What’s On Waikato
The weather is starting to get chilly, but things are heating up in the Waikato as the Chiefs Manawa prepare to take on Matatū in the Super Rugby Aupiki Finale, the Gallagher Chiefs are ready to play the Blues and the Black Caps warm up for their game against Sri Lanka. Motors are running hot in Whangamatā as Beach Hop returns to its regular March date, and the Riverlea Theatre has the spicy play Calendar Girls on.
Events set to excite the region include:
● Calendar Girls, theatre play, March 24 to April 1, 7.30pm at Riverlea Theatre, Hamilton
Tim Firth’s hilarious play is based on the true story of eleven Women’s Institute (W.I.) members who famously posed nude for a calendar to raise money for the Leukaemia Research Fund in 1999. Tickets are available online.
● Beach Hop, rock’n’roll and automotive festival, March 24 to 26 in 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.
● Chiefs Manawa vs Matatu, Super Rugby Aupiki final, March 25 at 11.35am at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
The Waikato-based team is through to the finale and has a chance to win the championship for the second time. The Chiefs Manawa will defend
their title against South Island-based Matatū , who failed to win any games during last year’s inaugural season.
● Apero cheez and quiz, French culture event, March 25 from 6pm to 8pm at Alliance Française, 114 Alexandra St, Hamilton
To celebrate the week of the French language and francophonie from March 18 to 25, the French group invites you to come and taste some famous French cheeses and cured meats. They also offer a special francophonie quiz. Tickets are available online.
● Flamencodanza, dance performance, March 25 from 7pm to 8pm at The Meteor Theatre, Hamilton Flamencodanza is a dance collaboration that started five years ago at the Avignon Festival in France. Elements of flamenco, Brazilian music and jazz fuse together to create a unique show. Tickets are available online.
● Gourmet in the Gardens, food truck event, March 26, from 4pm at the Hamilton Gardens
The Gourmet in the Gardens season is coming to an end. Come along with the whole family and listen to the local live music while dining from the line-up of local food trucks. Bring your picnic blankets and chairs.
● The Proclaimers, concert, March 26, 7.30pm at Globox Arena, Claudelands, Hamilton
Scottish musicians The Proclaimers return to New Zealand for their biggest tour of Aotearoa ever. They are playing a total of nine concerts throughout the country. Fans can look forward to hits like I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles), I’m On My Way and Sunshine on Leith, plus the new release Dentures Out.
● German Chat, March 29, 7pm at The Helm, Hamilton
The Waikato Goethe Society organises a German chat evening on the last Wednesday of every month. The group welcomes all people who have an interest in getting to know other Germans or practicing the language — native speakers or not.
● Black Caps vs Sri Lanka, cricket, March 31, 2pm at Seddon Park, Hamilton
This season, international cricket is coming to Seddon Park and bringing the world’s best players to Kirikiriroa. Grab your family and friends to see the Black Caps take on Sri Lanka in their third ODI. Tickets are available online.
● Kimbra Live, concert, March 31 at 7pm at The Factory, Hamilton Hamilton-born pop star Kimbra is playing her first show in her hometown, in time with the recent release of her fourth studio album, A Reckoning. Kimbra burned herself into the public consciousness with Somebody That I Used To Know ,a duet with Gotye. Tickets are available online via Ticketfairy.
● Waikato Show, including Autumn Homexpo, March 31 to April 2, from 10am at Claudelands Park, Hamilton
A fun-filled day out for all ages with food, music, silent disco, arts and crafts markets, farm animals, sports and games. The Autumn Homexpo has over 100 home and garden exhibitors. Tickets are available online.
● Gallagher Chiefs vs Blues, Super Rugby match, April 1, 7.05pm at The FMG Stadium Waikato in Hamilton The Chiefs will take on Aucklandbased neighbours the Blues for the this year’s sixth Super Rugby game.