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Something like a plush lounge meets garage: low-lit, slightly grungy and carpeted, of course. Hamilton’s Last Place Bar doesn’t have to be the last place you visit in a night, in fact, it’s well set up to be the beginning, middle or end of your evening, depending on your mood. Offering good beer, bad beer and everything in between, the crew at Last Place Bar are confident there will be something on the menu for every beer drinker. How could they not when they have one of the most extensive beer menus in the city? There are 10 brews on tap and over 100 beers in the fridge.

In addition to the number of keen buyers and sellers, it’s the city’s security measures that are working in its favour, according to owner owner Henrik Stovring.Some buyers and sellers have embraced the concept of an offline Facebook-like marketplace and 163 stalls have popped up since it opened on May 1 yet there’s still space for another 400 to 600 stalls.

NORTH & SOUTH + Hamilton Business AssociationThe revitalization of central business districts is a global phenomenon, with cities adapting to new realities in a post-COVID world. Hamilton is no exception. The city’s central area is transforming into a vibrant hub that merges business, social, and experiential elements, ensuring it remains relevant and competitive. We spoke with Vanessa from the Hamilton Central Business Association to understand how local businesses are navigating this landscape and thriving in the new normal.

Sometime in the 1990s, Hamilton acquired the unofficial, ironic slogan “City of the future”.Lacking the cosmopolitan airs of Auckland or Wellington’s theatre scene, Hamilton was viewed by many as nothing more than a daggy blip on SH1.But these days, thanks to relatively inexpensive housing, significant investment in the city’s infrastructure both by the council and property developers like Stark Property, and the completed Waikato Expressway, Kirikiriroa is the fastest-growing city in New Zealand – and it’s got the hospitality scene to match.

From humble beginnings on Hood St to becoming a stronghold in Hamilton’s culinary scene - popular restaurant Gothenburg has had quite the journey.Now, the foodie hotspot is celebrating its 15th year in business.Gothenburg was founded by Susanna Rislund Fullana and Carl Bloxam in a small location on Hood St in 2009.

Dagu Rice Noodle chef Lynn Zhang and Hamilton branch owner Kim Wang love the meals served in the restaurant. Wang said he eats the chicken katsu every day.

Opening a new restaurant in an economic downturn looks less risky compared to dropping his 14-day-old girl into a stranger’s arms while his house burned around him.Chandan Kumar has brought Mac’s Steakhouse and Cocktails to Hamilton, just as many other hospitality venues in town struggle to get customers through the doors.

Although their menu is 100% vegan, Hello Rosie’s customers are actually mostly non-vegan.Since the shop is tucked down Casabella Lane, owner Renae Josephs said most of their customers are curious passers-by that stop for a fauna-free treat.

The Hamilton Central Business Association has announced that entries are open for the annual CBD Awards.After a challenging few years, the association is delighted to be able to bring a sense of celebration to the central city with the Spark-sponsored awards, which are also backed by MediaWorks.

If you If you can't afford a trip to France, you should probably check out Le Rendez-Vous in Hamilton.Serving up sweet and savoury French cuisine, the small crepe shop on Alexandra Street often has French tourists to visit to experience its take on French food.

Kim Wren imports curry powder from Malaysia for one of his top dishes.Beef rendang and char kway teow are the bestsellers at Penang Street Food, the CBD restaurant where Wren, or “Owen” to his friends, creates Malaysian food with recipes from his home country.

At least that’s what Last Place bar has noticed. It doesn’t matter whether they come for the live music, or the sugary cocktails, the smash burger is what chef Connor Moore cooks up for customers the most.

A 23-year-old has turned creative challenges and the memory of a lost friend into a business he hopes will help others.Kieran Stephens started Gray Space as an events management company after his friend Gray’s suicide. When he was offered a space on Hamilton’s Victoria Street, he saw an opportunity to create a supportive hub for creatives.

Celebrate Matariki with us 20th June 2025 - 21st June 2025

Matariki signals the Maaori New Year. It is a time of renewal and celebration in Aotearoa New Zealand that begins with the rising of the Matariki star cluster.

This year, Matariki will be acknowledged with two days of whaanau fun here at Te Whare Taonga. We're proud to be part of the Matariki Ki Waikato Festival with events across Kirikiriroa Hamilton.

Free entry.

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Find out what's on in the central city in June!

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This years Matariki weekend three Kiwi culinary stars are coming out to shine atHamilton’s award-winning restaurant, Palate. 

As part of Palate’s 20-year celebrations Chef and owner, Mat McLean has extended an invitation to a few of his mates.  The result – a night not to be missed with three of New Zealand’s best chefs.

Collaborations with other chefs, Mat says “are always loads of fun and great experience forthe whole team as they get to rub shoulders with some amazing chefs”.  Andafter a couple of decades at the top of the game, Mat says he feels privilegedto be able to call on some of the top talent in New Zealand.

Kai Whetu will see Mat McLean, Jude Messenger and Jeremy Rameka come together tocreate a six-course meal at Palate with carefully match wines by Palates ownLarissa Muller (Cuisine Magazine’s 2024 Sommelier & Wine Experience of the Year award winner)

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After selling out over 100 shows across the world, the team from 'Silent Discos in Incredible Places' is now coming to Aotearoa New Zealand.

As international promoters, they have thrown parties and held silent discos in, well, some pretty incredible places! Come along and be part of the global phenomenon right here in Kirikiriroa Hamilton.

Expect three epic DJs playing all your favourite 80s tunes in the stunning, illuminated surroundings of Te Whare Taonga like you've never seen it before.

100's of like-minded 80's fans singing their hearts out whilst wearing state of the art LED headphones where you can select between 3 different channels of music.

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22nd August 2025 - First session 6.30pm to 9pm, Second session 9.30pm to 12am

This is strictly a 18+ event. Valid photographic I.D. may be requested on entry. Please take it as a compliment if you're asked to prove your age!

There will be a fully stocked bar on site for the entire event.

Tickets from $55.44

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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.Come by and make a night of it with Open Late at the Museum!

Schedule

Wednesday 28th May: Dive into Ripples with Sasha from He Koniahi Story Circle.

Wednesday 25th June: A Matariki spectacular featuring a panel discussion on Toi Maaori.

Wednesday 30th July: Winter chill special.

Wednesday 27th August: The insider's guide to the National Contemporary Art Award.

Free entry.

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Based on Lloyd Kaufman’s cult film and winner of the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Off-Broadway Musical, with book and lyrics by Joe DiPietro and music and lyrics by David Bryan. The Toxic Avenger is a charming love story and laugh-out-loud musical that has it all: an unlikely hero, his beautiful girlfriend, a corrupt New Jersey mayor (Courteney Mayall) and two guys who play… well, everyone else … bullies, mobsters, old ladies and stiletto-wearing back up singers.
Enter Melvin Ferd the Third (Alex Pelham Waerea), an aspiring earth scientist. Who wants to clean up Tromaville, the most polluted town in New Jersey (just off Exit 13B on the Turnpike). Foiled by the mayor’s bullies, (Bailey Lindsey and Marangai Wainohu-Savage)

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The French Film Festival Aotearoa is returning to Lido Cinema screens on May 28th With a gala screening of the wonderful, Monsieur Aznavour, followed by 3 weeks of the very best films that France has to offer.

Peppa Pig is back touring New Zealand for the first time since 2018 in her oink tastic stage show, Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out LIVE! Prepare to sing and dance with colourful scarecrows, feed the penguins, build big sandcastles, and even swim in the sea! Packed full of songs, dance and muddy puddles, Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out LIVE! guarantees giggles and snorts for all Peppa fans and is a perfect introduction to theatre.

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Join Professor Penfold in his race against time to create a fantastical solution to the city’s rubbish problem!

With an impatient mayor breathing down his neck, an enthusiastic but clumsy nephew causing havoc in the lab, what more could possibly go wrong for the professor?

The Perfectly Peculiar Practice of Professor Penfold is a wonderfully wacky, and joyful experience for people of all ages – kids and parents alike!

Written by Scott Granville and Courteney Mayall

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1st July -Saturday, 5thJuly, 10:30 am & 1 pm (10:30 am only on Sat 5^thJuly)

For the first time ever, the All Blacks face France in Hamilton. Let’s make FMG Stadium a fortress! Get your tickets now before they’re gone.

The battle ends here. The final Test of the Lipovitan-D Series against France is more than just a game—it’s a statement.

For the first time ever, the All Blacks face France in Hamilton, so don’t miss the chance to witness history.

Wear the black jersey. Bring the noise. Make FMG Stadium Waikato a fortress.

Tickets from just $40.

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A great line up of events on each month at Last Place!

We invite you to join us for a night celebrating the music of Creedence Clearwater Revival and John Fogerty, as we present the music of one of the world’s most iconic bands – from the songs they wrote, to the songs covered, to the songs they wrote for others

All the hits that defined a generation, and have been passed on for many more – all in one night, live, on stage.

Creedence Clearwater Collective brings to the stage a band that captures the unique CCR sound.

You do not want to hear through the grapevine that you missed out on this howling good time.

Join us, a real-life travelling band.

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Take it to the limit, Desperado, Lyin Eyes and the world famous Hotel California.A six-piece band lead by Whalen Hughes and David Thompson as Don Henley and Glenn Frey, arguably the best sounding anywhere in the world.Secure your tickets now and be part of a night that pays homage to one of the greatest bands in history.