About Bar 2013 Hastings
Bar 2013 Hastings was a local sports bar and music venue in the heart of Hastings. It was described as “a busy central inner city sports bar, offering live entertainment [with] DJs, Karaoke, Pool [and] Casino” . In practice it was a small, lively nightclub-style bar (successor to the old “Billy’s Bar” on the same site) known for its R&B and hip-hop nights. Regulars praised its friendly bartenders and energetic atmosphere . One reviewer even noted the bar’s strong “vibe” and service: the venue was “small but great for gigs with awesome service” . This combination of live DJs, karaoke, and a party crowd made Bar 2013 a notable spot on Hastings’ nightlife map.
Crucially, Bar 2013 closed permanently in late 2022 . Its final night was marked by media coverage, and listings now label it “Permanently Closed” . While this guide documents the bar’s features and history, visitors should note that Bar 2013 is no longer operating. As of 2025, anyone interested in a similar experience would need to look to other local pubs or clubs.
Events and Programming
When active, Bar 2013 offered a mix of sports and live-entertainment programming. On most nights the bar showed live sports on big screens (rugby, AFL, etc.), and came alive with DJs and dance music. Weekly club nights were common: for example, a Google reviewer raved about “Mean DJ on Friday night. DJ Truse… Very dope vibes” . Karaoke was another staple; listing sites explicitly call it a “Karaoke bar” and “Live music venue” . In other words, visitors might expect theme nights (Rock Fridays, karaoke Tuesdays, etc.) and impromptu dance parties.
The bar also hosted occasional concerts and special events. For example, a reggae concert with artists Conkarah & Rosie took place on 29 June 2019 at Bar 2013 www.ticketfairy.com , demonstrating that touring acts did perform there. Typically, such events were billed as club shows or local concerts.
Cover charges were generally modest – small local bars often have $5–$15 covers for live bands, with club nights sometimes free or a few dollars at the door. Bar 2013 did not use major ticketing platforms; fans usually bought entry at the venue. (Since the club has closed, of course, no current events are scheduled.)
Tickets and Booking
Bar 2013 did not have an official ticket booth or online box office. Most events were advertised through local flyers or social media, and tickets (if any) were sold at the door. For example, the one confirmed event listing (Conkarah & Rosie, June 2019) shows no advance ticket sale, implying patrons paid on arrival www.ticketfairy.com . In practice, casual club nights often had no entry fee, while bigger shows might charge a small cover. The bar rarely appeared on ticket sites, so regulars usually “just showed up” or inquired locally. As of 2025, Bar 2013 is closed , so no tickets or bookings are now available.
Seating and Layout
Inside, Bar 2013 was a compact single-room venue. There was only one main floor with a small stage or DJ booth at one end and a bar on the side. Reviews describe the space as intimate – “small but great for gigs” – meaning there were few fixed seats. Patrons typically stood or milled at high tables; a few stools lined the bar. There was no large balcony or separate VIP area. For viewing acts, the best spots were up front near the stage or along the edges of the dance floor, where you’d be part of the crowd. Further back (or against the rear wall) was quieter, but still fairly close; no seat was truly “bad” in such a small room. In short, Bar 2013 was general admission – come early if you want front-row standing (and note there were no reserved tickets or seating charts).
Getting There and Parking
Bar 2013 Hastings was located at 101 Karamu Road South, Hastings (near the corner of Karamu Rd and Park St) . This is just off the main Heretaunga Street near downtown. If driving, several parking options exist: most street parking in central Hastings is metered daytime. For instance, the block of Karamu Road opposite the bar (around number 120) has a pay-and-display lot with about 5 spaces – $2.50 per hour (maximum 2 hours, Mon–Fri 8am–6pm) . Outside business hours (evenings and weekends) this parking is free . Other side streets (Heretaunga Street, Russell Street, etc.) also have short-term metered parking or free spots after hours. There is a council carpark a block away on Heretaunga Street for longer stays.
Public transport to Bar 2013 is limited (Hawke’s Bay has no train service). InterCity buses terminate at the city’s main stop – opposite the Subway at 117 Russell Street – which is about a 5–10 minute walk. Local buses (the Hawké’s Bay TANK service) run along Heretaunga Street; you could get off at a stop near Karamu Road and walk a block or two south. Taxis and rideshares (Uber/Hop) can easily drop you off at the venue’s street number or nearby on Heretaunga St East. Overall, Bar 2013 was very walkable from Hastings CBD, so many patrons arrived on foot or by brief taxi/bus rides.
Inside the Venue
The vibe inside Bar 2013 was that of a classic city sports bar-turned-nightclub. Walls were likely adorned with sports and music memorabilia, multiple TV monitors showed game coverage, and colored lights and a professional sound system powered the music. Reviewers often noted the friendly, energetic staff – one even called the bartenders “beautiful legends” . The bar served a wide range of drinks (beers on tap, mixed spirits, cocktails), and likely had a small kitchen area for pub snacks (typical for a sports bar) though its emphasis was more on drinks and dancing than dining.
There were restrooms inside, a coat rack near the entrance (common in NZ bars), and a no-frills coat check wasn’t provided. Security or door staff were present on busy nights (reviews mention “good” or “friendly” door staff). The atmosphere was usually loud and lively – R&B or dance music late into the night, with people chatting at the bar or dancing in front of the DJ. One visitor summed it up as “always a vibe, great bar staff… an RnB night spot” . In short, expect a dark room with a central bar counter, standing and dancing room, screaming hits from the speakers, and an upbeat crowd.
Nearby Amenities
Because it sat in Hastings’ downtown core, Bar 2013 had many amenities steps away. Within a couple of blocks on Karamu and Heretaunga Streets you’ll find numerous eateries, cafes, and pubs. For example, Italian Sazio Pasta Bar is only about 150m up the road , and Currizza’s (an Indian/pizza fusion place) is adjacent to it . The Asian-fusion spot Fun Buns is a short walk to the northwest , and the Focal Point Cinema & Café (with casual dining in a movie-theatre setting) is just ~100m away . For coffee or quick bites, Bay Espresso (141 Karamu Rd) is practically next door .
There are also several other pubs and bars on Heretaunga Street (the main strip) if you want to bar-hop. Lodgings are plentiful in central Hastings too – a few motels and inns lie within easy walking distance (CityStop Motel, Distinction Lodge, etc., on nearby streets). If you arrive early, you could grab dinner at any of these local spots. After shows, a 24/7 taxi rank is a few blocks away on Hastings Street if you need a ride home (Uber is less common in smaller NZ cities, so taxis are reliable).
What Makes This Venue Special
Bar 2013 Hastings earned a reputation as one of the last true dance-club venues in old-style Hastings, serving crowds that few other venues catered to. Its mix of late hours, DJs, and inclusive vibe set it apart. Reviewers often noted that it appealed to Pacific Islander and Māori communities with its R&B and reggae nights – a niche not covered by most local pubs. One online fan even lamented “not many bars or clubs around anymore – [this] place deserves 5 stars” , showing how unique it was in town. The bar was effectively a modern-stage version of the old Billy’s Bar, continuing a tradition of live music and karaoke in Hastings . Patrons regularly praised the “friendly bar staff” and welcoming social atmosphere inherited from Billy’s . In sum, Bar 2013 stood out for its lively, community-oriented energy and for keeping late-night live music alive in Hastings.
Visitor Tips and Information
*Accessibility:* Bar 2013 was a ground-floor bar with step-free street access, so it was relatively easy to enter. However, it was in an older building, so wheelchair users should check ahead on restroom options. Being compact, the main area was flat but can get crowded. If mobility is a concern, try to arrive early when it’s emptier or call ahead to check specifics (as of late 2022 it has closed and no updated access info is available).
*What to Bring:* Always carry a valid ID (18+ only after 8pm, per NZ law). Cash or card for drinks is essential. Dress casually – no special formal wear is needed (jeans and T-shirts are fine, but smart casual is always safe for nightlife). In cooler months bring a jacket; there was no coat check. Earplugs are a good idea if you’re sensitive to loud music. Phones and small cameras were fine (in fact, snapping memories was encouraged unless otherwise noted by organizers).
*Common Pitfalls:* Don’t expect seating: this was mainly a standing-room venue. Large backpacks or professional video cameras might be discouraged (security could ask for smaller bags). Late arrivals risk scarce space – for big shows it helped to get there early, as capacity was limited. Also, be mindful of parking time limits if you’re driving (the pay meter is 2-hour max during the day ). Finally, check closing times as it typically followed local liquor-licensing hours (last drinks around 2am, though in practice events ended by about 1–1:30am).
*Age and Rules:* It was strictly 18+ when alcohol was served. There was no official dress code beyond “clean and tidy” (nothing too scruffy or offensive). Outside drinks or food were not allowed – only purchases from the bar were admitted. Smoking must be done outside in designated areas (New Zealand law bans indoor smoking). Follow NZ club etiquette (queue politely, no surging, be respectful of others).
Note that Bar 2013 is no longer open — the tips above apply to its operation before late 2022 . Visitors interested in Hastings nightlife should treat this historical info as background rather than live planning advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bar 2013 Hastings still open?
No – Bar 2013 Hastings closed permanently in late 2022 . It is listed as “Permanently Closed” on travel guides , so you cannot visit it now. This guide describes the venue as it was before closing.
What was the address of Bar 2013 Hastings?
Bar 2013 was located at 101 Karamu Road South, Hastings (corner of Karamu Rd and Park St) . Some older listings erroneously show a Heretaunga St address , but all recent sources (including local news) confirm the Karamu Rd location .
What kind of events did Bar 2013 Hastings host?
Bar 2013 specialized in nightlife entertainment. Over the years it hosted sports broadcasts on TV, weekly DJs (for example, a popular DJ Truse on Fridays) and karaoke nights . It also held occasional live music shows – for instance, a reggae concert featuring Conkarah & Rosie on 29 June 2019 www.ticketfairy.com . In short, expect typical club-style events: dance parties, R&B/Soul nights, karaoke, and the occasional touring act or special theme night.
How did ticketing or entry work at Bar 2013?
Bar 2013 did not use an official ticketing platform. For most nights, cover charges were small (often pay-at-door only). If a particular show was scheduled, tickets were usually announced via local social media or flyers and sold at the venue’s door或 through local promoter. For example, the known 2019 concert was promoted locally with at-door sales www.ticketfairy.com . In general, there was no box office or presale; attendees simply arrived, paid any cover charge at entry, and entered. (Now that the bar has closed , no new tickets are being sold.)
Was seating reserved or general admission?
There were no reserved seats or table bookings at Bar 2013. The layout was a single open space (described as “small but great for gigs” ) with high tables and a dance area. All performances and games were first-come, first-served standing. The best spots were near the stage or dance floor; arriving early helped secure a front position. In short, it was entirely general admission, so plan to stand or walk in as space permits.
Was there parking available at or near Bar 2013 Hastings?
Yes. Street parking runs along Karamu Road and side streets. For example, the block at 120 Karamu Rd (just north of the bar) has a pay-and-display lot with ~5 spaces (2-hour max) at about $2.50/hour . Importantly, parking is free outside business hours (evenings and weekends). Additional metered spaces line Heretaunga St East and nearby roads, and a council car park on Heretaunga St (a few blocks away) offers longer-term parking. When heading to Bar 2013, always check the parking signs – most city parking is metered during the day but free at night.
What public transit goes to Bar 2013 Hastings?
Hastings has limited bus service. The main hub is at 117 Russell Street (across from Subway), where InterCity coaches arrive daily . From there, it’s a short 5–10 minute walk to Karamu Road. Local TANK buses (Green, Purple, etc.) stop on nearby Heretaunga Street East; you could alight there and walk a block or two to the bar. Otherwise, taxis or rideshares can drop you off directly at the venue (request Karamu Rd or Heretaunga corner). The venue is centrally located, so most transit options require just a brief walk from Hastings CBD stops.
What is the age restriction at Bar 2013 Hastings?
Bar 2013 was licensed as a bar/nightclub, so the minimum age was 18 years for entry (if alcohol was being served). By NZ law, after about 8pm only over-18s are admitted, and ID (passport or NZ driver’s license) was routinely checked at the door. Essentially, it functioned like a typical club: no one under 18 admitted after early evening hours. If it had operated today, the 18+ rule would apply as well.
What was the dress code at Bar 2013 Hastings?
The dress code was very casual. Patrons typically wore jeans, T-shirts, sneakers or similar. There was no formal requirement – Tampa style was acceptable (though extremely ragged or offensive attire would likely have been discouraged). In short, wear neat casual clothing; dress shoes or smart casual gear were not required the way they might be at higher-end clubs. The important thing was being respectful of the venue and other guests.
Could I bring cameras or use my phone inside Bar 2013?
Yes, personal cameras and smartphones were generally allowed. Many patrons took photos or videos of the DJs and crowd. As with any club, video cameras on tripods or professional gear might have needed clearance from management, but normal phone photography was fine. No flashes or tripods were expected – just capture memories organically. (Side note: since Bar 2013 is closed , this mostly concerns memories from when it was open.)
Did Bar 2013 Hastings have food or just drinks?
Bar 2013 was primarily a bar, so its focus was on drinks (beer, wine, spirits). It likely offered basic bar-food items or snacks at most (like fries or platters), but it was not a full-service restaurant. Most patrons came for the nightlife, not dining. If you wanted a full meal before a visit, you’d visit one of the nearby restaurants on Karamu or Heretaunga Streets. Inside Bar 2013 itself, you could expect a drink menu (possibly spirits by the shot, tap beers, and common mixers) and maybe a small snack menu, but nothing elaborate.
Was Bar 2013 wheelchair accessible?
Being a ground-floor city bar, Bar 2013 had level entry from the street (no stairs at the entrance). In that sense the main floor was wheel-chair accessible. However, as an older venue it may not have had fully modern accessible restrooms or other features. Visitors needing accessibility adjustments (ramps, lifts, etc.) were encouraged to call ahead. Overall it should have been easier than multi-level clubs, but resources were limited to a basic single-floor layout.
What happened if I arrived late to a show at Bar 2013?
Since seating was not assigned, arriving late simply meant fewer good spots. If the show was not sold out, you’d still be admitted and could stand at the back or side. For popular events, it was best to arrive early (the venue was “small but great for gigs” , so popular nights could fill quickly). Entry usually stayed open until peak hours (often 11pm-12am), but if capacity was full, staff may have paused entry. The key tip: to see the stage or get near the bar, plan to come early.
Were there any nearby alternates to Bar 2013 Hastings?
Since Bar 2013 closed, patrons now visit other local bars and clubs in Hastings. In its heyday, a person might have gone to a neighboring tavern instead, but exact alternatives depend on the night’s style. Today, anyone looking for a similar vibe should explore Hastings’ other late-night venues (though those may have different music styles). Some smaller pubs on Cambridge Terrace or restaurants on Heretaunga Street now host bands, but none replicate Bar 2013’s exact club format.
Was Bar 2013 previously known by another name?
Yes. Before adopting the Bar 2013 name, the venue was known as “Billy’s Bar”. In fact, news reports explicitly refer to “Bar 2013 (formerly Billy’s Bar)” when covering its final night . Billy's Bar had its own loyal following for live music and karaoke in Hastings. In 2022 the staff announced they would not renew the lease and rebranded Billy’s as Bar 2013, but kept much of the same entertainment focus .
Why was there a shotgun incident at Bar 2013 Hastings?
On one final night (November 2022), a stray shotgun round was fired at the bar’s entrance just after closing time. According to police reports, it was the result of random gunfire from a passing car . Thankfully no one was injured. This incident was unrelated to anything the bar itself did; it was just an unlucky event on a night when Bar 2013 was already about to shut its doors permanently.
What does the name “Bar 2013” mean?
The exact origin of the name isn’t publicized, but it was the name of the operating company. Bar 2013 Limited was incorporated in 2014 (business registration records list a Hastings office) . It may simply have been a memorable brand name chosen at opening. It does not refer to the address (which is 101 Karamu Rd) or a highway number. There’s no official “2013” significance beyond the company name.
