Mangaweka Mega - Markets, Music, Book Fair, Art and More!

Come join us for the second Mangaweka Mega - a family fun day community event, with a little sprinkle of Mangaweka magic for everyone!

Mangaweka = Music, Art, History, Creativity and of course some of the best bits of the mighty Rangitikei River - that's us, it runs in the veins of the town - So to celebrate we are inviting you to discover the heART of Mangaweka in 2024!

We kick the day off at 9am with our community ‘Garage-Sale Trail’ - with locals around town selling surplus items of tools, books, kitchen ware, toys etc and joining in with their garage-sales and carboot-sales. There will also be Crafters and Artisans selling their wares & creations from Market stalls in the Museum grounds and on the Historic main Street. You can be sure to to pick up a Christmas bargain - or discover that surprise treasure that you never knew you needed!.

A Map of the Garage-Sale Trail will be available at the Dukes roadhouse cafe on the morning. We also welcome visitors and out-of-towners that would like to have a carboot-sale or Market Stall - Just $10 per site – if paid before 1st of October ($20 after). Get in quick for this early-bird special!

The Mangaweka Historic society also has their annual MEGA Book Fair - so be sure to pop in, whatever your topic of curiosity, or genre of literary escape - you're sure to find a perfect book here, all at bargain prices - while supporting the society to continue sharing their history.

And this year we are thrilled to showcase a special “Farming & Rural” themed group Art exhibition, featuring local & well known Artists. This will be held at the ‘Yellow Church’ Gallery on SH1 – also home of the biennial ‘Fakes & Forgeries’ - inspired by New Zealand's most notable art forger - the infamous Mangaweka born Karl Sim (AKA C.F. Goldie).

Be sure to check out the Mangaweka Museum, for an opportunity to learn, explore and engage with some of the local history from the knowledgeable curators. Heaps of facts can be unearthed about the town's development and information on people past & present for genealogy enthusiasts and historians alike.

While there, in the Museum grounds, enjoy relaxed LIVE Music during the while day, with three different bands that will perform on the day (already booked are Taihape’s ‘New Variants!’ – other bands to be announced shortly). Some seating is provided, yet best bring a rug or deck-chair and a pic-nic OR better still, buy from the Café or other food stalls, and enjoy the music all day!

And then, during or after the day, a trip to Mangaweka is never complete without a quick jaunt down to the river, take in the majesty of the papa cliffs and chat to the river guides at the awesome Awastone River Haven (what they don't know about the Rangitikei river, isn't worth knowing!). While there, grab some yummy food, a coffee, or even a beer or wine - All served with that authentic Mangaweka hospitality.

We have invited and are encouraging any Classic Cars groups to attend on the day. There is heaps of safe room to park, show and drive (safely and slowly!) on the old Historic Main Street. Buskers and other street entertainers are also encouraged to attend.
Truly a day to fossick, chill-out, chat and enjoy that unique and wondrous, marvellous Mangaweka vibe!

So… Look forward to seeing you, your friends, your Whānau and Family there! Sat 26th October 2024 (Labour Weekend).

For Market Stalls – Carboot and Garage Sales pitches etc and for all other enquiries, please contact: mangaweka.mega@gmail.com
For ART & Music updates visit: mangawekagallery.com

Pics here from last year’s MEGA event and other past arty happenings in Mangaweka