The Tremains Art Deco Festival is Napier's annual celebration of its 1930s heritage. Organised by the Art Deco Trust, the five-day festival, which runs from February 17-21, features over 250 events, including balls, brunches, vintage car rides, and Deco dance lessons. Here are our top five picks for a fun and fabulous weekend.
1. Leisurely Lounging
Ease into the festival with this rather relaxing event at Hawke's Bay's first club. We're always up for an excuse to wear elegant sleepwear in public, so this cocktail night, which specifies the wearing of Deco loungewear such as silk dressing gowns and smoking jackets, sounds ideal.
Hawke's Bay Club, Browning St, Thursday February 18, 8.30pm. $32 (including light refreshments) from iTicket.
2. Town and Country House Tour
If you've ever wanted to see inside the perfectly preserved Art Deco homes dotted around Napier, here is your chance. This private tour incorporates a coach ride to some of the best examples of the era in Hawke's Bay. There's even a two-course lunch at one of the homes, so you can live the Deco-owning dream for a while.
Bus leaves from the Art Deco Centre, Tennyson St, Friday February 19, 10am. $98 from iTicket.
3. Railcar Shuttle to Grand Hotel
If you plan on feeling motivated on Saturday morning, why not catch an early morning movie? You'll set the scene en route to Hastings, with a classic railcar trip to the beautifully restored Focal Point Cinema for a screening of Grand Hotel. The 1932 Oscar-winning Best Picture sees Greta Garbo, Joan Crawford and John and Lionel Barrymore up to mischief in a luxurious Berlin hotel where "nothing ever happens".
Train leaves from Napier Station, Munroe St, Saturday February 20, 9.30am. $50 from iTicket.
4. Shanghai Nights
Late night jazz and a Shanghai-style supper are two of the drawcards at this mystique-laden evening bash, which is held on the festival's Friday and Saturday nights. A new event to the schedule, it's the perfect one to break out the beaded dress and dancing shoes for, and let Jemima Rose serenade you.
Tremains marquee, lower lawn, Marine Pde, Friday February 19 and Saturday February 20, 9pm. $90 from iTicket.
5. Gatsby Picnic
A quintessential Napier event, this free seaside picnic is no ordinary outdoor meal. It's an opportunity to show off your most stylish picnic wares and don your best Deco attire. There are prizes for the finest tea setting and the most elegant gazebo, so leave the plastic plates at home.
Upper and lower lawn, Marine Pde, Sunday February 21, 1pm-5.15pm. Free
