What’s On Waikato
Summer might have officially ended, but looking at the Waikato’s event calendar you will think it has just started. There are lots of exciting events still in the pipeline, including Motofest at Hampton Downs, the annual Balloons over Waikato hot air balloon festival, and the Chiefs taking on the Highlanders on their home turf.
The Hamilton Arts Festival is also still running until Sunday, including an award-winning cabaret show and a Royal New Zealand Ballet performance.
Other events set to delight the region include:
● Fortune by Bev Moon, art exhibition, now until July 2 at Waikato Museum, Hamilton
The exhibition tells one of many of the key stories of the early Chinese settlers of Aotearoa New Zealand. Through an installation made from knitted wool that depicts a yum cha feast, artist Bev Moon pays tribute to her mother and grandmother, who came to New Zealand as refugees from China during World War II. Entry is free.
● Hamilton Arts Festival, performing arts event, now until March 5 in Hamilton
Hamilton Arts Festival/toi Ora Ki Kirikiriroa is celebrating its return after Covid-19. The overall festival programme is a fusion of new works and some shows from the cancelled 2022 event. Highlights include a concert called cabaret show Fever: Return of the Ula and Tutus on Tour. Tickets are available via Ticketek.
● 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 online at: hamptondowns.com.
● Morrinsville A&P Show, March 4, from 9am at the Morrinsville Recreation Grounds in Avenue Rd
A day filled with entertainment, competition and education for the whole family showcasing the best of rural and urban lifestyles. Including strongman competition, music from Morrinsville country club, petting zoo, bouncy castle, kids’ games and more. Adult entry $10, kids (12 to 16) entry $5. Kids under 12 are free.
● ATR NZ Derby Day, horse racing event, March 4, from 11am, at Te Rapa Race Course, Ken Browne Drive For this race day, Te Rapa Waikato Racing Club teamed up with Equipotential, which provides equineassisted services to people with disabilities and mental health issues. The $5 entry will be donated to the charity. Apart from the racing, there will be a fashion competition and entertainment for kids, including a face painter, bouncy castle and jeep rides.
● Gallagher Chiefs v Highlanders, Super Rugby game, March 10 from 4.30pm at FMG Stadium Waikato The men from the south head to Hamilton with the Gallagher Chiefs ready to defend their turf. The Chiefs were strong in their first game against the Crusaders scoring 31 to 10. The Chiefs were also dominant against the Highlanders last season prevailing 26-16. Kick-off is at 7.05pm. Gates open 4.30pm with a curtain-raiser match of the Chiefs U20 v Blues U20.
Tickets available online.
● Relay for Life, cancer fundraiser, March 11 from 10am to 10pm at Claudelands Oval, Hamilton
The annual fundraising event in support of the Cancer Society has 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 to 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 in Taylor St in Cambridge at 8.30am and leaves for Frankton at 9.30am.
● Medieval Fair, March 12, from 10am to 2pm at Governor’s Green at the Hamilton Gardens
Join the Friends of Hamilton Gardens on Governor’s Green for a day of family fun showcasing medieval times. With food, music, games, paper sword battles, maypole dancing, creative arts, combatants and archery. Entry by gold coin.
● Balloons Over Waikato, hot air balloon festival, March 14 to 18 in Hamilton
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, go to the Balloons Over Waikato website.
● Ngāruawāhia Creatives Market, March 19, from 9am at Te Whare Toi o Ngaaruawaahia, 18 Herschel St Ngāruawāhia creative organisation Ngā Art is launching a series of creative markets running on the third Sunday of every month at its premises in Herschel St. Ngā Art expects about 50 stallholders — these will mostly be craft stalls, with a few food stalls.
● Beach Hop, rock’n’roll and automotive festival, March 22 to 26 in Whangamatā
The iconic event is back at its regular March date and is bringing a few new additions. A highlight will be the new King of the Hop Elvis tribute competition and the Rock n Roll Circus Teaseo-rama burlesque and cabaret show.