Fairfield House

Rebels, Rogues & Unsung Heroes
2025-12-14 17:00 - 19:00 (Pacific/Auckland)
Join Chris Priestley with special guests Craig Denham and Davy Stuart for a musical journey through the past sharing songs and stories about rogues, rebels and unsung heroes. Featuring locals such as Hūria Mātenga, Captain Moonlight & Little Biddy of the Buller.
Doors open at 4:30pm. Fairfield pop up bar will be operating.
Her Business Journey will be selling delicious kai at the event – empanadas (meat and vegetarian options) and sweet treats (crepes and cookies). Eftpos will be available. Please come hungry and support this initiative 🙂
Tickets are $20, available here

Heracles: Of Men & Beasts *WORLD PREMIERE*
2025-12-17 19:30 - 20:30, 2025-12-18 19:30 - 20:30, 2025-12-19 19:30 - 20:30, 2025-12-20 19:30 - 20:30
Created by award-winning company The Barden Party from New Zealand—Best Theatre Weekly Awards at the Adelaide Fringe (2024 & 2025)—Heracles is a fully original folk musical that reimagines the Greek myth of Heracles: his struggle with his darker self and his fraught relationship with Hera, Queen of the Gods.
Blending Greek myth with live music and a 1940s Hollywood aesthetic, the show explores power, patriarchy, celebrity, ambition, perception, and self-worth. Who are we when no one is watching—Hero? Villain? Man? Beast? God? As the Oracle of Delphi reminds us: “Know thyself” (Γνῶθι σαυτόν).
This is the first half of an eventual 2.5 hour long epic show. This portion will be taken to Edinburgh Fringe 2026 with the second half of the epic being created in 2026.
Performed live by a cast of four, with original music played on multiple instruments using a 4-track loop pedal, Heracles builds a rich, immersive soundscape with just one musician at a time. Directed by award-winning Kiwi-American actor and director Laura Irish and featuring music and lyrics by award-winning songwriter Ollie Howlett, this is a world premiere experience you won’t want to miss.
Internationally acclaimed for Butterfly Smokescreen and their bluegrass Macbeth, and debuting their first year at the 2025 Edinburgh Fringe with six five-star reviews and named one of The Rec’s Top Ten Favourite Shows, the Barden Party brings their signature blend of Greek tragedy, live music, and theatrical innovation to Fairfield House this December, before touring to Edinburgh Fringe 2026.
Dates and sessions:
17 December 7:30 pm (doors open 7:00pm for drinks & nibbles)
18 December 7:30 pm (doors open 7:00pm for drinks & nibbles)
19 December 6:30 pm & 8:30 pm (doors open 6:00pm / 8pm for drinks & nibbles)
20 December 6:30 pm & 8:30 pm (doors open 6:00pm / 8pm for drinks & nibbles)
Come early for drinks and nibbles!
We are partnering with Cultural Conversations – Her Business Journey, bringing delicious kai for sale.
Please purchase the $15 food-add on (separate to your ticket) which will get you a pasta salad + olive and cheese pastry + a piece of coconut cake when you arrive!
*Food also for sale on the night, but purchasing the food ticket-add on helps us prepare so nothing goes to waste 🙂
Book your tickets now here and witness the myth come alive!
*Tickets are available on a sliding scale $25-45.
Ages 12+

Rennie Pearson with Kushla Kozeluh
2025-12-21 15:00 - 17:00
Join us for an outdoor show in the beautiful garden courtyard.
Bring your dancing shoes if you want to have a dance.
If it’s bad weather we will be inside.
Tunes, Songs and Stories from Ireland, Scotland and Maritime Canada.
Rennie Pearson’s music is deeply rooted in the Celtic traditions of Ireland, Scotland, and Maritime Canada, blending centuries-old melodies with fresh energy and artistry. Whether he’s performing on the wooden flute, guitar, Irish tin whistles, bodhrán, fiddle, or with his voice, his music takes audiences on a journey through history and culture.
​His shows feature soaring flute melodies, captivating songs, foot-stomping jigs and reels, and heart-wrenching slow airs. Each performance is a carefully crafted tapestry of tunes, songs, and storytelling, designed to engage and transport listeners to another time and place. Rennie’s ability to transition seamlessly between high-energy tunes and emotive ballads keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, making each performance dynamic and unforgettable.
​Rennie is a master performer on a wide array of instruments, showcasing extraordinary talent and versatility in every performance. His seamless command of multiple musical styles captivates audiences, while the heartfelt emotion in his slow airs and songs resonates deeply, creating a powerful and personal connection. Audiences often say they felt transported, with some describing it as a journey back home, while others share how the music awakened a deep connection they hadn’t realized they had before.
Rennie will be joined by guitarist and singer Kushla Kozeluh from Golden Bay, New Zealand. Her rippling fingerstyle accompaniment, driving rhythms, and ethereal voice add depth and lift to the music, creating a rich, vibrant sound that perfectly complements Rennie’s playing.
Tickets are $25, available via Humanitix here
Get in quick, Rennie will sell out!

Summer Solstice Dance
2025-12-21 19:30 - 21:30
The Sun-Drenched Dance Returns! Yes, gather with us at the stunning Fairfield House Meadow to celebrate the peak of summer. Prepare for an evening of great tunes and deep, good vibes on the expansive outdoor dance floor. This evening is for anyone who just wants to dance!

What to Expect on the Night
Lose yourself in a musical journey of many tempos, genres, and delicious soundscapes, all crafted by the seasoned DJ Hester P. Hester loves creating musical experiences that inspire a full-bodied response—so get ready to be moved! At the peak of the dance expect a lightly guided dancing moment where you’ll be gently prompted to honour all that has been and all you wish to call in on the Solstice.
You’re welcome to socialise under the stars, after the music ends.
Timetable
7:30 pm: Mellow tunes to ease into the evening and unwind.
8:00 pm: DJ set kicks off as the sun sets and the moon rises.
9:30 pm: Laid-back tunes to end the night. Feel free to linger and enjoy the post-dance glow with friends!
Don’t miss out! Invite your friends and come celebrate summer with us.
Cost
$25 Concession (unwaged) / $30 Full (working)
Buy your ticket online: Grab a ticket here or pay at the door.

Culture Embassy
2025-12-28 19:00 - 21:00
Join us in the courtyard for a musical treat with Culture Embassy – a 10-piece NZ band fusing African, Reggae/Ska, Jazz and Afro-Latin rhythms. A carnival of ethnic diversity and collaboration of culturally inspired sound on stage.
Doors open at 6:30 pm. Fairfield pop up bar will be operating, alongside Cultural Conversations – Her Business Journey selling delicious empanadas and/or arepas + sweet treats. Please support by purchasing a ticket with the $15 food add-on 🙂
Tickets are $25 – grab them here.

CLUBE DO CHORO
2026-01-03 19:00 - 21:00
Join us for an evening of upbeat and joyful Brazilian music. Originating in 19th-century Rio de Janeiro, Choro music blends European salon music with Afro-Brazilian rhythms for a lively, virtuosic instrumental style known for its sweet lament or joyful, passionate feel. Clube do Choro Chch features a small ensemble of flute, 7-string guitar, fiddle, and percussion (like the pandeiro), all playing intricate melodies, countermelodies, and syncopated rhythms, with improvisation often alongside written parts.
Clube do Choro Chch is Julien Pringot and Marianne Bedin, and they will be joined by local Nelson musicians Tamsin Leenhouwers and Dan Callahan.
Tickets available on UndertheRadar for $10 here / $15 on the door.

Riwaka High Rollers
2026-01-09 19:00 - 21:00
Get your groove on in the courtyard to one of the best local 4-piece live acts around. Funky, World, Soul, Reggae, Latin and Dance stylings with the odd ballad when you need a rest. An eclectic mix of covers and originals you won’t want to miss.
Doors open at 6:30pm.
Tickets $25, available here

Jazz Embassy
2026-01-11 16:30 - 19:30
An amalgamation of some of Nelsons finest jazz musicians, Jazz Embassy rips through a range of standards inspired from the cool sounds of the ’50’s and ’60’s. Listen or bop to the likes of Miles Davis, Chick Corea, Roy Hargrove and Clifford Brown.
Raffaele Bandoli – Trumpet
Annabel Boyes – Saxophone
Wendy Phua – Double Bass
Brett Holland- Guitar/vocals
Simon Terrill – Drums
In the Courtyard at Fairfield House.
Doors open at 4.00pm, music starts at 4.30pm.
Fairfield pop up bar and kitchen will be operating, serving a selection of local tasty snacks and drinks.
Tickets $20 available via Humanitix here
$25 at the door

Kohael Sound Journey
2026-01-14 19:00 - 20:30
Come and be held in a ceremony of sound.
This is a time and space to breathe, release, and be nurtured by the deep vibrations of medicinal instruments including Didgeridoo, HandPan, Jaw Harps, Shamanic Drone Flute, Shamanic Drum, Mongolian Throat Singing (Sygyt and Khoomei), and more — all amplified and layered through a loop station.
Comfortably lying down, you’ll be guided on a relaxing, clearing, and rejuvenating inner journey. This transformative experience supports your nervous system, helping to release tension and restore calm and presence.
Benefits of Sound Healing

Mental clarity and emotional balance
Deep relaxation and revitalization
Enhanced focus and memory
Better sleep quality
Strengthened immune response
Boosted creativity
Heightened self-awareness and environmental sensitivity

What to Bring

Comfortable clothing
A mattress, pillow, blanket, eye mask — anything to support your full comfort
Water bottle
An open heart

Event Guidelines
To create a held and focused space:

Please silence your phone before entering
Arrive on time — we recommend 6:50 for a smooth, grounded start. Doors close at 7 PM sharp.

This offering is part of the Kohael Project, where Justin and fellow co-creators will offer well-being practices in exchange for koha or donation — supporting personal transformation and collective healing.
Tickets are on a sliding scale: $33.00 – $55.00, buy via Humanitix here
More info : https://kohael.com/
Live music and more: https://www.youtube.com/@kohaelproject/playlists
https://www.instagram.com/kohaelproject/
Support the project and the Kohael Truck: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/kohaelprojectonwheels

Casual Healing Rangatira Tour: Fairfield House Nelson
2026-01-15 17:00 - 21:00
Music, Kai and Community is at the heart of Casual Healing’s 2026 Summer tour.
Join Nikau Te Huki on an epic 24-stop national tour of Aotearoa, showcasing his 2025 collection of elemental EPs and spreading the matauranga of Kotahitanga, Togetherness.
This show will be
– All age friendly
– Alcohol Free
– Community Inclusive
– Potluck Style Shared Kai
So grab a ticket, bring a plate of kai to share, and come be a part of the Healing in Aotearoa.
Doors open at 5pm. Grab your tickets on Humanitix here

Pipes in the Park
2026-01-25 17:30 - 19:30
Join the City of Nelson Highland Pipe Band for an evening of Celtic music, dance, food & fun at Fairfield House Meadow, Sunday 25 January 2026, 5.30pm. Featuring the full Pipe Band, soloists, harpist Annemieke Harmonie, the Kahurangi Irish Dancers & more!
Scottish nibbles, raffles, local drinks & ice cream available.
Tickets $20 at the gate | Kids under 17 free.
https://www.facebook.com/share/1CAqAuVPks/

Rufous Whistler
2026-01-29 19:30 - 21:30
Rufous Whistler returns to Aotearoa!
Fresh from a huge 2025 – a 60-show album tour, a debut album National Panic that hit #2 on the ARIA Country Charts, ABC Country’s Feature Album of the Week, and international airplay to boot – Rufous Whistler brings their electrifying alt-country folk to Fairfield House. Winners of the 2025 Tussock Country Festival virtuoso Busking Competition, the band is back for one special Nelson show as part of a 5-date NZ run.
Fairfield Pop Up Bar and Kitchen will be operating.
Tickets are $25, available here

Richter City Rebels
2026-02-01 19:00 - 21:30, 2026-02-02 16:00 - 18:30
Aotearoa’s first and finest New Orleans brass band: Richter City Rebels. Rammed with their signature explosive beats and good-feel vibe, the Rebels are back at Fairfield House for the Brass Band party of 2026!
This show is one not to be missed and fun for the whole family. If you can’t make the Sunday, join us for an afternoon concert on 2 Feb – Nelson Anniversary.
We are partnering with Cultural Conversations to bring you some yummy kai for sale – so please come hungry and support this initiative. Veggie curry, bolani and yogurt dip ($15), truly delish! Food Add-On Tickets are available to pre-order. This helps us know how much food to prepare so nothing goes to waste 🙂
Courtyard opens half an hour before show start. Fairfield pop up bar will be operating.
$25 presales, $30 on the door, $10 under 18s.
Grab your tickets via Humanitix here

The Garden Party
2026-02-07 15:00 - 21:00
Whipped Cream are super pumped to be taking things outdoors for a one off, exclusive summer special here at Fairfield House. From 3 pm – 9 pm, expect sunshine (out of our control but🤞), great tunes, and delicious eats from Street Food on Washington (both very much in our control).
This will run like a mini-festival with two stages in the meadow and courtyard:
🎧 Stage 1 — Sonic, CMan & DJ Ali K serving up progressive beats.
🎶 Stage 2 — DJ Will GT, @DJ King B & DJ Luc (and a cameo by Ali K) bringing the sexy funky house energy.
This is set to be the dance music event of the summer — and with the crowd capped at 150 people, you’ll want to grab tickets fast.
Fairfield pop up bar will be operating. Strictly no BYO.
Tickets available on Humanitix for $30 here.

Westcoast Blues Band
2026-02-15 16:30 - 18:30
Ivan and the boys are back playing in the Fairfield House Courtyard. The Westcoast Blues Band is Nelson’s oldest surviving Blues Band playing their eclectic mix of Chicago and Westcoast US style Blues.
Kick off is late afternoon – doors open 4pm, music from 4:30pm.
Fairfield pop up bar and kitchen will be operating.
Tickets are $20 available via Humanitix here.
Event will be cancelled and tickets refunded if wet.
Jak 0220786200

432 hertz Crystal Sound Bath & optional Blue Lotus Tea Ceremony
2026-02-18 18:00 - 20:30
As we head towards the time of the Dark Moon, it is a potent time to journey within, to reflect, to surrender and release. By turning inwards and nurturing ourselves, we create space for our lunar rebirth at the time of the new moon.
Blue Lotus Tea Ceremony
Blue Lotus is a sacred high vibration flower that embodies the purest consciousness. It has many amazing benefits and combining with a crystal sound bath will support deeper relaxation, enhancing the dream state. This optional extra prior to the crystal sound bath includes brief info about Blue Lotus, an invocation and guided visualisation.
Held with great reverence by your facilitator Katyayani who is a natural, intuitive sacred space holder and creates a safe container for your journey.
Crystal Sound Bath
Katyayani guides you through a chakra meditation and deep relaxation sound bath in shavasana to the sacred sounds of the crystal singing bowls and chakra chimes. Both are attuned to 432 hertz, the harmonic of nature, of Mama Gaia. As our bodies are crystalline in structure, they are receptive to deep healing on all levels through sound therapy. As you surrender to the vibrations, your body will be cleansed, balanced and recalibrated. Leaving you relaxed, peaceful and in a state of bliss.
Gift yourself this space to nourish the deepest layers of your being. All welcome, no experienced required.
ENERGY EXCHANGE:
$35 Crystal Sound Bath only
$40 including Blue Lotus Tea Ceremony
BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL FOR BLUE LOTUS TEA CEREMONY
Please complete our online booking form to book in for Blue Lotus Tea Ceremony or for Advance
Tickets for Crystal Sound Bath only here
BOOKINGS CLOSE 4.00pm DAY OF CEREMONY
Spaces will be limited for this event.
Cash sales available on the door for crystal sound bath if spaces still available.
WHAT TO BRING
Yoga mat, blankets, cushion or anything else that will ensure your comfort during the session.
Bring a water bottle and ensure you are well-hydrated.
Optional Journal and pen, eye pillow
Blue Lotus Tea Ceremony starts 6.00pm (doors open 5.45pm)
Crystal Sound Bath starts 7.00pm (doors open 6.45pm)
For more info see FB event here

SEEL & SANDERS
2026-02-26 19:00 - 21:00
NZ TOUR 2026 PRESS RELEASE
For over 6 years London-based guitarist songwriter Alex Seel and innovative bouzouki player Jon Sanders have been charming crowds at festivals and concerts in Europe. This summer brings a rare opportunity to hear their unique blend of original songwriting and worldly tunes across New Zealand at select venues on their 23 concert tour.
A recent review in the Rhein Zeitung in Germany said of their August concert:
“The audience raved about the sheer scope of musical interplay and different genres. Sanders plied his jazz-tinged Irish and Arabesque world music , weaving his compositional skills with British songwriter Seel’s pop, blues and folk ballads with almost unbelievable change in tempo. All this accompanied by Seel’s impressive guitar playing.”
Both are award winning long term musicians taking audiences through their life journeys in music and song.
“Captivating, exhilarating and dynamic” said the Zeitung. “Quantum leaping…” said the Irish Times. A unique collaboration, not to be missed!
Tour dates and more info at www.alexseeljonsanders.com
and at Facebook.

Midnight Swim - Fairfield Fundraiser
2026-03-01 17:00 - 19:00
Join us for an evening of folky tunes and lush harmonies in the Fairfield courtyard.
Snacks and drinks available for purchase at the pop up bar.
Doors open at 4:30pm, music from 5pm.
Kids welcome.
Tickets are $20 – proceeds go towards maintaining Fairfield House and Reserve 🙂
Grab yours on Humanitix here

Barleyshakes Live
2026-03-05 19:00 - 21:30
BARLEYSHAKES DUO (Ire & Oz) – Alan and Kristin Kelly are two founding members of the well known Irish powerhouse band the Barleyshakes. Together they play beautiful traditional and original songs, and instrumentals on sweet sensuous fiddle, and breathtaking high energy guitar, also using the Irish bodhran drum to enhance their infectious Celtic sound. They are winners of the Queensland Music Award for World music and Alan has recorded as a soloist on the Lord of the Rings soundtrack.
www.barleyshakes.com
Doors open at 6:30, Music from 7:00pm
Fairfield pop up bar and kitchen will be operating
Tickets are $30, available from Under the Radar here

Fairfield House presents Jennifer Reid - TUKU 26
2026-03-29 19:00 - 21:00
Jennifer Reid is a community artist who has a rebellious dedication to folklore culture. Jennifer will be in residence at Fairfield House during the TUKU festival, engaging with the stories of this place, and showcasing some newly researched songs with relevance to Fairfield House and Aotearoa. Jennifer brings her irreverent energy and passion for archives to every performance, sharing her repertoire of Industrial Revolution work songs from Lancashire and a selection of ballads designed to give voice to underrepresented groups in the folk scene today.

David and Shimna - SOLD OUT
2026-04-02 19:00 - 21:00
SHOW IS SOLD OUT
This dynamic guitar & violin duo are re-united for a series of sizzling shows across New Zealand in 2026. Shimna will be back from Belfast, Northern Ireland and this tour marks a special reunion, a chance to bring their close harmonies, infectious fun vibes, and exquisite guitar and fiddle playing back home to New Zealand where it all began!
Their sound blends intricate guitar work, lyrical fiddle, and close vocal harmonies into a powerful yet vulnerable experience for all present.

Seated Show
Intimate Setting
Cheaper $15 tickets for under 18s

Thursday 2nd April at Fairfield House, Nelson.
Doors open from 6:30pm / show starts at 7pm (8:45pm finish).
Tickets are $27 early bird, $35 general admission, $15 for U18 available on Humanitix here
Fairfield pop up bar and kitchen will be operating.

Resourceful Craft 2026 - Nelson
2026-06-06 - 2026-06-07
Are you looking to learn a new skill or get creatively inspired this Winter? Join our talented craftspeople at Fairfield House on the 6th & 7th of June for a weekend of making, crafting, and connection.
Learn hands-on traditional skills such as soap making, darning, brush making, food preserving, rag rug making, and so much more! With 13 individually bookable workshops, come along for one or for many.
Resourceful Craft 2026 is a programme of craft workshops teaching resourceful skills for the wellbeing of people and planet. We want to share traditional craft practices that will provide you with new skills and a new relationship with local materials and the resources that are around you.
Find out more and book your place here.
