Toro atu ki ngaa tinitakunetanga.
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.
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TUESDAY QUIZ NIGHTS AT IGUANA!
From 7pm on Tuesday, 19th August, Iguana's Garden Bar will be transforming into QUIZ NIGHT – EVERY TUESDAY!
Hosts Albie and Eddie @quiznzuk will be bringing the laughs, the challenges and trivia for what's guaranteed to be a fantastic night.
Book by calling 07 834 2280 or email info@iguana.co.nz
Max 8 players per team
7pm start
Cash prizes for 1st and 2nd
Full food and bar service (including daily deals!)
Get your team together and come and join the fun!

26 September
31 October
28 November
Join us on the last Friday of every month (except December) for a relaxed morning at the Museum designed especially for whaanau with babies and pre-school aged children.
Enjoy a welcoming space to connect with others and explore the galleries at your own pace. We'll be in a different gallery every month and our friendly team will be on hand to answer questions and help you feel at home.
Whether you're new to Hamilton or just looking for a gentle outing, this is a great way to enjoy art and culture in a baby-friendly environment.

Held on the second Friday of every month (excluding December).
Take a creative lunch break to explore art through poetry.
These free drop-in poetry sessions are the perfect way for beginners and poetry lovers alike to explore their creativity.
With a focus on ekphrasis (poetry written in response to art), this is a fun and creative experience that is about expression, not perfection.
Be inspired by our exhibitions and explore new ways to look at art and language.
What to expect
Educator and poet Cassandra Barnett will introduce easy poetry techniques and prompts, help you see and connect with works of art, and encourage you to find your own creative voice.
Wander the galleries with pencil and paper, and support on hand, and poem what you see.
Poetry prompts
If you can’t join the lunchtime session, drop in at any time on the day of Poetry in the Galleries and pick up a poetry prompt. Let the galleries guide your words and enjoy writing at your own pace.

The legendary Yamaha Rollo's Marine Bridge 2 Bridge Water Ski Classic is racing back to the mighty Waikato River this November, promising an unforgettable weekend of high-speed action and world-class competition!
Mark your calendars for 7-9 November 2025 as New Zealand's premier water ski racing event celebrates another year of pushing boundaries on the challenging course between Cambridge and Taupiri. Based in Hamilton, this iconic event draws competitors and spectators from across the country and beyond.
Attention racers and teams! Entries for this year's event are now open but will close on 25th October 2025. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or ready to take on the challenge for the first time, now's your chance to be part of this thrilling tradition.
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Hamilton City Brass presents Peter and the Wolf, an interactive musical adventure about a brave boy, a cunning wolf, and a few surprising animal friends.
Peter needs your help! Bring your toys along to match the characters: Maybe a bird, duck, cat, wolf, Grandpa, Peter himself, or even the hunters. The music tells the story and you will help bring it to life with your toys!
This is a concert for people of all ages – experience the magic of a brass band up close and personal, including the opportunity to walk right through the middle of the band while they play.

Fashion For a Cause – A Night of Style, Culture & Purpose
The countdown has begun!
We’re just days away from Fashion for a Cause 2025 — a glamorous evening filled with style, purpose, and community spirit!
Join us for an unforgettable evening of fashion with heart at Fashion for a Cause, proudly presented by Rudra Entertainment and Rupal Solanki in support of St. John New Zealand.
This one-of-a-kind multicultural fashion show will showcase the incredible talent of local and emerging designers, featuring stunning collections from ethnic to modern and fusion styles.
But this event is more than just a runway. It is a celebration of creativity, diversity, and community spirit. A portion of all proceeds will go directly towards supporting St. John New Zealand, helping them continue their life-saving work across Aotearoa.
Expect an evening filled with inspiring designer showcases, live entertainment, cultural performances, red carpet moments, and a meaningful cause that brings fashion and community together.
Come dressed to impress, enjoy the glamour, and be part of a night that truly makes a difference.
Limited seats available – book your tickets now.

t Doesn’t Matter Where you Sit, as long as you’re there!
Prepare to be spellbound by the mesmerising live encounter of Cael O'Donnell – With his signature magnetic stage presence, Cael is gracing our town for one-night-only. Get ready for an evening filled with Psychic ability that’s absolutely unmissable! Cael, the Psychic everyone's talking about with 1 million followers worldwide and featured regularly on Australian TV, is set to captivate you with heartfelt messages that touch your soul and lift your spirits.
He's not just a psychic; he possesses a gift that's often described as “off the charts”. Picture a night where hope takes centre stage – this isn't just 'another psychic show'; it's an unforgettable experience that will have you buzzing with excitement and reminiscing with mates for decades to come!

Ethno Chronicles is a collection of seven short documentaries exploring the rich tapestry of cultures, identities, and creative expression that shape Aotearoa New Zealand’s diverse communities. Filmmaker Fabrice Coquet brings together voices from different corners of Aotearoa — locals and immigrants united by creativity, resilience, and the desire to share their stories.
Each short film opens a window into a life: Alister, a tattoo artist from Borneo keeping ancestral designs alive in new forms; Pepa Torre from Cádiz, who threads her Spanish heritage through her New Zealand community; Ashok, an Indian photographer handing cameras to children so they can capture their own worlds; Sheetul, a Mauritian dancer moving to the timeless rhythms of kathak; Diego from Bahia, blending Brazilian and Kiwi influences into a vibrant creative language; Oriwa from Putaruru, bringing Māori stories to life through puppetry; and Sambatron, a joyous collective where people from every corner of the world connect through music.
Projected across seven screens, Ethno Chronicles invites audiences to step into the worlds of those who bridge cultures every day — to listen, reflect, and connect through story. The exhibition is both a celebration of diversity and a quiet meditation on what it means to belong, create, and share across cultures.
Ethno Chronicles is produced by Koké Films and hosted by the Nancy Caiger Gallery at The Meteor Theatre, Hamilton.
Exhibition dates: 12–29 November 2025, open Wednesday – Saturday from 11am-2pm.
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The Ultimate Wine & Dine Experience!
Embark on an unforgettable culinary journey through multiple venues, delighting in delectable dishes and crafted drinks at every stop. Join us for an evening where every bite tells a story!
This isn't just a dinner it's an adventure to discover your new favourite dining destinations. Half the thrill is in the mystery where you won't discover which outstanding eateries you'll be experiencing until the evening unfolds before you.
Date 13 November
Time 6pm
Tickets $180pp
Tickets are limited – secure yours now for this one of a kind mystery dining tour led by Julia Clarke from Dine with Jules!
For ticket enquiries email withjulesnz@gmail.com

Fast-paced, funny, surprising, and just a little bit strange, Unconscious is a brand-new play premiering at The Meteor.
On the surface, it follows Sophia Ignari, a young biotech founder under pressure. But as the story unfolds, the mechanics of her mind are revealed. It’s theatre that is sharp, entertaining, and layered with weird ideas.
Think Inside Out (for adults) meets Severance.
At its heart, Unconscious is about psychological trauma, but told in a way that makes you laugh, keeps you guessing, and sparks conversations we often avoid.
This premiere production has been shaped by a team of 20+ Waikato creatives, all working together to bring a brand new story to the stage.

15 November - Grand Debut with the Frozen Princesses
29 November - Superhero Saturday with Spidey and Friends
17 & 31 January
14 & 28 February
14 & 28 March
Characters will be confrmed soon!
Please note characters can change based on availability. In the event of rain Stories will be held in the central city library. This event is brought to you by Love the Centre, Enchanted Entertainment and Hamilton City Libraries.

Roots Rising Tour – Presented by Titan Entertainment
Get ready for Roots Rising Tour, hitting Aotearoa across four incredible locations!
This is a tour you don’t want to miss, featuring three of Aotearoa’s most soulful and powerful reggae acts — House of Shem, Son and Water, and Brutha Rodz — bringing uplifting energy, rich harmonies, and authentic roots music to the stage.
House of Shem are back and stronger than ever, performing all their classic hits alongside brand new music that’s been making waves across the country.
Joining them is Son and Water, led by the legendary Jamie Ferguson — the saxophonist and songwriter behind many of Katchafire’s biggest hits. Now performing alongside his sons, Jamie and the band are creating fresh, inspiring sounds that are capturing hearts all over Aotearoa.
Adding to the lineup is Brutha Rodz, a true roots reggae storyteller known for his smooth vocals, conscious lyrics, and powerful live performances that connect deeply with the crowd.
This will be the first time Son and Water perform in many of these cities, making it an extra special experience for fans of real Aotearoa roots reggae
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