Events galore in Rotorua this weekend

Rotorua ukulele band The Thermaleles have been involved with Music at the Band Rotunda for eight years. Photo / Supplied

Music at the Band Rotunda is celebrating a decade of showcasing local talent when the series returns this weekend.

While big crowds are expected at the NZ Bomb Competition, Flochella and the Rotorua Summer Seafood Festival, there are also many other events and things to do around the city this weekend, leading up to Waitangi Day.

At the rotunda in the Government Gardens, local musicians and groups will showcase everything from blues and country, to opera and rock'n'roll at seven concerts in as many weeks.

The Sunday concerts are free and people should bring along their own seating or a picnic blanket to enjoy the show.

The Te Aka Mauri library and children's health hub will open on February 3 with entertainment and activities. Photo / Ben Fraser

Rotorua Lakes Council public art adviser Marc Spijkerbosch, who organises the event, said it had grown in the past 10 years.

"Many regulars arrive early to secure their special spot and bring along picnics and deck chairs. It is fantastic to be able to showcase some of our passionate local talent in these free performances," he said.

Julie Parsons from ukulele band The Thermaleles has been involved with Music at the Band Rotunda for eight years and said it was a chance for locals to "relax in beautiful surrounds and hear great local musicians".

Covers band Simply Random and rock'n'roll duo Rhinestone Mining Co kick off the series on Sunday.

The 21st annual Classic and Wooden Boats Parade will take place on Lake Rotoiti on Saturday. It's free to watch the boats sail past, into the Okere Arm, around 10.45am.

It's estimated the oldest boat will be from the 1890s and there will also be replicas built in more recent years. Previous parades have included everything from wooden kayaks and dinghies to steam powered boats and wooden yachts.

East Side Rapture is a family evening featuring live music, food, an outdoor movie, competitions and more.

It takes place at Puketawhero Park from 6pm tonight . It's the first time the event has been run.

Another key event this weekend is the open day of the new library and children's health hub, Te Aka Mauri, from 10am till 4pm tomorrow.

Featuring free entertainment and activities for all ages, plus guest speakers and giveaways, the opening also marks the beginning of a seven days a week library service.

The health hub will focus on children and offer mental health services, oral health, maternity advice and more.

In conjunction with the opening locals are invited to travel free on Rotorua Cityride buses, excluding Route 15.

The Kiwanis Lake Rotoma Swim is also held every Waitangi Day and features 20 events for swimmers of all ages. While entries to the swim have closed, the races can be seen from 10am till 2pm.

Event details

East Side Rapture
When: Friday 6pm till 10pm
Where: Puketawhero Park, Te Ngae Rd.
What: Live music, food, outdoor movie and more.
Cost: Free

Classic and Wooden Boat Parade
When: Saturday 10.30am till 11.45am
Where: Okere Arm of Lake Rotoiti.
Cost: Free to watch.

Te Aka Mauri Open Day
When: Saturday 10am till 4pm
Where: Te Aka Mauri (old library), 1127 Haupapa St.
What: Entertainment and activities including performances, storytellers, a fairy corner, face painting, guest speakers and lots of great prizes and giveaways.
Speakers: 10.30am and 11.45am Dr Johan Morreau "The first 1000 days of life" at 10.30am. 2014 New Zealander of the Year Dr Lance O'Sullivan 11.15am.

Music at the Band Rotunda
When: Sunday 1pm till 3pm
Where: Rotunda in the Government Gardens.
Who: Simply Random & Rhinestone Mining Co.
Where: Rotunda in the Government Gardens
Cost: Free