A jazz carnival vibe took over Katikati on Saturday as the town kicked off the Port of Tauranga 60^th National Jazz Festival with a street party.

Musicians served up soulful sounds and entertained crowds of people who also enjoyed food, market stalls and kids' entertainment.

The weather didn't dampen the part vibe as Katikati's Main Road jived with busker style performances and unique food and market stalls from 11am - 2pm.

Musicians and performers entertained the crowds at Saturday's Katikati Street Party. Photo: Supplied.

Musicians Jacob Scott, Jake Preston, Tom Ashe and Wildlanes and street performers Skew Wiff and Thames High Troupe entertained the crowds attending the Katch Katikati-run event, which is the first top on the National Jazz Festival calendar.

There were also face painters, puppeteers, balloon artists amongst the live music and street performers.

Musicians and performers entertained the crowds at Saturday's Katikati Street Party. Photo: Supplied.

'A great day! The museum was heaving, 330 plus visitors,” says a Western Bay Museum spokesperson. 'Our original fire engineer on the forecourt, stalls in the playground and live music alongside Little Flick was a recipe for success! Thanks Katch Katikati.”

Musician Jake Preston performing at the Katikati Street Party.

The National Jazz Festival continues this week with ‘Unforgettable – the Nat King Cole Story' on stage until Wednesday, and the 45^th National Youth Jazz Competition starting on Tuesday April 4 and running to Thursday April 6.

There are more bands and performances during the week, leading up to Good Friday, April 7, where it's time to head to the TECT Jazz Village in 17^th Avenue.

The Downtown Carnival takes over downtown Tauranga on Saturday and Sunday April 8 and 9, with the Jazz Sunset Cruise out on the Tauranga harbour.

This year, the festival will be also spreading to Mount Maunganui on Easter Monday with a vintage car parade and a day of great music in the centre of Mount Maunganui's main shopping area.

For more information on the Port of Tauranga 60^th National Jazz Festival go to www.jazz.org.nz

Musicians and performers entertained the crowds at Saturday's Katikati Street Party. Photo: Supplied.

Tom Ashe entertaining the crowds at Saturday's Katikati Street Party. Photo: Supplied.

Musicians and performers entertained the crowds at Saturday's Katikati Street Party. Photo: Supplied.

Plenty of delicious food options at Katikati's Street Party on Saturday. Photo: Supplied.

Musicians and performers entertained the crowds at Saturday's Katikati Street Party. Photo: Supplied.