Explore

Madam Woo is a beloved fixture in Hamilton’s dining scene, and for several years now, it’s been wooing its customers with far more than just its delicious food. Its central location, its modern but cosy ambience, and the infectious energy of the staff are the perfect ingredients to create an experience that’s going to leave you wanting more… and we haven’t even started on the menu. At the heart of every great restaurant lies great food, and Madam Woo is no exception.

Dot & Winnies is an owner-operated café situated in the heart of Hamilton, renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and memorable food. Inside is spacious, comfortable and versatile, meaning it’s perfect for everything from large gatherings to more intimate get togethers.Its name is a heartfelt nod to the owners’ grandmothers, Dot and Winnie, both of whom were passionate about baking, cooking and all things hospitality. Their legacy of warmth and care is infused into every aspect of Dot & Winnies, from the smile and wave you receive at the door to the homemade recipes made with love.

A humming place due to the atmosphere as much as the buzzing machines, Flax Roots Tattoo is a Hamilton institution for those wanting to add to, or purchase their very first tattoo. Paintings, prints and sculptures plaster the walls from entrance to studio, and there’s no doubting the Māori influence here with proud depictions of the ancient art at every turn. Eclectic and creative, the space mixes a sense of mastery with fun, and it seems there’s truly no quirky design the team wouldn’t be able to do.

Tucked away on London Street, this store showcases designer brands from all around the globe as well as clever designs from our very own shores. Aptly named, the boutique was established by sisters Julie and Claire in 2008, whose love of fashion and individuality led them to open a boutique where other locals could visit, be inspired, and perhaps leave with a stylish new piece for their wardrobe. Big fashion names like Sass & Bide, Zimmermann, Karen Walker and Miss Crabb fill hangers and racks, as do bags by Deadly Ponies, The Wolf Gang and Status Anxiety, candles by Damselfly, and jewellery by Meadowlark and Stolen Girlfriends Club, to name a few.

The kind of place that almost gives you the shudders it’s THAT beautiful, this Hamilton store goes on to prove that shopping at RUBY is always an experience. How to say no to those stunning long dresses? Those fun, bright shoes? The fantastic floral earrings? We say: don’t bother trying to refuse. A visit to RUBY is as much about topping up your wardrobe with some envy-inducing clothing items as it is about supporting a tried and true New Zealand label that has always stuck to its values.

The only one of its kind in town, this bright curated store is a gentleman’s space through and through. Beer crates are used as shelving, and an old arcade machine tucks in amongst the clothes, while the place itself is staffed by laid-back dudes happy to help you pick out your next piece.Hamilton local and store owner Blair, has more than ten years experience in the street wear industry and started his own version after seeing the continued demand for sleek, sophisticated clothes for men.

Trek ‘n’ Travel prides itself on the best quality equipment and clothing for tramping, trail running and travel - this specialist independent store is one of the last of its kind. Open since 1997, the Victoria Street mainstay has attracted faithful locals since day one and welcomes many Waikato out-of-towners through its door too. Store owner Colin spent time travelling the country before settling in Hamilton, and artefacts from his travels (and those of others) can be found perching on shelves around the store.

True is connecting the dots between Hamilton and the wider fashion world, with friendly service and a particularly sharp eye for warm colours, rich fabrics and high-quality clothing. The boutique opened in March 2017 as one woman’s dream to put some more goodness in this developing city and is now part of a close network of retailers who pride themselves on fine clothing and goods.True’s range of beautiful, ethical European labels is carefully laid out and arranged to help you curate your look with timeless style.

Sustainability is the word on everyone’s lips at the moment, and the small changes we can make to keep our country clean, green and free from pollution are paramount. To put it plainly: beating the heavy city traffic on a good ol’ electric pair of wheels seems like a bloody good idea. Enter: Electrify. Without even planning it, Dee and Dan Tairaki started their journey with electric bikes on “Car Free Day”. From the humble Kiwi beginnings of a marquee and a couple of bikes to a 200m² building, the popularity for e-bikes is growing as people come from all over for the team’s willingness to give honest and helpful advice (without the sales pitch).

We all know what it’s like to try on (what feels like) millions of jeans in a shop until you inevitably leave feeling frustrated and hopeless. Thankfully, Texas Radio is here to change that. This is a true denim speciality shop (there’s only a handful left in the country!). They carry as many as 25 brands - including the classic and coveted Levi 501s - so you’re sure to find a pair of jeans that suit your figure. The passionate and knowledgeable staff make you feel right at home while they get to work finding you the ideal fit for your preferences and body type.

This co-operative store brings together eight passionate collectors, each offering their own carefully curated collections to the community. From records and decor to rare memorabilia, there is a diverse and ever-changing mix of items for passionate collectors and curious shoppers alike.The idea for Fossick was born from a group of friends with extensive collections looking for a way to sell their items. By pooling resources and sharing responsibilities, they were able to ensure consistent hours in its first year of opening, one of the keys to Fossick’s initial success.

HANRAD is a creative space where founder Barry and his team work with their clients to create rugs that are truly unique to them. To some, rugs are just rugs, but at HANRAD each rug is bespoke, a work of art. The concept is simple: each client experiences an individual journey to arrive at the perfect rug, and whether it’s an art inspired design or one of HANRAD’s in-house designs, each rug can be customised to the ideal size, shape or colour.Barry’s inspiration for design stems from his love of art and, in particular, contemporary art. Previously based in Beijing for 10 years, Barry worked on exciting interior design projects, sourcing inspirational design solutions.

At the helm are Dida and Erin, two individuals whose love for florals is only matched by their knack for bringing people together. Add to the mix their resident mascot (a mastiff border collie cross named Boy), and you’ve got the heart and soul of a place that’s as much about the banter as it is about the blooms. Drag your eyes away from the creative window displays and the store’s aesthetic is a striking blend of untamed natural beauty and thoughtful design. Plentiful greenery cascades from wooden shelves and hanging pots, creating a botanical haven that feels calming to the soul. The choice of wooden accents and earth-toned decor seamlessly marries the store’s urban setting with a rustic, wild charm.

National Youth Theatre proudly presents Disney’s Frozen JR., the much-loved classic based on the 2018 Broadway musical.

Join Elsa and Anna in the magical kingdom of Arendelle for a heartwarming tale of sisterhood, courage, and adventure. Featuring all your favourite songs from the animated film — plus five new numbers written for the Broadway stage by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez — Frozen JR. is filled with music, magic, and fun for the whole family.

At its heart, Frozen JR. is a powerful story of love and acceptance, as two sisters discover their hidden strength when faced with danger. With a talented young cast, vibrant costumes, and dazzling effects, this enchanting production will melt even the coldest heart.

Get your tickets early — when NYT last staged Frozen JR. at Auckland Town Hall, all five performances sold out!

‍

10th October, 2025 (Fri) 7:00pm
11th October, 2025 (Sat) 1:30pm
11th October, 2025 (Sat) 7:00pm
12th October, 2025 (Sun) 1:30pm

Produced by National Youth Theatre

‍

‍

Get ready for a night full of flavour and fun as “Still Got It” NZ Tour hits STATUS, Hamilton!

Show only- $30 pp

4-course meal + welcome drink — just $79 pp  

45 Bryce Street, Hamilton Central

Laughter tastes better with good food and greatcompany!

Join us Saturday, September 20th for a night of laughs at Lido Cinema!

For the low price of $15 (earlybird) come see some of the best up and coming comics from around NZ!

You won't wanna miss out on this show hosted by Punch Muffin.

This show sold out the last time so make sure and get your tickets early!

Featuring comics:
(MC) CJ Pierson - US
Geoff Rissole - AKL
Alexander Petropavlovskiy - Russia
Sandra Pace - UK
Jason Chand - India
Thomas Chapman - AKL

Warning: Content is R18

‍

Your Neighbourhood is coming to Garden Place with a special twist – you’ll be able to vote onsite!

‍

Listen to the Mayoral candidate Q&A panel (11am – 12pm, free entry with limited tickets and a livestream option for additional viewers)

‍

Enjoy a free sausage sizzle

Meet the candidates

Vote onsite

Learn about Council services

‍

Bring tamariki to the kids zone – face painting, bubbles, a bouncy castle, a mini ferris wheel, entertainment, and more

Support great local cafés by grabbing a bite to eat.

Free event for the whole whaanau

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

‍

26 September

31 October

28 November

Join us on the last Friday of every month (except December) for a relaxed morning at the Museum designed especially for whaanau with babies and pre-school aged children.

Enjoy a welcoming space to connect with others and explore the galleries at your own pace. We'll be in a different gallery every month and our friendly team will be on hand to answer questions and help you feel at home.

Whether you're new to Hamilton or just looking for a gentle outing, this is a great way to enjoy art and culture in a baby-friendly environment.

‍

Join for one or both of the following practice sessions:

Monday 15 September, 1pm – Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum

Wednesday 17 September, 3:30pm – Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum

‍

This joyful community experience welcomes singers of all levels to join together in song at waiata practices during September, culminating in a vibrant waiata nui (big sing) in the galleries of Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum.

‍

Join te waiata nui - the big sing!

This year marks a special milestone – 50 years of Te Wiki o Te Reo Maaori. To celebrate, we’re inviting our community to come together for Te Waiata Nui – The Big Sing in the galleries of Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum.  

Led by local legend and kaiako Harley Pitihira, this event is a celebration of music, language, and connection. Whether you’re a confident singer or just love to hum along, everyone is welcome.

‍

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.

• Pre-parade 1.15pm – 2pm includes colourful characters and our Corporate Clowns handing out lollies.
• The parade starts at 2pm.

‍

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.

‍

Join us at The Factory for Hamilton’s biggest Rock 2000 countdown party on Friday the 26th of September. This is the only place in the Waikato where you can enjoy the biggest rock songs of all time with a classic Beerfest twist. We’ll have a limited number of one litre steins (available with your favourite brew), free BBQ and spot prizes for heading down early. Entry is still free and doors open from 3pm

Saddle up, Cowboys and Cowgirls! 

Get ready for The Country Superstars Experience, where the spirit of the Wild West meets the best of country music!

Join us for a boot-stompin', hat-tippin' party like no other, as Rodeo Rhythms brings you the ultimate country extravaganza!

Dust off your cowboy boots and two-step your way to our ranch for a night of dancing under the stars to the biggest country anthems from the decades! 

Featuring a live band alongside Morgan Wallen & Luke Combs Tribute.

Experience the magic of live performances, DJ sets, and dancers as they bring the hits of legends like Dolly Parton, Kenny Rogers, and Shania Twain to life, alongside modern favorites from Luke Combs, Morgan Wallen, and Taylor Swift!

‍

Wing Valley Productions brings Outside In

Seven women navigate their lives and themselves inside prison, trying to manage how much the outside seeps in. As a new inmate arrives and another prepares to leave, the cracks appear in a dangerously-thin veneer of order.

Beaton created the script out of “…a desire to create roles for women where they are seen as the subject and not the object”.

Playmarket describes it as, “Brutal, funny and at heart, a love story…. an intensely honest portrayal of seven women’s lives within the hostile world of prison.”

‍

24th September, 2025 (Wed) 2:00pm

24th September, 2025 (Wed) 6:00pm

Coming to Hamilton in the September school holidays, New Zealand’s own ‘Circus of Illusion Magic Show’. 90 minutes of fast-paced family entertainment!

Featuring New Zealand’s premiere Illusionist Andre Vegas and Company performing large-scale mind-blowing illusions. Special guest artist, Joel Fenton, known as Cirque Stuntman. With a mix of comedy and audience participation see him juggle chainsaws and get sucked inside a giant balloon.

Witness the incredible and stunning Nunya Bender. Presenting amazing aerial and contortion acts that need to be seen to be believed. New Zealand’s leading female magician, Felicity Rogers, weaves magic, puppetry, dance and theatre into her mesmerising original performances. Felicity will also turn the traditional gender roles in ‘magic’ upside down by sawing a man in half! Kids look out for Felicity’s son 11-year-old Leonardo who will present his very own illusion.

A theatre spectacular for all ages from preschoolers to grandparents and everyone in between.

‍