What’s On Waikato
The recent weather has no doubt dampened the mood, but the Waikato has a bright forecast of events happening over the next couple of weeks.
Highlights include a range of action circling around the Fifa women’s playoffs in Hamilton this weekend and cycling events for Bike Month, and performing arts fans will soon welcome back the annual Hamilton Arts Fest.
Rock’n’roll and classic car fans will be looking forward to Beach Hop 2023, which is now back at its usual March date and comes hot on the heels of the postponed 2022 event in November.
Other events set to brighten up the region include:
● 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 welcomes Cameroon, Thailand, Portugal, Chinese Taipei, Paraguay, Argentina and New Zealand’s Football Ferns this weekend.
● 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 on 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.
● Motofest, motorcycle event, March 4 and 5 at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park Two days of two-wheel racing action, headlined by the Shoei Superbike races and the Motul NZ Classic Grand Prix. Kiwi racing legends Graeme Crosby and Andrew Stroud will also be there, along with a display of classic racing bikes. More information is available online at: hamptondowns.com.
● 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.
● Beach Hop, rock’n’roll and automotive festival, March 22 to 26 at Whangamatā The iconic New Zealand event is back at its regular March date and is bringing a few new additions along. A highlight will be the new ‘King of the Hop’ Elvis Tribute competition and the Rock n Roll Circus’ ‘Tease-o-rama’ burlesque and cabaret show.