Our city centre comes alive with a year-round calendar of exciting events. From cultural festivals to live performances, from food fairs to sporting events, there's always something happening in Hamilton Central.
Submit an eventFeaturing ten characters, three actors, and a band, TICK, TICK… BOOM! takes you on the playwright/composer’s journey that led to the Broadway blockbuster, RENT.
Its 1990 and Jon is on the brink of turning 30. His girlfriend wants to get married and move out of the city, his best friend is making big bucks on Madison Avenue, yet Jon is still waiting on tables and trying to write the great American musical.
An endearing, and thoughtful piece that embraces the universal ideal of holding onto your dreams through life’s most difficult challenges.
For a limited time only, we're offering EARLY BIRD tickets for $30! Come for an evening of humorous songs and relatable characters!
2-5 April 7:30pm- 9pm (6pm and 8:30pm on April 5)
DIRECTOR: Courteney Mayall
MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Nick Braae
CHOREOGRAPHER: Alexis Holmes
Ukulele Death Squad are heading to Hamilton for their first ever New Zealand tour!
About the Squad
Renowned for their explosive live performances, they've garnered international acclaim. They have performed for audiences at festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe, WOMADelaide, Woodford, WOMAD (UK), Boomtown (UK), and Dranouter (Belgium), while also clinching multiple folk awards, including South Australia’s Peoples’ Choice Award for folk in 2023 and 2024.
Over the last 12 months, they've taken their eclectic sound from Berlin clubs to British drum and bass festivals, and regional RSLs across Australia. Their latest release "Baby Don't F*** With Me" blends folk and R&B, boasting addictive hooks and an unparalleled level of groove. With tunes that traverse a unique soundscape of circusesque soul, hip-hop, and heartfelt ballads, their musical versatility knows no bounds. Characterized by chaotic and undeniably fun performances - imagine Quentin Tarantino setting the scene in a Mexican cantina with Ukulele Death Squad providing the backing track. Brace yourself for an exhilarating showcase of showmanship and musical mischief!
"Thumping rhythms, soulful vocals, and outrageous ukulele and sax solos." - Happy Mag
“Quentin Tarantino-esque Spanish flamenco punk-style music” - ABC
“Attitude, swagger, style and sense of humour” - InDaily
“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars…”
The Mad Ones—the critically acclaimed o-Broadway hit musical — makes its New Zealand debut with an exclusive three-show run in Hamilton!
Samantha Brown stands before her driveway. In her hand rests a key to a truck that isn’t hers. Behind her is a senior year that is anything but ordinary — love, loss, conflicts, and trauma — and ahead of her is an uncertain future. With her best friend and force-of-chaos Kelly by her side, only one thing is certain: if they’re gonna go, they’ve gotta go tonight.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience this tale of friendship, self-discovery, and monumental decisions, featuring some of Waikato’s best musicians.
Directed by Zachary Clarke
Music by Ye-Gon Ryoo
Featuring Ella Veitch, Jonty Climo, Nicole Cameron, and Rachael Bloemendal as Sam
A week long festival celebration of all things wacky and weird!
Hamilton Kirikiriroa Festival of Weird will be all about celebrating our vibrant creative scene, taking over public spaces and places with everything from cringe to fringe arts!
This festival is a platform for local and national grassroots arts, giving both emerging and established artists a chance to bring their wild ideas to life. So, get ready, all you wonderful weirdos, misfits, and everything in between-the Hamilton Festival of Weirds coming to the heart of the city, and we want you to be part of the fun!
And remember, keep being awesome and stay WEIRD!
Individuals and groups are invited to take part by creating chalk art in the central city. It’s all happening on Saturday 01 March from 10-2.With plenty of prizes up for grabs it’s easy to join in the fun. Free to enter, all the chalk is provided so just turn up with some creative ideas! It's Hamilton Children's Day so there'll be LOTS more happening right across Garden Place, so bring the family.
An annual event that provides the opportunity for families and their children to engage in activities.
Saturday 1 March
Garden Place 10am - 2pm
Central Hamilton Library 10am - 2pm
Waikato Museum 10am - 3pm
Gallagher Aquatic Centre - 1pm - 3pm
Sunday 2 March
Waterworld 1pm - 3pm
Free bus to all events - just tell your driver!
This is an event not to be missed, let’s come together and celebrate our children and whaanau!
The event organisers are aiming for a waste minimisation event, please bring your drink bottle and pack-it-in and pack-it-out picnic.
Dragon & Lion Dance, Magic Show, Live Cultural Performances & Food Stalls.
Event from 6pm with food stalls from 4pm.
If you would like to enquire about having a food stall at the event, please email info@waikatoweekly.co.nz
You can discover different Japanese flavors with us in this course night.
Invite your friends and family and book via their social media page DM
***They cannot acommodate any allergy or dietary in this course menu.
They cannot accept any cancelation on the day ***
Join us for a fun night of laughter and connection through board gaming. Recommended age 23 - 49 years old.
Speed dating meets board gaming. Tired of swiping right but still haven't found the right person?? Come join us for a night of speed dating with a twist. You will be seated in a group of 4 to play some quick and easy board games, after 15-20 minutes, you will be switched and move around. There will be a time to mix with a bigger group too.
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Never miss a beat in Hamilton Central
10 Garden Place,
Hamilton Central