Events

Come and celebrate the music of the Red Hot Chili Peppers with By The Way, NZs latest and greatest tribute band.

Be prepared to be transported to another galaxy, as the band perform the Chili Peppers greatest hits, with all songs you know and love - By The Way, Otherside, Californication, Under The Bridge…

Playing in Hamilton for one night only at the fabulous Nivara Lounge, doors open from 7pm with the band onstage at 8.30pm.

7pm Doors Open - 8pm Start

Earlybird Tickets $20

GA Tickets $30

Blindspott is back in HAMILTON

And yes, it’s a Sunday Session - with no work Monday (public holiday). LIMITED EARLY BIRD TICKETS ON SALE NOW - ONLY $69!!!

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

‍

Make a night of it

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.

‍

Lucy and Margo return home to care for their mother, Rita. After her cancer diagnosis, Rita continues to run a demanding business selling her woodwork to their small town.

The reunion is uneasy. Old frustrations resurface, conversations go in circles, and nobody knows how to move forward.

Possum, Rita’s unlikely flatmate and part-time drug dealer, does his best to support her while dealing with problems of his own. After a mysterious vision, Rita’s neighbour Arthur has commissioned a handmade coffin for himself.

The Last Thing We Build is set in a garage turned carpentry workshop in small-town Aotearoa. The latest drama from Melanie Allison asks what we’re truly leaving behind, and what needs to be said before it’s too late.

‍

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!

‍

Get the electrifying concert experience of Tina Turner, brimming with iconic hits from the 60s, 70s, 80s & 90s. Featuring the powerful, raspy vocals, high-intensity dancing and thrilling stage presence of South African Caroline Borole (as seen on South African Idols) live on stage, complete with her international band, brass section, backing vocalists and dancers to make this SIMPLY THE BEST tribute to the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner.

Hear all the energetic rock and soulful RnB hits that made Tina one of the 20th century’s biggest names in music: (Simply) The Best, What’s Love Got To Do With It, River Deep Mountain High, Proud Mary, Nutbush City Limits, We Don’t Need Another Hero, What You Get is What You See, Private Dancer, It Takes Two and many more. Not to be missed – BOOK NOW!

‍

Celebrate Melbourne Cup in style, on Tuesday the 4th of November from 2pm-4pm at Keystone’s Melbourne Cup Bottomless Lunch.

Indulge in a four-course menu specially curated by award-winning chef Andrew Clarke - paired with Keystone’s extensive range of bottomless drinks - all for just $89 per person.

Melbourne Cup attire is encouraged, so dress to impress, because we will have plenty of spot prizes to be awarded on the day! Tables will be limited! Book now to secure your spot!

BOOK BY EMAILING ->> info@keystonebar.co.nz

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

‍

15 & 29 November

13 & 20 December (part of Festive Fun 11am - 2pm both days)

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.

‍

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.

‍Register Now

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.

‍

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

‍

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

‍