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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.

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.

Relax and enjoy a 1 hour rejuvenating meditation suspended in an aerial hammock, while surrounded by the tranquil vibes of crystal sound bowls. This session will be guided by sound rather than verbal led meditation.This unique experience designed to relax your body and mind.Level: No aerial yoga experience required.What to wear: Comfortable warm clothing, no jeans, no zips or jewellery. Socks must be worn.Sessions run most Sundays with a Friday evening once a month.Limited spaces per session, online bookings are essential via HumantixPrivate group bookings available on request, email hello@highabove.co.nz to arrange24-hour cancellation policy applies for workshops.Due to the nature of this event, please ensure you arrive 5mins prior to start time, strictly no late admissions as this is disruptive to attendees.Cost $35 ppHigh Above use Antigravity hammocks which are specifically designed for purpose, each hammock is load tested to hold 450kg.

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Bottomless Brunch is every Saturday from 2pm.

This event is by reservation only.  

Cost $55pp

Your booking includes 2 hours of bottomless drinks service as well as any 2 share plates of your choice.

The full Bottomless Brunch food and drink menu can be found here.

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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 — grab Super Saver entry from July 7 and join the celebration

‍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.

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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

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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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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