks: 21 Years of Nexia Blast in the Park

By Alyssa | WhatsOn local events writer Alyssa picks out timely events, local favourites and useful places to eat, stay and explore.

Nexia Blast in the Park marks a major milestone this November as Hawke's Bay's defining Guy Fawkes celebration turns 21. Organised by Havelock North Primary School, the annual twilight festival transforms Anderson Park into an energetic outdoor carnival of live entertainment, bustling food stalls, and family picnics, all culminating in a breathtaking 9:00pm pyrotechnic display. For two decades, it has stood as the region's premier community fireworks spectacular, offering a safe, spectacular, and celebratory alternative to backyard bonfires while raising vital funds for local education.

Sizzling Grills, Glowing Wands, and Sky-High Colour

From late afternoon, the grassy expanse of Anderson Park fills with the aromas of wood smoke, sizzling dumplings, spun candy, and gourmet food truck fare. Families spread wide picnic rugs beneath the park's mature trees while children dash between sideshow amusements, bouncy castles, and face-painting stands clutch fluorescent glow wands in the falling light. As twilight deepens into dusk, acoustic tunes and lively stage performances give way to an electric hush across the field. When nine o'clock strikes, the night sky erupts into an expertly choreographed shower of chrysanthemums, crackling strobes, and thundering aerial barrages that echo off the nearby Te Mata foothills.

A Havelock North Tradition Built on Community Grit

The beating heart of Blast in the Park has always been the fierce community spirit behind it. Each year, an army of parent volunteers, school staff, and local sponsors pull together to marshal traffic, flip sausages, and curate an evening that welcomes thousands of neighbours from Hastings, Napier, and rural Hawke's Bay. It attracts an effortlessly mixed crowd: multi-generational family clans camped out on folding camp chairs with insulated thermoses, toddlers mesmerised by their first sparklers, and groups of teenagers soaking up the festive spring air before the grand finale takes their breath away.

Know Before You Go

• Secure your tickets online in advance via Humanitix or check the official listing on Eventfinda to avoid steep gate surcharges and long admission queues.
• Arrive close to gates opening at 5:30pm to stake out a prime lawn spot near the centre of the field with clear sightlines away from tall trees.
• Parking immediately around Te Aute Road fills early; consider parking a few blocks away in Havelock North village and taking an easy five-minute stroll across to the park.
• Pack warm layers, cosy blankets, and ground-sheet rugs, as late spring temperatures tend to dip sharply once the sun sinks behind the ranges.
• Flashlights or phone torches are handy for navigating the grass and packing down your gear safely once the main fireworks finish around 9:15pm.

Make a Weekend of It

With Havelock North serving as your base for the weekend, you have some of Hawke's Bay's most charming destinations right on your doorstep. Before the evening crowds gather at Anderson Park, head over to Birdwoods Havelock North for afternoon tea in their sun-drenched sculpture gardens and a nostalgic visit to their traditional sweet shop. If you fancy a peaceful pre-event stroll, wander through the tranquil heritage grounds and meandering walking tracks at nearby Keirunga Gardens.

For a celebratory lunch or long Sunday brunch while you are in the village, book a table beneath the vine-covered courtyard at Black Barn Bistro, where seasonal estate produce pairs beautifully with regional drops. Those looking to extend their stay can retreat into the boutique hills of Black Barn Vineyards, renowned for its secluded luxury hillside cottages. Alternatively, enjoy an evening of refined dining nestled amid organic fruit orchards at St Georges Restaurant, just a short drive towards the Tuki Tuki Valley.

See you under the fireworks at Anderson Park — Alyssa for What's On Hawke's Bay.