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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Get ready for a massive night of groove, rhythm, and energetic music!
Versailles is bringing their electrifying mix of reggae, dub, and funk—seasoned with tasteful jazz influences—for a high-energy set that will keep you moving. They'll be playing some fresh, brand-new original material, along with a selection of well-known covers that will have you singing along!
Opening the show is the incredibly talented Sahara, the winner of Rockquest 2025. Her captivating solo singer-songwriter performance will perfectly set the stage for an evening of unforgettable entertainment.
A jam-packed show with tons of energy and entertainment to offer—you don't want to miss this!

Celebrating 80 Years Running! Eight decades of community spirit, the iconic course, and shared memories!
Don’t miss your chance to be part of history.
Every year thousands of runners and walkers descend upon Hamilton City Centre for one of NZ's oldest and most beloved annually contested events, Lugton's Round the Bridges!
Established in 1945 by the Hamilton Harrier Club (now known as Hamilton City Hawks), Lugton's Round the Bridges started out as a road race designed to showcase some of NZ's top athletes, with past participants having included Barry Magee, Peter Snell and Dick Quax. Given its popularity, the event grew from strength to strength, eventually becoming the fantastic community event you see today!
Nowadays the event welcomes people of all shapes and sizes, from primary school students right through to running legends. With finisher's medals for every participant, on-course musical entertainment and thousands of fun-loving runners and walkers, Lugton's Round The Bridges offers an awesome day out which the entire family can enjoy.

Luke Kidgell continues new World Tour in New Zealand in 2025!
Luke is known for his viral crowd-work interactions that often lead to some fairly unusual, yet hilarious encounters. Despite not having much control over his impulsive thoughts, Luke insists that deep down he means well, and this year he’s on a mission to prove it.
After touring Australia, the US, Canada, & Europe Luke is coming back to New Zealand with his brand-new show Good Intentions. This is not one to miss!
You’ve seen him on the internet, now it’s time to see him in real life, as Luke tries to prove that he really does have Good Intentions.

Australian Irish dancing touring company PACE LIVE is bringing all the craic of an Irish Christmas to New Zealand with their high-octane show, A Celtic Christmas! The cast features Auckland champion Irish dancer Keely O’Grady, who was the 2024 New Zealand & International Rose of Tralee; and Christchurch champion Irish dancer Mitchell O’Hara. These New Zealand locals will perform alongside world-class musicians and exceptional Irish dancers to bring New Zealand audiences the very best in the industry, including world champion dancers from international hit shows such as Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. The family show brings the heart-warming spirit of an Irish Christmas into a feel-good extravaganza filled with laughter, Christmas cheer, and the pure joy of the festive season for the whole family to enjoy. The show has recently enjoyed a hit on off-Broadway in 2024, and will tour across the North and South Island of New Zealand throughout November and December 2025.
Audiences can immerse themselves in the magnificence of Christmas in Ireland as they are transported to a land where energetic music and dance embody the beating heart of good craic! This feel-good show aims to give audiences a bit of Irish charm and features a company featuring over 15 of the world’s leading Irish performers and musicians. Featuring a powerful mix of traditional tunes, heartfelt ballads and all your favourite carols, A Celtic Christmas combines incredible music with jaw-dropping dance talent in an unforgettable night of storytelling and Irish charm.
Two Shows:
17th November, 2025 (Mon) 7:30pm
17th November, 2025 (Mon) 3:30pm

Seddon Park will host the BLACKCAPS and West Indies in their 3rd ODI match of the series on Saturday, 22 November 2025.
Caribbean flair meets Kiwi fire.
BLACKCAPS v West Indies – tickets on sale now.
Big hits. Big names. Big series. Feel the electric atmosphere, soak up the summer vibes, and enjoy world-class cricket right here at home.
It’s the perfect day out for whānau, mates, or anyone who loves the game. These matches will be crowd favourites – secure your tickets now!
For hospitality packages and enquiries contact charlotte@ndca.co.nz

Te Kawau Toi | Wintec Performing Arts students, under the direction of Kyle Chuen, present The Witches of Eastwick. Written by John Dempsy and Dana P. Rowe, this devilishly dark comedy musical is based on the classic 1987-film.
In the sleepy New England town of Eastwick, three (not-so-wicked) witches Alexandra Spofford, Sukie Rougemont and Jane Smart are divorcees feeling trapped in their everyday humdrum lives. One stormy night, high on Martinis and brownies, they make a crazy wish for the man of their dreams. When Darryl Horne arrives, they quickly find out their wish has consequences they could never have imagine.

Get ready for an unforgettable night as we light up the Christmas tree for the first time. This exciting event promises a night of festive fun and dazzling lights! Join us in Garden Place on Saturday, 29 November, from 5pm to 9pm. We’ll have food trucks, various characters, face painting, balloon art and live entertainment! Don’t forget your picnic blankets. Stay tuned, the full programme will be available soon.

Fair Enough’s Mākete Kirihimete is on again for 2025! Join us at Garden Place and Te Koopuu Maania o Kirikiriroa (Hamilton Central Library) on the 30th of November to celebrate Waikato’s mahi toi, local artists, live music, and kapa haka.
Artist applications still open: https://forms.gle/n32Jgkf5rgYAFMsJ7

Pop Up Stalls | Special Eats | Choir Performance
Last year was a hit, let’s do it again. See you down The Riverbank Lane this Christmas.

7th December, 2025 (Sun) 1:00pm7th December, 2025 (Sun) 4:00pm
Directions Dance Academy's annual Dance Show: The Four Elements.
Dancers of all ages will showcase a variety of styles including jazz, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre and hip hop as they portray the elements of Earth, Water, Air and Fire.
From toe-tapping music, through to dazzling costumes, this is a spectacle which will delight the entire family.

The annual First Credit Union Christmas Parade is a must do Christmas experience for the young and young at heart. Come and join us for the festival fantasy as around 80-90 floats parade down Anglesea Street in central Hamilton.
This years’ beloved holiday parade features colourful grand floats representing the unique communities of Hamilton. Come and join us to see crazy characters, lively marching bands, dance group, ethnic groups, characters, amazing character balloons, and of course Santa Claus!
The Parade starts at the corner of Rostrevor and Anglesea Streets, travels down Anglesea Street, and ends at the corner of Anglesea and Knox Streets. The length of the route is 1.2km.

Fire up the hot glue gun, mix up your paint pots, and sharpen your scissors! Whether you’re having yourself a Mini Little Christmas, or your tree puts the T in OTT, we want you to show us what the season means to you!
Tree registrations will close at 5pm on Saturday 15th November or until we reach our max number - so please get in quick!
The Trees at The Meteor exhibition will run from 10th-19th December 2025.
More info coming soon.
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13 & 20 December
Bring the whole whānau to Garden Place for a fun filled day in the heart of the city!
There will be giant games and puzzles, face painting, and the magical Enchanted Characters Spider-Man and Tinker Bell on the 13th and Elsa and Holly the Christmas Elf on the 20th.
Santa will be joining the festivities too so don’t forget your camera for some unforgettable photo opportunities.
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10 Garden Place,
Hamilton Central