Upper Hutt Embraces its Inner Bogan for Bogan Day Out Weekend

Published on 20 February 2025

Upper Hutt Embraces its Inner Bogan for Bogan Day Out Weekend

Upper Hutt is officially transforming into Bogantown for the weekend of 8-9 March, fully embracing its inner Bogan in collaboration with Brewtown for the highly anticipated Bogan Day Out. This action-packed festival will celebrate all things Bogan, featuring live music, quirky competitions, and an unforgettable atmosphere.

The festival will showcase an epic lineup of tribute bands, including Stoned Templar Pilots, Black Knight, and Squealer, keeping the crowd rocking from start to finish.

The Brewtown BBQ Comp will be the event's centerpiece, with some of the country’s best BBQ teams competing for grilling supremacy. Throughout the day, expert grill master’s will share their secrets at the demo stage, perfecting the art of the Bogan BBQ.

Event organiser, Phil Gorman, who was born and bred in Upper Hutt, shared his enthusiasm. “We’re ready to embrace our bogan roots and celebrate Upper Hutt’s fun and wild side,” he says.

Mayor Guppy echoed the excitement, saying, “Upper Hutt has often shied away from its Bogan side, but this weekend, we’re embracing it fully and celebrating who we really are.”

Local businesses are also getting in on the action. The Wellington Speed North Island Saloon & Production Saloon Champs will take place on Saturday night, while Lucky’s Tattoo Museum will showcase a fascinating collection of tattoo history, from WWII to traditional Uhi Ta moko tools. One Eighty Barber Shop is also getting involved and offering 50% off mullets for the weekend.

Whirinaki Whare Taonga will also present the ‘Bodgies to Bogan’ exhibition, a journey through the rebellious spirit of youth in New Zealand from the 1950s to the 1980s. This exhibition is curated by Whirinaki Whare Taonga and proudly supported by The Rimutaka Trust.

After discussions with the Economic Development team, it’s clear that this event is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate a unique part of our community and support local businesses. By backing an event like this, the Council is showing its pride in the diverse vibrancy of Upper Hutt.

For more information and to see what else is going on this weekend visit https://www.myupperhutt.nz/bogantown