Escape is Tauranga’s much-anticipated bi-ennial readers' and writers’ festival, affectionately dubbed "the little festival with big ideas". Our boutique festival celebrates ideas, thinkers, writers and storytelling with a packed programme of literary talks, panel discussions, workshops, and live performance across three days.

Click here to view our full Escape Festival Programme 2024.

Day passes are available for our Sunday Speaker sessions. Attend all four events on Sunday 20 October at The Cargo Shed for a discounted price of $75.

Into the Night is a new programme added to Escape 2024. Join us for a special night of celebrating local authors, storytellers and artists. Over one evening we will present a series of talks across multiple venues in Tauranga CBD, culminating in a literary quiz. Venue hop or stay in one place; the choice is yours.

Sponsored by
Principal Funder
TECT

Major Grants
Creative New Zealand
Tauranga City Council

Community Grants
Grassroots Trust
Legacy Funerals
NZCT Community Trust
Pub Charity Limited
The Lion Foundation

Gold Sponsors
Craigs Investment Partners
MediaWorks
Port of Tauranga

Silver Sponsors
Arvida
BDO
Holland Beckett
Taylor Bros Transport Ltd
UNO Magazine
Wright Family Foundation

Bronze Sponsors
Acorn Foundation
Bayleys
Biggles the Mount
Downtown Tauranga
Kathryn Lellman Barrister
Sharp Tudhope Lawyers