Rock the Bowl returns with a blockbuster summer lineup

Rock the Bowl is returning to NPDC’s iconic Bowl of Brooklands on 29 December 2026, bringing a blockbuster lineup of international stars and festival favourites to New Plymouth.

Headlined by Aotearoa music legends Fat Freddy's Drop, global dance music icon Carl Cox, Australian band Ocean Alley, and rising Kiwi indie-rockers NO CIGAR and Coast Arcade, the lineup offers something for every music fan, from rock and dub through to indie and electronic music.

Now in its fourth year, Rock the Bowl has become a fixture of Taranaki's summer calendar, drawing thousands of locals and visitors alike to one of New Zealand's most unique outdoor concert venues.

New Plymouth Mayor Max Brough says Rock the Bowl continues to showcase New Plymouth as a city capable of attracting major events and world-class entertainment.

“Events like Rock the Bowl play an important role in making New Plymouth a vibrant place to live, work and visit. Seeing thousands of people having a great time at ‘the Bowl’ is a great reminder of the value these events bring to our community, local businesses and the wider economy.”

Fat Freddy's Drop

One of New Zealand's most beloved live acts, Fat Freddy's Drop have built a reputation for unforgettable performances that blend dub, reggae, soul, jazz and electronic influences. With a loyal fanbase spanning generations, the band remains a cornerstone of the Kiwi summer festival scene.

Carl Cox

Few names in electronic music carry the same weight as Carl Cox. He has spent more than three decades headlining the globe's biggest festivals and venues, with a reputation for delivering unforgettable live performances. Carl Cox’s appearance at Rock the Bowl offers local audiences the rare opportunity to experience a true icon of dance music.

Ocean Alley

Australian six-piece Ocean Alley have become one of the Southern Hemisphere's most successful festival acts, thanks to their laid-back fusion of psychedelic rock, surf rock and reggae influences. Returning after their appearance at the inaugural Rock the Bowl in 2023, their unmistakable summer sound will entertain Taranaki audiences again.

NO CIGAR

Joining the lineup are Auckland indie-rock favourites NO CIGAR. Since forming in 2019, the five-piece have rapidly built a loyal following across New Zealand and overseas thanks to their energetic live performances and distinctive blend of indie, surf and alternative rock.

NPDC Event Attraction and Business Development Lead Neil Fenwick says Rock the Bowl continues to grow as one of the region's premier summer events.

“What started as a new addition to the Taranaki summer calendar has quickly grown into an event people look forward to year after year. Rock the Bowl has built a reputation for bringing together outstanding artists in a venue unlike any other in New Zealand. This year's lineup is one of our strongest yet, and we're looking forward to welcoming music fans back to New Plymouth in December for what will be an unforgettable event.”

Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki General Manager Destination Janet Reynolds says major events like Rock the Bowl play a vital role in attracting visitors to the region.

“We’re proud to support this event through our facilitation of the New Plymouth Major Events Fund. This packed line-up is expected to draw numerous locals and visitors alike to the iconic Bowl of Brooklands venue, generating economic impact across the region as festival goers explore all that Taranaki has to offer.”

Tickets go on sale Thursday 20 August at 7pm via Ticketek. With one of the strongest lineups in the event's history, music fans are encouraged to get in early to secure the best available tickets.

Fast Facts

• The Bowl of Brooklands is Taranaki's largest and most iconic concert venue and was awarded ‘Large Venue of the Year’ by the Entertainment Venues Association of New Zealand in 2021.
• Situated within the award-winning Pukekura Park, the Bowl is a natural amphitheatre with a permanent stage over the lake and has hosted audiences under the stars since 1958.
• This world-renowned venue holds up to 15,000 and has hosted international headline acts such as Sir Elton John, R.E.M., Fleetwood Mac, Bryan Adams as well as local legends Six60 and L.A.B.
• Rock the Bowl is the first announcement for the Bowl’s summer events, and the venue will also host Christmas at the Bowl (date TBC December 2026) and WOMAD (12 – 14 March 2027).
• Rock the Bowl is supported through the New Plymouth Major Events Fund, which is facilitated by Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki.

CAPTION: Rock the Bowl has become a summer favourite, drawing thousands of music fans to the Bowl of Brooklands each year. Credit: Andy Jackson Photography