The Drum Festival 2026

A weekend of drumming, performance, dance and workshops set in the idyllic Okuti Valley, an hour from Christchurch.

Family friendly, with camping available... Camping is recommended so you can absorb the vibes of nature and percussion.

Little River 2026 Drum Festival Line-Up

FRIDAY

3:00PM Gates Open for camping set up, time to chill and catch up with friends or make new ones.

7:30PM Karakia / Taonga pūoro - Mahina King-Kaui

8:00PM N'goni Workshop - Jeremy Cloake

SATURDAY

10:30AM Djembe workshop - Miro Klima

12:00PM Gypsy Caravan Style Dance performance and workshop - Soul Star Tribe with special guest Didge Mama

1:00PM Persian percussion and dance group - Simurgh Music School

2:00PM African drum and dance performance - Dekaworwor and JoAD

3:00PM African drum and dance workshop - Epizo Bangoura

5:15PM Qawwali/Punjabi ensemble - Safar

7:00PM Samba parade - Otautahi Samba Collective - everybody join in!

7:45PM Dance party - Samba Tupinikeen

9:30PM Silent Disco

SUNDAY

10:30AM Yidaki demonstration/performance - Jeremy Cloake

11:15AM Tabla solo performance and konnokol workshop- Justin DeHart

12:15PM African drumming and dance workshop- Epizo Bangoura

3:00PM Takumi Japanese Drum Group - Taiko with give it a go chance