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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.

After taking refuge in New Zealand from the Vietnam war, Anh Chaimontree’s parents used food as a way to keep their family connected to their culture.The family recipes that once filled Chaimontree’s school lunchbox are now on the menu at Banh Mi Caphe, Hamilton.

Cream Eatery’s bestseller is a meal that’s been on the menu since day one.Luke’s fried eggs, created by co-owner Luke Houghton, are a spin on classic fried eggs. Volare bread features, as well as a special spice mix.

Wonder Horse is one of Hamilton’s favourite bars, hosting more people every Friday and Saturday night than the small space can probably handle.

The Waikato is the next up-and-coming foodie destination - this is what a look at this year’s Cuisine Good Food Awards recipients show.

Almost 20 local restaurants, from Tuakau to Tūrangi, have received accolades.

The annual awards are run by Cuisine Magazine which crowns 20 category winners, as well as recipients of 1, 2 or 3 hats. The awards also crown so-called cuisine destinations.

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

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The Comedy Zone at Skycity Hamilton will host the best comedians from New Zealand and the rest of the world every single month starting this July!

Big 2 hour show on a Friday night featuring the best in professional comedy. The stars of 7Days, Taskmaster, The New Zealand Comedy Gala, Spelling Bee to name a fewWe kick off in July featuring international TV, Movie and Comedy star Josh Thomson.Josh has been a mainstay on local comedy shows like 7Days, Have You Been Paying Attention, was the regular comedian on The Project and was the champion of Season 3 of TaskMaster NZ. As an actor he’s appeared internationally in Prime’s The Office Australia, Netflix’s The New Legends Of Monkey, NBC’s Young Rock and local hits Good Grief, Creamerie, Wellington Paranormal, Educators, Time Bandits and the Emmy winning INSiDE.

Joining Josh will be 2024 Billy T Award winner, Lana Walters!Lana Walters is a comedian and writer whose standup has been called 'masterful mum comedy'. She has appeared on TV shows like 7 Days, The Project, The Comedy gala and The Great Comedy debate.Comedy Zone will be hosted each month by most recognisable hairy face in NZ Comedy, Ben Hurley.

Tickets from just $39 (+ $4.28 booking fee).

Step into the magical world of CATS – Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical phenomenon!

Inspired by T.S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, Hamilton Operatic Society’s production will dazzle audiences with a spellbinding fusion of music, dance, and poetry.On one extraordinary night each year, the Jellicle cats gather for the Jellicle Ball. Under the watchful eye of their wise leader, Old Deuteronomy, one special cat will be chosen to ascend to the Heaviside Layer—and be reborn into a new Jellicle life.Don’t miss your chance to experience the show that has captivated the world. CATS – a night of magic, mystery, and unforgettable music awaits.

Sat 9th August 2.00pm show will have sign language interpreters at the front of the auditorium.

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Dates: 26th July - 9th August

Produced by: Hamilton Operatic Society

Get ready to celebrate Bastille Day in style at SkyCity Hamilton! Join us a night filled with French flair and festivities.

Indulge in a delicious dinner inspired by French cuisine, followed by a spectacular show featuring live music, Cabaret entertainment, and more!

Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture and traditions of France. Book your tickets now and join us for a night to remember at SkyCity Hamilton.

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Step into a world of wonder with Illusionist Anthony Street, in a thrilling magic show crafted to captivate audiences of all ages! Anthony, renowned as the creator and star of the world-famous Celtic Illusion, brings his unique blend of breathtaking illusions, mind-bending magic, and boundless charisma to the stage. Prepare to be amazed as he conjures impossible feats before your eyes, blending traditional magic with modern spectacle, creating an experience that’s both heart-pounding and heartwarming.

From larger-than-life illusions to mind tricks that will leave you questioning reality, Anthony’s show is packed with surprises and interactive moments. Watch as the audiencebecomes part of the magic, as you gasp in disbelief, and everyone shares in the laughter, suspense, and pure joy that Anthony brings to every performance. Don’t miss the chance to see this truly wonderful spectacle this July and August across New Zealand!

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An exhibition by Alberta Harmer, Edward Riwai, and Darren Wise.

He rangi tā matawhāiti, he rangi tā matawhānui

A person with narrow vision has a restricted horizon; a person with wide vision has plentiful opportunities.

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

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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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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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