Getting to Jim Beam Homegrown: what you need to know

Hamilton Kirikiriroa is preparing to welcome thousands of music fans as Claudelands Oval hosts Jim Beam Homegrown on Saturday 14 March 2026, and the venue is encouraging festivalgoers to plan their transport well in advance.

With increased movement across the day, particularly between the CBD and Claudelands, a range of transport options and temporary traffic changes will be in place to help keep people moving safely and efficiently.

Free bus travel

Valid Jim Beam Homegrown tickets include free travel on Hamilton’s urban bus network on event day, giving attendees a simple and stress-free way to get to and from the festival. Visit Busit for more information.

Park & Ride

Dedicated free Park & Ride services will operate from two key areas:

Rotokauri Transport Hub to Claudelands OvalPre-event services will run between 11.30am and 2.30pm. Post-event services will run between 10.30pm and 1.00am.This hub is ideal for those travelling from Auckland or the North.

University of Waikato (Gate 2, Knighton Road) to Claudelands OvalPre-event services will run between 11.30am and 2.30pm.Post-event services will run between 10.30pm and 1.00am.This hub is suited to those travelling from Tauranga or the South.Attendees are encouraged to look out for the Busit team in hi-vis at the pick-up points for assistance.

Taxi and ride share

Managed taxi and ride-share drop-off and pick-up areas will operate near the venue to reduce congestion and improve traffic flow. Jim Beam Homegrown has an exclusive event partnership with Hamilton Taxis to help avoid price scalping and ensure reliable pricing for festivalgoers. Look out for the blue bubble taxis.

Taxi loop: Stanley Street → Heaphy Terrace → Thames Street (managed by Hamilton Taxis).Uber and private drop-off location: Settlement Centre, Boundary Road.

Mobility Parking

Free mobility parking will be available on Brooklyn Road, between Pearsons Avenue and the Five Cross Roads roundabout. Drivers will need to present a valid mobility pass to the traffic controller on Pearsons Avenue to gain access.

Please note that mobility parking spaces are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Bike parking

Bike stands by Entry 5 of Claudelands Arena will be accessible on event day. Additional bike parking is also available at The Magical Bridge Playground.

Bridge to Homegrown

Claudelands Bridge will close to vehicles from 6am Saturday 14 March until 3am Sunday 15 March and will reopen as a pedestrian-only link between the CBD and Claudelands Oval.

From 10am, the bridge will be open to everyone, not just festival ticket holders, creating a vibrant, safe and welcoming walkway into the event. The walk from the CBD to Claudelands Oval takes approximately 10 minutes.

Lime e-scooters

Lime e-scooters are also an option for getting to and from the festival. Designated parking areas will be located at:

• Boundary Road/Brooklyn Road roundabout• Five Cross Roads roundabout• Corner of Victoria Street and Claudelands Bridge• Corner of Te Aroha Street and Grey Street

Road closures

Temporary road closures and traffic management will be in place around Claudelands and surrounding streets. An alcohol ban will apply in designated public areas surrounding the event.

H3 Director Ben Slatter says planning ahead will make a real difference on the day.

“Jim Beam Homegrown is a major moment for Hamilton and we’re expecting tens of thousands of people moving through the city. The best thing people can do is decide early how they’re getting here and how they’re getting home.”

“We’ve built strong transport options into the plan, from free buses to Park and Ride and the Bridge to Homegrown pedestrian link. If people allow extra time and think ahead, it will be a smooth experience for everyone.”

Full transport details, schedules and maps are available at hamiltonhostcity.co.nz