The annual outdoor celebration featuring some of New Zealand's best craft food, beer and wine is making a welcome return Mount Maunganui today.

On The Lawn returns with organisers promising a vast line-up of passionate foodies and brewers on hand to deliver a quality craft brewery experience in an outdoor ‘Sunday session' environment.

'Once again, our goal is to create a fun, engaging and classy outdoor food and drink experience in New Zealand's iconic holiday getaway,” says event director Rachelle Duffy.

'We are expecting more than 10,000 guests from all over Central North Island to make the most of the long weekend.”

Good George Brewing will be trialling a chocolate-inspired beer available in limited quantities. Other well-known brands, including Tuatara Beer, Zeffer Cider and award-winning Mount Brewing Co will be showcasing more than 30 different beers and ciders during four tasting sessions throughout the day.

'The event will also see the return of some of New Zealand's best food trucks in a dedicated gourmet food area called Gasoline Alley, which will be specialising in cuisine from around the world matched to selected beers, wines and ciders available from the tasting tent,” says Rachelle.

'Plus live music from the main stage and pop-up acoustic music around the event will create a well-rounded culinary and festival experience.”

This year, event organisers have added ‘The Wine Room' for people keen on sampling the latest wines from a collection of Tauranga vineyards in a sophisticated setting.

'Many will be pleased to hear we are also introducing the On the Lawn ‘Country Club,' featuring a six-hole Mount Maunganui Mini-Putt, with themed holes designed around iconic Bay of Plenty locations – plus a selection of popular lawn games including table-tennis and croquet,” says Rachelle.

'There will be competitions during the event for punters to compete for an upgrade to the VIP zone and the Country Club will be offering non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day.”

Sweet Mix Kids and Sal Valentine and the Babyshakes, award-winning musicians Sola Rosa have been confirmed for the main stage, as well as legendary Wellington MC and instrumentalist Olmecha Supreme Sound System. More headline acts will be announced soon.

On the Lawnis at Blake Park on Sunday, January 31, from 1pm-10pm.