SATURDAY 5TH APRIL 2 - 6PM - SILVERDALE VILLAGE & PIONEER VILLAGE
A FREE event celebrating Silverdale's pioneering spirit with an unforgettable afternoon of heritage, fun, and community
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Step Back in Time & Celebrate Silverdale's Pioneering spirit
Join us on Saturday 5 April for a day packed with interactive heritage displays, live entertainment, market stalls, delicious food, and hands-on activities for all ages.
Whether you’re a history enthusiast or just looking for a fantastic day out with family and friends, the Pioneer Festival has something for everyone.
Festival highlights
Live Music
From folk and country tunes that celebrate our pioneering roots to upbeat contemporary hits, the festival’s musical lineup will set the perfect mood for the festival.
Pioneer Heritage
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of Silverdale’s very own Pioneer Village. Wander through beautifully preserved buildings, each telling the story of the early settlers who shaped our community.
dress up competition
Get into the festival spirit and dress like a pioneer for your chance to win fantastic prizes! Dust off those bonnets, braces, and boots, and join in the fun! This is your chance to showcase your creativity and immerse yourself in the theme.
Local Food and Refreshments
Savour delicious offerings from Silverdale’s best local food vendors, featuring a mouthwatering selection of classics and unique flavours, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Free Family Fun
Enjoy a dynamic lineup of activities and performances designed to delight visitors of all ages. Experience performances that entertain and bring history to life. Get hands-on with old-fashioned games and experience engaging demonstrations of pioneer-era skills.
Market Stalls & Shops
Explore a vibrant marketplace featuring a diverse range of vendors and stores, all proudly representing Silverdale’s local businesses. Support local, shop local, and celebrate the businesses that make our area special!
Stay up to date and add the Pioneer Festival to your calendar – RSVP now on our Facebook event!
Location & Festival Access
Entry to the festival will be from Wainui Road, where you’ll be welcomed into a world of pioneer-era fun, delicious food, and exciting activities.
FESTIVAL PROGRAMME
SILVERDALE VILLAGE
2.00pm-6.00pm
• Kids Activities
• Food trucks & vendors
• Market Stalls and Shops
ENTERTAINMENT STAGE
2:00 PM – Festival Opening with MC Nick Rado
2:30 – 3:15 PM – Chet & Melissa O’Connell – A dynamic duo bringing unmissable tunes
3:20 – 3:30 PM – Dress-up Competition Winners – Celebrate the best festival looks
3:30 – 4:00 PM – Jarred Fell Magician – Mind-blowing tricks & comedy
4:10 – 4:55 PM – Clover – Smooth sounds and great vibes
5:00 – 5:45 PM – The Renegades – High-energy music to keep the festival going
PIONEER VILLAGE
2.00pm-6.00pm
• Heritage Buildings & Demonstrations
• Gift Shop open
• Food & drink vendors
2.00pm – 4.00pm – FREE Face Painting, proudly sponsored by Westpac
2.15pm, 3.15pm, 4.15pm, 5.15pm – Wood Chopping Demonstrations
2.45pm and 3.45pm – Quick Fire Raffles
Important Info
Road Closure & Vehicle Restrictions
To accommodate the festivities, there will be a road closure in place, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.
Silverdale St will be closed between Hibiscus Coast Highway and Wainui Rd between 12pm to 7pm on festival day, Saturday 5 April 2025.
Vehicles already within the festival area at 12pm will have the opportunity to vacate the area before the festival begins.
No moving vehicles will be allowed in the festival area from 1:30pm to 6:30pm for safety reasons.
PARKING
FREE event parking will be available at the following locations:
Stella Maris School – Enter via 50 Silverdale St or Old Mill Rd
Silverdale Centre – Undercover and uncovered parking available. Enter via Silverdale St.
Silverdale Mall – Undercover parking available. Enter via Silverdale St or Central Blvd. PLEASE NOTE: SILVERDALE MALL CARPARK CLOSES AT 6PM. If parking at Silverdale Mall you will need to exit before 6pm.
Alternative locations:
Street parking is available in Old Mill Rd, Colonial Drive, Cilliers Ave, and Arriere Lane with walkways through to Wainui Rd located between 31 & 33 Cilliers Drive and at the end of Old Mill Rd. Please be respectful of residential property access if parking on these streets.
Please be mindful of any time restrictions when planning your visit.
We do not recommend festival parking at the shopping complex on the corner of Wainui Road and Silverdale St. This area has a 60 minute parking limit and a ticket will be issued for vehicles parked here for longer than 60 minutes.
FAMILY FRIENDLY FACILITIES
Accessible Parking Reserved accessible parking is available within the road closure area on Silverdale St.
To access this parking, show your mobility parking pass to the traffic management officials at the Wainui Road roundabout and they will direct you to the reserved parking zone.
Baby Change & Breastfeeding Facilities Coast Community Trust will be open at 13 Agency Lane in the Silverdale Village for baby changing and breastfeeding facilities.
Chill Zones There are chill zones throughout the festival for those needing a rest. Find them on the festival map.
Get Festival Updates
Sign up to our newsletter to receive the latest Silverdale Pioneer Festival updates, full event programme details, and important information straight to your inbox!
Get involved
Be a part of the Pioneer Festival and connect with the community in a meaningful way!
We’re inviting local Silverdale businesses to showcase their products and services by securing a market stall, giving you the perfect opportunity to engage with thousands of festivalgoers.
If you’re looking to boost your brand visibility, we also have sponsorship opportunities available, allowing businesses to support this vibrant community event while gaining valuable exposure.
Whether you’re a retailer, food vendor, artisan, or service provider, this is your chance to be at the heart of the action. Join us in celebrating Silverdale’s heritage while growing your local presence!
Our Event Partners
Our Naming Sponsor:
Our Community Sponsors:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Pioneer Festival a free event?
Yes! The Pioneer Festival is a free event, so everyone can come and enjoy the festivities. However, some activities, food, and market stalls will have items for purchase. If you plan to visit the Silverdale Pioneer Village, we kindly encourage a gold coin donation to support the preservation of this historic site. Your contribution helps keep the village and its stories alive for future generations.
Where can I park for the Pioneer Festival?
Is there Accessible Parking available?
Reserved accessible parking is available within the road closure area on Silverdale St. To access this parking, show your mobility parking pass to the traffic management officials at the Wainui Road roundabout and they will direct you to the reserved parking zone.
Can I be a stallholder or sponsor the Pioneer Festival?
Stallholder and sponsorship opportunities are closed for 2025. If you would like to register your interest for future events, please email [email protected]
Will there be baby changing and breastfeeding facilities available?
Coast Community Trust will be open at 13 Agency Lane in the Silverdale Village for baby changing and breastfeeding facilities.
Can I bring my pet?
Due to the large number of people expected, as well as amplified sound, we don't recommend bring pets to the festival.
Can I dress up?
YES! Step back in time and dress up for the Pioneer Festival! Whether you go solo or get the whole family involved, we’ve got major prizes of up to $200 in vouchers to spend in Silverdale waiting for the best-dressed pioneers. Think bonnets, waistcoats, and all things old-school – the more creative, the better. Plus, there are plenty of spot prizes up for grabs too! Winners will be announced at the Main Stage at 3.20pm on festival day.
