Rhythm and Vines Lineup 2026: Full Artist List

There’s a certain magic to watching a festival’s lineup take shape across the year. For Rhythm & Vines, New Zealand’s flagship New Year’s Eve celebration, that process is as much a ritual as the countdown itself. As the 2026 edition approaches, we trace what’s known so far – and what’s still to come.

Location: Gisborne, New Zealand ·
Founded: 2003 ·
Dates: 28–31 December 2026 ·
Capacity: ~20,000

Six key facts, one picture: Rhythm & Vines has built a reputation on reliable dates and a vineyard venue, while the musical lineup remains the year’s big reveal.

What is the Rhythm and Vines 2026 lineup?

As of early 2026, the official festival website has not published a full artist list. The site notes that “the first acts drop soon” (official site), suggesting an announcement is imminent. Past editions offer a clear pattern: a phased release of headliners, supporting acts, and late additions. For the 2025/2026 edition, the final lineup was confirmed on 11 December 2025 (Muzic.nz). That final list included a mix of international names and a strong contingent of New Zealand artists.

Confirmed headliners and major acts

No headliners for 2026 have been officially confirmed. Based on history, the top acts usually appear in the first announcement. The 2025 edition featured Kid Cudi, Turnstile, and Maribou State (Wikipedia).

Local Kiwi artists on the bill

The festival has increasingly showcased local talent. In 2025, acts like L.A.B, Lee Mvtthews, and Sota were part of the lineup (Wikipedia). The official 2026 site continues the emphasis on “Aotearoa” alongside Gisborne (official site), hinting at ongoing Kiwi representation.

Full alphabetical artist list

A complete list for 2026 is not yet available. Once announced, it will likely be published on the official artists page (Rhythm & Vines artists page), which currently shows date blocks awaiting content.

The implication: for now, the 2026 lineup exists only as anticipation. The festival’s proven track record suggests a substantial announcement is just around the corner.

Who is the second lineup of rhythm and vines?

The “second lineup” refers to the mid-cycle drop that fills out the undercard after initial headliners are revealed. For 2026, this second announcement has not been made. In past years, the second drop has come roughly 2–3 months after the first, often adding rising Kiwi acts (Muzic.nz). The 2025/2026 second lineup was announced via a press release from umusic NZ, adding several local names.

When was the second lineup announced?

No set date for 2026 yet. Historically, the second announcement typically lands in mid-to-late October (Frontstage Festivals).

Which artists were added in the second drop?

Without a current announcement, specifics are unavailable. The 2025 second drop included artists like 070 Shake and Montell2099 (Wikipedia).

How does the second lineup compare to the first?

The first drop usually secures headliners; the second adds depth across genres. This pattern allows the festival to maintain momentum and reward early ticket buyers.

The catch: until the second drop arrives, fans can only guess. The consistent rhythm of past years offers a reliable guide.

Where is RNV 2026?

Rhythm & Vines is firmly anchored at Waiohika Estate, a working vineyard about 10 minutes from the Gisborne city centre (official site). Gisborne lies on the east coast of the North Island, known as Tairāwhiti in Māori.

Venue name and address

Waiohika Estate, Gisborne. The property offers 360-degree views of the surrounding hills and vines.

How to get to the festival site

Gisborne is accessible by road (State Highway 2) and air (Gisborne Airport, about 10 km away). Shuttle services from the city centre run during the festival.

Nearby accommodations and transport

On-site camping is the primary accommodation option. Hotels and motels in Gisborne book out months in advance. Free shuttles connect the city with the venue throughout the event.

What this means: The venue’s rural setting makes early planning critical for a smooth experience.

When is Rhythm and Vines 2026?

The festival runs from 28 to 31 December 2026 (official site). Gates open on the morning of 28 December, and the final night wraps up on 1 January 2027.

Festival dates: 29 December 2025 – 1 January 2026

Note: The 2025/2026 edition ran 29 Dec–1 Jan; the 2026 edition shifts to 28–31 Dec per the official website.

Daily schedule highlights

A full schedule is typically released alongside the final acts. In 2025, it included set times across 5 stages (Muzic.nz).

New Year’s Eve celebrations

NYE is the flagship night, with headliners performing around midnight. The festival’s location in Gisborne means it’s one of the first places in the world to ring in the New Year.

The pattern: The confirmed dates give attendees a clear window, while the NYE focus reinforces the festival’s identity as a destination event.

How many attend Rhythm and Vines?

Attendance typically exceeds 20,000 people, based on industry estimates (Music Festival Wizard). Capacity is capped to ensure safety and comfort.

Typical attendance figures

The festival has grown from a few thousand in 2003 to an annual crowd of more than 20,000 (Wikipedia).

Capacity and crowd management

With 5 stages and on-site camping, the festival manages crowd flow through staggered set times and multiple entry points.

Historical attendance trends

Since its one-day origin in 2003, the festival expanded to three days in 2008 and later to four days (Wikipedia). This growth mirrors rising demand for experiential NYE festivals in New Zealand.

Why this matters: knowing the scale helps attendees plan logistics – camping, transport, and ticket timing.

Timeline

• 2003: First Rhythm & Vines festival held in Gisborne. (Wikipedia)
• Early 2025: First lineup announcement for the 2025/2026 edition. (Muzic.nz)
• Late 2025: Second lineup announcement (via umusic NZ). (Muzic.nz)
• 11 December 2025: Final acts, full schedule, and map released. (Muzic.nz)
• 29 December 2025 – 1 January 2026: Festival takes place.
• Early 2026: Official site posts dates for 2026 edition (28–31 Dec) and teases “first acts drop soon”. (official site)

Clarity check

What the voices say

“The first acts drop soon.”

— Rhythm & Vines (official site)

“We’re thrilled to add more local talent to the bill, showcasing the depth of Kiwi music.”

— Festival organiser (Muzic.nz quoting umusic NZ press release)

Summary

Rhythm & Vines 2026 is shaping up to follow its winning formula: a beautiful vineyard venue, multi-day camping, and a phased lineup reveal that builds excitement. For anyone planning to attend New Zealand’s biggest NYE party, the clear move is to secure tickets early and watch for that first artist drop. The festival’s track record promises a lineup worth waiting for – but patience is part of the ritual.

Frequently asked questions