There's always something new to discover in the heart of Hamilton city. Let us be your guide as you rediscover the charm, culture, and character that make our city centre unique.
Come and enjoy art, culture, sport or a ‘weird’ mix of all three! Here are some Love the Centre highlight events.
Circus in the Centre
Garden Place, until April 5, noon-2.30pm
Turn your summer afternoons into a circus extravaganza! Garden Place green space transforms into a lively circus zone where kids and whānau can explore juggling, hula hooping, spinning plates, and more. All equipment is provided, so just bring your enthusiasm and get ready for some free, family-friendly fun.
Live Music
Garden Place, until March 28, 12.30-1.30pm
Enjoy an electrifying mix of DJs, singers, and saxophonists bringing vibrant tunes to the heart of the city.
Stories in the Garden
Garden Place, until March 29, 10am-11am
Join us under the trees for a magical hour of storytelling and games with characters from Enchanted Entertainment. Dress up in the story theme and spend a delightful hour under the trees taking your mind to a faraway land.
Chinese Lantern Festival
Garden Place, February 22, 6pm-9pm
Experience the magic of the Chinese Lantern Festival in the Year of the Snake with a Dragon & Lion Dance, a mesmerising magic show, live cultural performances, and delicious food stalls. The festivities start at 6pm but come early to enjoy the food from 4pm.
Children’s Day
Garden Place and beyond, March 1-2, 10am-3pm
Let’s come together to celebrate our children and whānau. This event is packed with activities and fun for the whole family with entertainment across the central city public spaces.
Festival of Weird
Garden Place, March 5-12 10am-5pm
Embrace the wacky and weird at the Festival of Weird. This week-long celebration is more cringe than fringe, with a lineup of bizarre and entertaining activities that will leave you laughing and amazed.
Boon Street Art Festival
Central City, March 13-16
Watch the city come alive with stunning murals and cultural events during the Boon Street Art Festival. Enjoy four days of art, culture, and community with an incredible artist lineup and an interactive community mural.
Love the Centre Walk Thru Balloon
Garden Place, March 15, 1pm-4pm & March 20, 4pm-7pm
Experience the thrill of walking inside a real hot air balloon. For a koha, you can enjoy this unique adventure along with fun, music, and entertainment to kick off the Balloons Over Waikato event week.
In person lunchtime circus sessions.
Take a break from your screen, get a dose of fresh air, and discover just how fun (and good for you) circus skills can be. No need to book — just turn up and give it a go!
To kick 2025 off to a good start while the sun is still shining, Creative Waikato will be offering in person lunchtime circus sessions in Garden Place. These will be facilitated by professional circus performers and are a great opportunity to re-explore something that perhaps you haven’t done since you were a kid!
Designed for busy professionals and CBD workers, these sessions are a chance to get moving, refresh your mind, and try something new. No prior experience required, just a willingness to give it a go!
Every Tuesday 12-1pm starting 18 February until 25 March
Garen Place
A 30 minute lesson (hula hoops or juggling) followed by free practice time. We’ll rotate skills each week but will always have props available, so you can choose your challenge!
Wear: Comfortable clothing
Inside the Waikato Regional Theatre
The Waikato’s new regional theatre is about to become a theatre of mystery - or, to describe it a little more eloquently, a masterpiece mystery theatre.
The Waikato Times was this week granted a tour of the building’s interior - a guided visit that provides more than a few hints of the sheer magnitude of splendour the Waikato Regional Theatre - due to open later this year - will provide the people of Kirikiriroa.
Resonate Health, New Zealand’s newest and most transparent hearing healthcare company, redefining healthy ageing with a holistic approach that goes far beyond traditional hearing aids. Visit Angitha Nair/Aimee Kipara at the Resonate Health-Hamilton Central studio to learn more about your hearing health and Resonate Unlimited, New Zealand’s only hearing aid subscription service available for $90 per month.
CBD retailers have endured tough economic times but a senior business leader is seeing more optimistic signals, while shop owners have mixed views about 2025.
Concerns include the impact on shopper numbers of having just one hour free parking in the CBD, introduced last year. Customers have reported being resistant to paying for more time.
Hamilton Central Business Association general manager Vanessa Williams said on Wednesday that she’d been chatting to about half a dozen retailers this year about how things were going over January.
Jeremy Mayall almost got a proper job once. Fresh out of school, he figured doing law at university would be the way to go.
The application included writing a page about why he wanted to be a lawyer.
As easy as that sounds - hey, just lie if you have to - he couldn’t do it. A fateful decision was made, he changed to a BA, majoring in music, screen studies and theatre.
These days the flamboyantly bearded Mayall is chief executive of Creative Waikato, a musician and composer, and a consummate proponent for the arts.
Dumplings are one of the most common dishes ordered from a Chinese restaurant on any given day.
They’re not hard to make from scratch, as anyone from northern China will tell you. Growing up, dumpling making was the ultimate family activity - there’s no such thing as “too many cooks in the kitchen”.
With Lunar New Year approaching, why not give this dish a go? Trust me, as someone who is a terrible cook, it’s not as hard as it looks.
Renting with SB owner Storm Benson started the business out of her university flat and now has a shop in central Hamilton.
When Storm Benson was a struggling student and couldn’t afford a different dress every week despite her desire to look good, the idea for a business was born.
Seven years later, she’s rented clothing to others more than 16,000 times, moved her side hustle from a Hamilton flat to a CBD shop and sends out 80-100 people into the world in a new dress each week.
The 27-year-old came up with the idea while at Waikato University.
Try riding with Flex for only $2 per ride!
The New Zealand-built buses are smaller and have comfortable seats that are fitted with seatbelts and can carry 13 passengers, or 10 people and a wheelchair user.
Bookings can be made up to a week in advance of travel, or just 15 minutes before you’re ready to go. The buses are GPS tracked in real time, so you can track your ride in the Flex app.
“For people wanting to get to and from the CBD, we’re really excited to be able to provide an affordable option for people wanting a corner-to-corner service rather than only stopping at bus stops,” said Regional Connections Committee Chair and Waikato regional councillor Angela Strange.
“The service will take people with a mobility impairment driveway-to-driveway – all you have to do is let us know when registering on the Flex app.
Book now in three easy steps:
Download the FREE Flex app
Set up your rider profile with your preferred payment method
Select your preferred location, time and the best pick up and drop off points for your journey into the city - and return!
Easy! Group bookings are available (up to 13 seats) and Flex vehicles are wheelchair friendly too!
Flex operates every Friday and Saturday from 6pm-4am.
Prepare for an exciting four days of art, culture, and community.
Boon Street Art Festival to Transform Hamilton with Stunning Murals and Cultural Experiences – March 13th-16th, 2025
Kirikiriroa, Hamilton, prepare for an exciting four days of art, culture, and community as the Boon Street Art Festival returns to Hamilton from March 13th to 16th, 2025. This exciting festival will feature an incredible artist lineup, an interactive community mural, and a variety of events designed to celebrate the city's creative spirit.
The talented artists set to showcase their work include international artist Alison Mooney, Alice Alva (Hamilton), Kophie Su’a Hulsbosch (Christchurch), Flox & Sweats (Auckland), Theo Arraj (Raglan), and Te Marunui Hotene (Whakatane).
One of the festival’s key highlights will be the sale of vibrant, one-of-a-kind murals. For just $3,500, each mural is accompanied by a plaque featuring the artist's name, a brief description of the artwork, and the buyer's logo. This initiative offers an exceptional opportunity to engage with and invest in the local creative world, allowing individuals and businesses to purchase artwork that truly lives on the street, enriching the public space.
We’re looking for passionate, team-oriented individuals who are eager to volunteer their time and energy to making this Street Art Festival come to life. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience, meet new people, and have some fun with like-minded individuals. To sign up or learn more, please email Megan at volunteers@boonarts.co.nz
If you love art and puzzles, then this is for you!
Confinement Games and Boon Art is perfect for you! With cryptic directions and clues, find the art, solve the question, and move on. Learn about the artist, the artwork, have fun exploring the city, and discover artworks you may have never seen!
Choose which area you want to explore, grab your team, or go it alone. For groups, we recommend the purchase of individual games so that each player can have access to the app on their own device. This way players can read and play at their own pace. There is no minimum or maximum number of people that can play at any given time.
Can be played anytime with no time limit either as a team or an individual. Solve clues, find the art!
You and your colleagues decided it would be good to meet for drinks and canapes at Sisterfields, located in the heart of the CBD, on Victoria Street, Hamilton. You joined in with the Party group that had gathered and everything was going well. You are mixing and mingling, and then an alarming announcement is made over the intercom speaker! "A body has been near the bathroom, and it is clear a murder has just been committed". The venue is put into lockdown, and everyone is asked to get into their own teams. Together you and your friends must hunt for clues, solve all the puzzles, and see if you can identify who the killer is!
Light canapes will be served on arrival, and you are encouraged to book for dinner o dessert after the game. A great setting with live music to enjoy the rest of the evening.
If your team enjoys Quiz Nights or Escape Rooms, you will love this special puzzle-solving event!
Family-friendly circus sessions
This summer, Garden Place will come alive with creativity and fun as Circus in the Centre brings a series of family-friendly circus sessions to the lawn.
These open-air sessions will offer a unique opportunity for whānau to explore the joy of circus in a welcoming and unstructured environment. Whether you're dropping by for a quick spin with a hula hoop or immersing yourself for the full two and a half hours to get your three-ball juggle, there’s something for everyone—regardless of age or experience.
This collaborative initiative is supported by Love the Centre and Creative Waikato and is hosted by the experienced team at Black Sheep Circus Entertainment.
Individuals and groups are invited to take part by creating chalk art in the central city. It’s all happening on Saturday 01 March from 10-2.With plenty of prizes up for grabs it’s easy to join in the fun. Free to enter, all the chalk is provided so just turn up with some creative ideas! It's Hamilton Children's Day so there'll be LOTS more happening right across Garden Place, so bring the family.
Embark on an exciting journey to explore the hidden and not-so-hidden gems of Hamilton Kirikiriroa, the undisputed mural capital of Aotearoa. Starting February 1st, join us every fortnight for the next 3 months to discover the city’s most iconic street art.
With over 60+ stunning murals adorning the streets and hidden alleyways, you'll be captivated by the vibrant expressions of art that surround you.
Slow down and let yourself become fully immersed in the artistry that our city has to offer. Venture off the beaten path and discover hidden gems that will leave you in awe. We promise you'll rediscover the beauty of our urban landscape and see it with fresh eyes.
These free 1-hour tours start at Hamilton Central Library and finish at Victoria on the River.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
Saturday 1st February. 2pm - 3pm
Saturday 15th February. 2pm - 3pm
Saturday 1st March. 2pm - 3pm
Saturday 15th March. 2pm - 3pm
Saturday 29th March. 2pm - 3pm
Saturday 12th April. 2pm - 3pm
Saturday 26th April. 2pm - 3pm
Caregivers can bond with their children while enhancing their social, cognitive, motor and musical skills.
Storytime Puaawai takes place during term time only:
Tuesdays, 10.30-11.15am, Central Library
Celebrate the Chinese New Year showcasing the harmony of nature and culture between China and New Zealand.
See Chinese New Year traditions brought to life through calligraphy, dances, games and displays.
Celebrate love the French way this Valentine’s Day! An unforgettable evening where every detail has been crafted to make your night extra special.
What’s in Store?
Special Valentine’s Menu: Indulge in new galettes and crêpes, lovingly created just for this romantic occasion.
Charming Atmosphere: Enjoy a cozy, French-inspired setting perfect for couples or anyone celebrating love.
Tailored for the Day: Every dish is designed to make your Valentine’s evening truly memorable.
Limited tables available – book now to secure your spot!
Call 021 68 1201 or message lerendezvous.hamilton@gmail.com
Make this Valentine’s Day one to remember with the perfect blend of love,flavour, and French flair.
Join us for a fun night of laughter and connection through board gaming. Recommended age 23 - 49 years old.
Speed dating meets board gaming. Tired of swiping right but still haven't found the right person?? Come join us for a night of speed dating with a twist. You will be seated in a group of 4 to play some quick and easy board games, after 15-20 minutes, you will be switched and move around. There will be a time to mix with a bigger group too.
Join us this Galentine’s for a cheeky night of sewing, sipping, and laughing with your besties. Whether it’s for makeup, secrets, or snacks (we don’t judge). All levels welcome, and we’ll provide everything you need! Tell your friends and snag your spot before they’re gone!
You can discover different Japanese flavors with us in this course night.
Invite your friends and family and book via their social media page DM
***They cannot acommodate any allergy or dietary in this course menu.
They cannot accept any cancelation on the day ***
Mark your calendars for Saturday 15 February, as the One New Zealand Warriors take on the Melbourne Storm in their final 2025 NRL Pre-Season Challenge match at @FMGStadiumWaikato
This is your golden opportunity to see the One New Zealand Warriors in action one last time before they head to Las Vegas!
Be there to cheer on the One New Zealand Warriors and witness rugby league at its finest!
Featuring ten characters, three actors, and a band, TICK, TICK… BOOM! takes you on the playwright/composer’s journey that led to the Broadway blockbuster, RENT.
Its 1990 and Jon is on the brink of turning 30. His girlfriend wants to get married and move out of the city, his best friend is making big bucks on Madison Avenue, yet Jon is still waiting on tables and trying to write the great American musical.
An endearing, and thoughtful piece that embraces the universal ideal of holding onto your dreams through life’s most difficult challenges.
For a limited time only, we're offering EARLY BIRD tickets for $30! Come for an evening of humorous songs and relatable characters!
2-5 April 7:30pm- 9pm (6pm and 8:30pm on April 5)
DIRECTOR: Courteney Mayall
MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Nick Braae
CHOREOGRAPHER: Alexis Holmes
“The only people for me are the mad ones, the ones who are mad to live, mad to talk, mad to be saved, desirous of everything at the same time, the ones who never yawn or say a commonplace thing, but burn, burn, burn like fabulous yellow roman candles exploding like spiders across the stars…”
The Mad Ones—the critically acclaimed o-Broadway hit musical — makes its New Zealand debut with an exclusive three-show run in Hamilton!
Samantha Brown stands before her driveway. In her hand rests a key to a truck that isn’t hers. Behind her is a senior year that is anything but ordinary — love, loss, conflicts, and trauma — and ahead of her is an uncertain future. With her best friend and force-of-chaos Kelly by her side, only one thing is certain: if they’re gonna go, they’ve gotta go tonight.
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience this tale of friendship, self-discovery, and monumental decisions, featuring some of Waikato’s best musicians.
Directed by Zachary Clarke
Music by Ye-Gon Ryoo
Featuring Ella Veitch, Jonty Climo, Nicole Cameron, and Rachael Bloemendal as Sam
Stunts will be attempted. Records broken. Memes made. Content consumed. Advertising sold. Lives ruined. Heroes formed.
This high-powered show, straddling the realms of contemporary dance and physical theatre, delves into the intricate web of global internet culture and the evolving complexities of the virtual world. It’s a unique opportunity to dissect our interactions with the internet, from its absurdity and speed to its utility and potential dangers.
Created by visionary choreographer Jeremy Beck with AV design team RDYSTDY.
Part of Hamilton Arts Festival Toi Ora Ki Kirikiriroa 2025
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