Events

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.

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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)

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DIRECTOR: Courteney Mayall

MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Nick Braae

CHOREOGRAPHER: Alexis Holmes

Come, drink rose, be merry and have fun.

Eurovintage, AIX and Mr. Pickles are throwing a wee rose party.

Dj Nizzaloti playing records for entertainment

$79pp includes a two glasses of AIX rose and two plates of food

There's some special pricing on AIX rose on the day as well as a reduced but tasty menu available from the kitchen through till 5pm

If you want to stay on later, you're more than welcome to.

NO DIETARY REQUIREMENTS WILL BE ACCOMMODATED + PLATES means a walk in fork type offering throughout the party

Should you need to cancel and organise a refund that isn't an issue, just get in touch with the team 72 hours in advance!

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Ukulele Death Squad are heading to Hamilton for their first ever New Zealand tour!

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About the Squad

Renowned for their explosive live performances, they've garnered international acclaim. They have performed for audiences at festivals like the Edinburgh Fringe, WOMADelaide, Woodford, WOMAD (UK), Boomtown (UK), and Dranouter (Belgium), while also clinching multiple folk awards, including South Australia’s Peoples’ Choice Award for folk in 2023 and 2024.

Over the last 12 months, they've taken their eclectic sound from Berlin clubs to British drum and bass festivals, and regional RSLs across Australia. Their latest release "Baby Don't F*** With Me" blends folk and R&B, boasting addictive hooks and an unparalleled level of groove. With tunes that traverse a unique soundscape of circusesque soul, hip-hop, and heartfelt ballads, their musical versatility knows no bounds. Characterized by chaotic and undeniably fun performances - imagine Quentin Tarantino setting the scene in a Mexican cantina with Ukulele Death Squad providing the backing track. Brace yourself for an exhilarating showcase of showmanship and musical mischief!

"Thumping rhythms, soulful vocals, and outrageous ukulele and sax solos." - Happy Mag

“Quentin Tarantino-esque Spanish flamenco punk-style music” - ABC

“Attitude, swagger, style and sense of humour” - InDaily

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Let the good times ROLL!! The Big Bike Film Night is riding into the Waikato on its mission - bringing the best cycling short films from around the world together for you. Showcasing our 2025 collection that has everything a cycling-centric audience could want- action, drama, humour, and plenty of inspiration we're going to spin your wheels, crank your dial, and ring your bell!

There’s always an air of mystique about The Big Bike Film Night; we’re not your typical mainstream film festival; we’re left field and damn proud of it.

Treasuring where a bike can take you, our annual curated collection of short bike films is devised and designed to delight the two-wheel devotee in celebrating the fun, the adventure and the inspiration that cycling enables.

We don’t reveal what films go into our collections; just like riding a bike –it’s the journey and not the destination that is important, but here are some insights...

The 2025 treasure chest of films includes:
•    an exhilarating film that redefines what’s possible on a gravel bike on technically challenging terrains
•    a heartwarming documentary that explores the importance of getting outside, no matter where one is on life’s journey
•    an uplifting film that follows a group of local bike and snow enthusiasts from Wānaka, who have the desire to bring positive social change to their local community through an annual “bikepack” to the local Ski Resort with all their gear, a bit of “type 2” fun!
•    an inspiring mountain bike ride through back country Queenstown that is both poetic and meaningful
•    a life-changing experience for a group of friends who undertake a trip to a bothie (hut) in the Highlands of Scotland to show what can be achieved by people with disabilities in relation to having adventures
•    a film that celebrates the art of “winging it” and how travelling by bicycle and the power of exploration can obliterate preconceptions and contribute to understanding others
•    and a classic Kiwi story of a young trailblazer participating in a grueling six-day mountain bike rally, exploring his boundaries with his own signature entirely unsupported style -fueled by a penchant for chocolate milk
ALL in the mix!

These short films are a great reminder of why we love to ride our bike; with stories that captivate us, stories that make us think, and most importantly of all – inspiring us to get out and ride.  All celebrate the fun, adventure, and joy that cycling enables.

So... listen to the voice inside you; it’s telling you to go. Grab your mates, GO ON… grab your bike and come along for the ride!!

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With over a decade of highly successful shows in the North Island, it’s now time for you to join us for a night of good old fashioned tease with a dash of tassels at Tease and Tassels burlesque show.

With performances by award winning New Zealand entertainers and new comers, this is sure to be a night you won’t forget. Our host is the dazzling Natalia Nox who is a well known face in the NZ Burlesque Scene and head mistress of Glamilton Burlesque Academy. This saucy night crawler was born in a puff of glitter and will lead you on a wild night of tantalizing fun!

In true Rock n Roll Circus style, along with some fun audience games, there will be prizes for Best Dressed on the night. Whip out your glad rags and come dressed in your finest.

We have a variety of ticketing options on offer.

Doors open 7.30pm, show starts at 8.30pm

R18 event

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“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

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A week long festival celebration of all things wacky and weird!

Hamilton Kirikiriroa Festival of Weird will be all about celebrating our vibrant creative scene, taking over public spaces and places with everything from cringe to fringe arts!

This festival is a platform for local and national grassroots arts, giving both emerging and established artists a chance to bring their wild ideas to life. So, get ready, all you wonderful weirdos, misfits, and everything in between-the Hamilton Festival of Weirds coming to the heart of the city, and we want you to be part of the fun!

And remember, keep being awesome and stay WEIRD!

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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.

An annual event that provides the opportunity for families and their children to engage in activities.

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Saturday 1 March

Garden Place 10am - 2pm

Central Hamilton Library 10am - 2pm

Waikato Museum 10am - 3pm

Gallagher Aquatic Centre - 1pm - 3pm

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Sunday 2 March

Waterworld 1pm - 3pm

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Free bus to all events - just tell your driver!

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This is an event not to be missed, let’s come together and celebrate our children and whaanau!

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The event organisers are aiming for a waste minimisation event, please bring your drink bottle and pack-it-in and pack-it-out picnic.

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