Summer in the city is here! ☀️
We’re partnering with community groups across Hamilton Kirikiriroa to bring the central city to life with a vibrant lineup of activities for all ages.
Events run until 8 March and include:
- Pop up skate park
For the full list of events, visit hamilton.govt.nz/summerinthecity
Looking for something exciting to keep the kids busy next week? Week 2 of our school holiday programme brings science and art together for a creative, hands-on experience at Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum & Gallery. The perfect way to learn, play, and create during the holidays.
⚫ 19 - 23 January 2026, 9am - 3pm
⚫ $50 per child per day, or $225 per child for a full week (use the code SUMMER26 at check out).
⚫ Spaces are limited, so book now: https://bit.ly/3LdjGBj
Celebrate the Return of Riff Raff!
Join RICHARD O'BRIEN as he re-unveils the Riff Raff Statue in the new Embassy Park, on the evening of Valentines Day, Saturday 14 February.
Come along in Rocky Horror costume and be ready to jump to the left and step to the right!
ALSO CELEBRATING…
50 YEARS OF THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW!
21 YEARS OF THE RIFF RAFF STATUE!
FREE EVENT! LET’S DO THE TIME WARP AGAIN!
7.30pm-11.00pm, Saturday 14 February 2026.
Embassy Park, now the plaza for the new Waikato Regional Theatre, south end of Victoria Street, Kirikiriroa-Hamilton.
7.30pm One Man Hit Squad plays a few tunes to warm us up.
8.00pm Sambatron brings the carnival.
8.30pm RICHARD O’BRIEN arrives and re-unveils the Riff Raff Statue, and we all DO THE TIME WARP AGAIN!
9.00pm The Rocky Horror Picture Show screens, with Hot and Flustered shadow cast.
All welcome, though event may not be suitable for children.
WHY IS RIFF RAFF RETURNING, WHERE HAS HE BEEN?
The Riff Raff Statue left Embassy Park when it closed in October 2021 to allow the building of the new Waikato Regional Theatre next door. He was outside the Waikato Museum from March 2022 to July 2024, but has been in hiding since then.
Riff Raff will be re-installed in December and the Park will re-open in time for the opening of the new Theatre on 19 January 2026 (it is not possible to keep him under cover from then until this celebration, but we all know what he looks like anyway).
The statue will be positioned further back from the street than previously, will now be left of centre at the back of the upper square.
Riff Raff Cam will be re-activated at the event, for the first time since Embassy Park closed in 2021.
Join us for a fantastic evening celebrating Chinese New Year with a Dragon & Lion Dance, Magic Show, Chinese Martial Arts, Live Cultural Performances & Food Stalls.
Saturday 28th February 2026
Event from 6pm with food stalls from 4pm
Garden Place
Free Event
Brought to you by Waikato Chinese Cultural and Art Centre, Love the Centre and SkyCity Hamilton.
If you would like to enquire about having a food stall at the event, please email info@waikatoweekly.co.nz
Super Smash at Seddon Park | Tuesday 20 January, Seddon Park, Hamilton
Super Smash is back for the final home double-header at Seddon Park!
Watch the Northern Brave Men and Women take on the Central Hinds and Central Stags.
Bring your friends and whānau for a fun-filled afternoon/evening of big hits, cricket excitement, and summer vibes!
Double-Header
2.10pm - Northern Brave (W) v Central Hinds
5.55pm - Northern Brave (M) v Central Stags
Ticket Pricing:
Adult $10
Child (5-14 years) - one free child with every paying adult; additional child $5
Under 5 - free
Unfurnished room for hire/rent upstairs at Fastlane Fitness. Ideal for businesses in the health and fitness industry
Soda’s Business Fundamentals Growth Lab, powered by Deloitte, is a practical eight-week programme designed especially for wāhine founders and women-led startups or small businesses.
Combining online learning with in-person expert-led sessions, the Growth Lab will guide participants through the essentials of starting, managing, and growing a business - from financial foundations to marketing and strategy.
Participants will join a supportive community of like-minded wāhine and gain valuable tools to accelerate growth. The programme concludes with a Pitch Night, where participants can showcase their business and compete for a $2,000 cash prize.
