The much-anticipated Katikati Avocado Food and Wine Festival is happening this weekend.

Large crwods are expected to be drawn to Uretara Domain from noon until 6pm, where The Black Seeds are set as the headline act.

Organisers say the 2024 event looking to be one of the most popular festivals in its 21-year history.

More than 30 food and beverage vendors will be on site serving up a diverse range of delicious food and beverages, most with an avocado-inspired twist.

Jacob Scott will start the musical line-up with timeless music from the 1940s to the present day, and Midnight Fizz, a Tauranga-based covers band will play a wide range of music, from rock to county, funk/soul and all the classic sing-alongs in between.

The festival’s main act, The Black Seeds hit the stage at 4.30pm and the reggae-inspired band will be rocking the dance floor with a mixture of big beat funk, dub, afro music, pop, rock, soul, and roots reggae. Described by Clash Music as “one of the best live reggae acts on the planet”, the Festival offers audiences a unique opportunity to enjoy the band right here in Katikati.

This year Brad King, Head Chef at Falls Retreat in the Karangahake Gorge, will be cooking up a storm in the Kitchen Marquee, demonstrating how to create four delicious avocado-inspired dishes.

“The Katikati Avocado Food and Wine Festival is very much a family event,” says Kirst O’Rourke, Events Manager for Katch Katikati.

“Kids under 18 can come along for free and enjoy lots of activities to keep them entertained.”

On offer are fun giant games, while Circus in a Flash will inspire kids, both young and old, to join the circus for a day by learning how to juggle balls, spin plates; hula hoops and ride a unicycle.

Tickets are available from The Arts Junction, Katikati, online at www.KatikatiAvoFest.co.nz or at the gate on the day from 11am.