Since their debut in 1935, The Count Basie Orchestra has continued to shake up the world of jazz with its Kansas City-inspired take on the big band.
Join the Hamilton Big Band’s roster of musicians and soloists as we pay tribute to the legendary composer, pianist, and bandleader William “Count” Basie, as well as timeless collaborators including Neal Hefti, Sammy Nestico, and Quincy Jones.
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Mark you calendar - Hamilton Central is the place to be this October!
Tickets from $20
Step into Exscite after dark for a Halloween adventure like no other. Hear ghost stories around the campfire, follow the trick-or-treat trail, and enjoy free face painting for all ages.
Activity for the whole family!
We'll have activity stations for the whole family, including code-cracking and treat-bag making.
Follow the trick-or-treat trail and collect stamps to unlock a bag full of treats to take home.
Get into the Halloween spirit with free face painting from our friends at Enchanted Entertainment.
Gather around the campfire in Exscite to hear local ghost stories that will send a shiver down your spine.
Make your own treat bag at our creepy craft station.
Look out for a special guest roaming Exscite for photos.
Come along in costume whether you're a kid or a grown up!
Jeremy Mayall will bring the music, you bring the craft. Bring a project from home to work on or enjoy a drink and soak in the vibes of our latest exhibitions.
29 October onwards
We're very excited to extend our hours for these monthly Open Late sessions.
Instead of closing at 5pm, Te Whare Taonga will be open until 9pm so that you can enjoy the exhibitions after-hours.
With drinks and nibbles available to purchase from our bar, you can get in the groove with a DJ or live music. Each month we'll have a new floor talk or panel discussion to get ideas sparking as you check out the galleries.
For our October session, we'll enjoy a performance by Dr. Jeremy Mayall, composer/performer/innovator and CEO of Creative Waikato. While he performs, you are encouraged to sketch or write or craft to relax. Bring a project to work on from home or enjoy a drink and explore our latest exhibitions.
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.
