May Events Guide 2026

Sam Buckingham performs at Nivara Lounge for the first time, celebrating her gorgeous new album BEAUTIFUL MACHINE.

Described by Sam as "a love letter to myself, my body, the earth and all of humanity" the new album explores natural systems and the man made systems that interact with and interrupt them.

"As we keep progressing, my only wish is that we remember we ARE the natural world — and we must care for ourselves and each other accordingly.”

Buckingham has performed at Woodford, Wild Village and Queenscliff Music Festivals, and toured with the Festival of Small Halls, Paul Kelly, Katie Noonan, Tim Freedman, The Whitlams, Kasey Chambers, Washington and Ben Lee.

Beautiful Machine debuted at #4 on the ARIA Australian Album Charts and this is her first time touring New Zealand - treating audiences to two acoustic sets.

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Dig out your day-glo leg warmers and head bands and come pay your respects to the closing Nivara Lounge (later this year) with live bands Tron Jovi and Four Tired Dads. They'll play your favourite songs from the 80s and 90s... but mainly the 80s... Ten bucks MIGHT get you 3 measley litres of petrol - here you're guaranteed truck loads of fun, funk, frivolity, and a lifetime of memories. Pull up to the bumper and get into the groove!

We’re excited to announce a show in Hamilton celebrating the release of our new single “Snow White.”
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Join us where we’ll be performing the new track live along with a full set to mark the occasion.
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We’re also stoked to have Skitch Hiker joining us for the night, bringing their own energy to the lineup and making this a stacked bill from start to finish.

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$10 at the door or tickets via UTR
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Rancho Mirage:

A sonic storm that fuses crushing riffs, atmospheric soundscapes, and ethereal vocals into a sound that is both otherworldly and relentless.

With a powerful blend of heavy rock and haunting melodies, the band creates an immersive world of soaring highs and deep, brooding lows.

Formed in Auckland, New Zealand and hailing ex members of Hunt The Witch, Rancho Mirage is built around an unshakable sense of heavy sludgy guitars, deep bass and soaring vocals that seem to rise from somewhere beyond the earthly realm. Each track feels like a journey.
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Skitch Hiker:

Formed in 2020, their sound reflects the punching, rich dark howls of bands like Black Sabbath, Soundgarden, Led Zeppelin to name a few. A blend of anti-war themes with dark, sardonic, surrealist humor makes Skitch Hiker’s identity completely their own.

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The Monthly HaHaHamilton Comedy Lounge at Nivara Lounge is here once again on Wednesday 6th May. This months line up features:

MC: Callum Wagstaff

Katrina McGuinness (The Singing Hobbit)

Mihir Roy

Kia Barnes

Scott McGregor

Manish Latch

Sandra Pace

Flynn Beetham.|
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Doors open 6pm, show 8-10pm.

Get your tickets now $15 +booking fees, or $20 on the door.

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