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Their annual street art festival has been breathing life into the streets of Kirikiriroa since 2015. You can still find their early murals hidden down curious little laneways around the inner city, but recent years have seen them commissioning both local and international artists to take over iconic hero walls across the city. ‘Art everywhere, everyday’ is Boon’s vision in a nutshell. The crew at Boon are big fans of public art and what it can do for the people who live and work in that area.

If you just can’t face another treadmill, and the thought of stepping into a gym makes you feel sick—we hear you. For those who are tired of the status-quo exercise tropes, listen up: Hamilton is home to a boutique fitness studio that will shake up your next sweat sesh.Founded by competitive pole dancer and qualified AntiGravity Fitness Instructor Laura Lockhart, HIGH ABOVE is a fitness hub like no other. Specialising in both aerial and pole classes, working out here is all about getting fit through having fun.

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.

Waikato Chamber of Commerce announced finalists to its 2024 Waikato Business Awards at Ninja Valley.

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.

Senior Sergeant Scott McKenzie said the survey is the first few step police are taking to develop a safety programme for the CBD. The initiative was prompted after stakeholders told police that they have seen a rise in antisocial behaviour, which was confirmed by the survey results.

If you want to get your hands on an old parking meter head, whether it’s for sentimental reasons or to use for an art sculpture, they’re currently available for purchase.GoEco and Habitat for Humanity in Hamilton are selling Hamilton City Council's old central city meter heads until 18 August 2024, with the organisations keeping the proceeds to support the work they do within the community.

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.

Printable event guide.

The soulful sounds of the sitar, the soaring melodies of the violin, and the rhythmic pulse of the tabla come together in a harmonious blend of traditional Indian classical and contemporary Western music. This innovative fusion creates a rich tapestry of sound that transcends cultural boundaries, transporting listeners on a sonic journey from West to East. From the intricate ragas of Indian classical to the improvisational spirit of jazz and Western Classical Music featuring:

Want to get your hands dirty with clay?

Or just here for the party vibes? Either way, you’re invited!

When: 31st Dec from 8pm - Midnight

Price: $55 per person

We’re all about good times, great company, and a kiln-full of fun! Everyone’s welcome—whether you’re here to create or just celebrate.

Let’s make this New Year’s Eve unforgettable together!

Book NOW:

E-mail: sam@potterystudio.co.nz

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Each show is being recorded and pitched to Netflix.

Tickets from $20, $25 cash at the door.

After a sold out series of shows last November and an appearance at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Coombe and Craig are hitting the road again and this time they are making it bigger!

Catch two of New Zealand’s top up-and-coming comedians this summer as they head out across the North Island with special guest Annie.

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Come down to Nivara Lounge to witness the best beatboxers in New Zealand go head-to-head with each other in an all new never seen before beatbox battle concept that will have you wanting more!

This event will be hosted by Crkzu, who is returning to New Zealand for the 24/25 summer!

The venue lawfully has a capacity of 110 patrons, so make sure to arrive on time, as you do not want to miss out!

The doors will open at 8pm; Performers and Beatboxers please arrive at 6pm if you wish to do a sound check!

Message Crkzu if you want to participate or perform at the event!

More information will be coming soon, click 'going' if you can make it and we will see you there!

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Whether you already love making zines or want to step up to sharing your creativity in printed form - nau mai, haere mai, welcome! Suitable for ages 14 years and older.

A zine is a small, handcrafted booklet, made from original or re-purposed writing and images. It's a great way to publish and share your own art, poems, opinions, or photos.

And if you already know how to zine, just come hang and make with us in a zine-friendly space.

We can koorero, write, glue, compose, stitch and disseminate our creative genius, our truth, our joy!

Suitable for ages 14+ years

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Inspired by the Museum's current exhibitions, these hands-on sessions will expand your child’s knowledge of art and science through creative crafting techniques. Suitable for ages 7-13 years.

$45 per session, booking fees may apply. Includes entry to Exscite for your child on the same day. Limited spaces!

Suitable for ages 7 to 14 years

Say goodbye to 2024 and ALOHA to 2025 at SkyCity Hamilton!

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Get ready to ring in the New Year, with a splash of tropical paradise!

Festivities kick off at 6pm, where you can collect your free entry wristband to go in the draw to win a share of our LUAU LOOT. Make sure you get in quick, as we have a limited number of wristbands available!

Hula your way into the New Year with an exciting line up of live entertainment:

Catch PACIFIC ELVIS live at Number Eight Bar

GROOVE STREET will be taking over the stage at Amuse Bar & Kitchen

Plus, their usual line up of delicious food and drink will be available for purchase all night long!

You won't want to miss this - so grab your best summer florals and enjoy the fun!

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1st and 2nd of March 2025 coming to a venue near you! A big thank you to BUSit for offering FREE bus rides to all our HCD events!

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

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Keystone is your spot for live music this New Year's Eve. If you're in Hamilton on Tuesday the 31st of December, come bring in the New Year with Keystone!

Printable event guide.

Summer music sessions

Fridays in Garden Place

12.30pm - 1.30pm

All live music sessions are weather dependent.

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It's going to be an unforgettable summer of live music in Garden Place with an electrifying mix of DJs, sensational singers, and sax bringing live music to the central city!

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6th December - Sean Lurman

13th December - ARLO

20th December - Darz Keefe

17th January - DJ KUDZ

24th January - Carl Watkins

31st January - SAM DIEGO

7th February - JAE

14th February - Darz Keefe

21st February - TW3AK & CYPHR

28th February - Andrew Price

7th March - RNG

14th March

21st March - CULLY

28th March

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Names of all musicians will be added soon.

If you are a local musician and would like to be involved in the summer music sessions contact:

Vicky - admin@hamiltoncentral.co.nz

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Experience the energy and creativity of tomorrow’s future shapers.