What’s on in the Waikato
The Waikato is ready for some action, and it looks like sports buffs in particular will get their dose of adrenalin this month. The Waikato will be pumping with athletics, football, dancing, cycling and running in the coming weeks as the Porritt Classic, Fifa Women’s World Cup playoffs, Hamilton Arts Festival, Bike Month and Relay for Life are all kicking off soon.
Thanks to the Hamilton Arts Festival, music and theatre fans are also in for not just one, but lots of treats.
Events set to get the region moving include:
● Porritt Classic Athletics, sports event, February 11 from 2pm - 8pm at Hamilton’s Porritt Stadium, 78 Crosby Rd, Chartwell
Young athletes from all over New Zealand will compete in disciplines such as high jump, hurdles and shot put. Entries are now open and will close at midnight on February 5. For inquiries about entries, email porrittclassic@gmail.com.
● Chinese Lantern Festival, February 11, from 4pm at Hamilton’s Garden Place
Celebrate Chinese New Year with a free festival. There will be cultural performances including a dragon and lion dance, a magic show and food stalls. The food stalls will be in Garden Place from 4pm, with the event starting at 6pm.
● Fifa Women’s World Cup playoff Tournament, February 17 23 at Hamilton’s FMG Stadium Waikato
Ten international teams compete for the final three qualifying spots in this year’s World Cup in July. Hamilton also welcomes Cameroon, Thailand, Portugal, Chinese Taipei and Paraguay, as well as some countries that will be determined from the outcomes of early matches.
● Waimarino A&P Show, February 18 on Parapara Road, Raetihi Home to one of New Zealand’s oldest grandstands, with Mt Ruapehu as a stunning backdrop, the historic town of Raetihi will host the annual Waimarino Agricultural & Pastoral Show. A day full of equestrian events, woodchopping, farmers markets, competitions, and free rides for the kids.
● Netsky, Luude, Used | O:WEEK
Hamilton, concert, February 24 from 10pm at The Factory, 28 Alexandra Street
Following Netsky’s sold-out run in 2021, he is back in Hamilton for O: Week Friday. The R18 concert will also feature Australian electronic dance musicians Luude and Used. Netsky, from Belgium, has wowed audiences across the globe and played at international festivals from Coachella to Tomorrowland. Tickets are available via Ticketfairy.
● Hamilton Arts Festival, performing arts event, February 24 - March 5 in Hamilton
The programme of the Hamilton Arts
Festival/toi Ora Ki Kirikiriroa is a joyous fusion of both new works and some shows from the cancelled 2022 event. Highlights include a concert called The Soundtrack from Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge, reo rangatira project Te Kaahu, cabaret show Fever: Return of the Ula, Tutus on Tour and the annual Sunset Symphony. Tickets are available via Ticketek. ● Matamata Bike Day Out, cycling event, February 25 from 10am at the Matamata Domain
The local council has listened to locals who wanted to make it easier for pedestrians and cyclists to get
around town. There will be a guided cycle tour around a temporary cycle route, a toddler bike track, bicyclerelated stalls, food and entertainment. ● Love Your Bike Day, cycling event, February 26 from 10am to
12pm at Hamilton’s Claudelands
Park
This free event, brought to you by Hamilton City Council and Bike Waikato, is one of the events marking the annual Bike Month. There will be prizes, a bike valet, biking activities for kids and lots of information about biking, maintaining your bike, bike safety and security.
Relay for Life, cancer fundraiser, March 11 from 10am 10pm at Claudelands Oval, Hamilton The annual fundraising event in support of the Cancer Society sees teams dressing up to walk and keep a baton on the track non-stop for 12 hours. Sign up at relayforlife.org.nz/waikato to join the fight against cancer.
● Frankton Thunder, automotive event, March 12, from 9am - 4pm in and around Hamilton’s Commerce St The Frankton Thunder automotive and community festival is back this year with displays of classic and custom cars, motorcycles, specialinterest vehicles, live entertainment,
food stalls and steampunk. The supporting LJ Hooker Frankton Thunder Cruize-in and Toys for Charity run assembles at the Cambridge Raceway, on Taylor St in Cambridge, at 8.30am and leaves for Frankton at 9.30am. ● Balloons Over Waikato, hot air
balloon festival, March 14 - 18 The much-loved event is back in full force after a Covid-hit 2022 event. Highlights will be two specially shaped balloons, the Basket Burn and the annual Nightglow, this time at Claudelands Oval. For a more detailed schedule, visit the Balloons Over Waikato website.