There are plenty of markets to choose from in the Bay. Photo / 123rf
There are plenty of markets to choose from in the Bay. Photo / 123rf
From Tauranga to Rotorua, discover upcoming events in the Bay of Plenty region.
November
Royal New Zealand Ballet - A Midsummer Night's Dream. Photo / Stephen A'Court
Thursday, November 21: Royal New Zealand Ballet – A Midsummer Night’s Dream,Sir Howard Morrison Centre, Rotorua, 7.30pm, tickets from $59. The Royal New Zealand Ballet returns to Rotorua with Shakespeare’s whimsical comedy to life with breathtaking choreography, stunning costumes, Mendelssohn’s iconic score and fairy-tale magic. A sparkling spectacular for all ages.
Friday, November 22 to Saturday, December 7: ’Allo, ’Allo 2 – the Camembert Caper is on at Shambles Theatre. Tickets from iticket.
Friday, November 22: Rikki Morris will perform at The Jam Factory, Tauranga at 7pm as part of his About Time album release tour. This tour celebrates his first album in 28 years, featuring hits like Nobody Else and Heartbroke. Rikki’s daughter Oni Kidman will be the support act, and guitarist Chet O’Connell will join him on stage. Tickets are available at plus1.co.nz.
Chris Skinner fundraising concert. Photo / Supplied
Saturday, November 23:
Free Scooter Ride Day and Demonstration. Freestyle Roller Sports (FRS) is hosting a free Scooter Ride Day from 10am to 1pm at Destination Skatepark, Mount Maunganui. The event features thrilling demonstrations by 14 top New Zealand riders, many of whom recently competed at the World Skate Games in Rome. Attendees can enjoy exciting “park” and “street” scooter displays, meet the riders, and even learn some tricks.
Waihī Beach Summer Kick-Off Festival. Celebrate the start of summer at the Waihī Beach Summer Kick-Off Festival from 11am to 3pm at Wilson Park, Citrus Ave, Waihī Beach. This free event is packed with live music, delicious food, and family-friendly activities, starting with the Waihī Beach Farmers Market at 11am. Enjoy performances by the Waihī Beach Kura Kapahaka group, the Harmonic Resonators, and King Cool, along with local food trucks, arts and crafts, and fun for all ages.
Handel’s Messiah 2024 – Tauranga. Join The Scholars and NZBarok for a performance of Handel’s Messiah from 7.30pm to 9.30pm at St Mary Immaculate Church, Tauranga. This annual festive highlight brings the timeless story of Jesus’ life and triumph to life with authentic period performance and international soloists. Don’t miss the stirring Hallelujah chorus and the transcendent final Amen.
Celebrate Rotorua Heritage Day on Saturday, 23 November 2024 from 10am to 1pm with the opening of He Kete Rau Mahara: Local Heritage Week. For adults: The event starts with an opening address from Mayor Tania Tapsell at 10.15am, followed by Raimona Inia discussing his book Tātai kōrero at 10.30am, and a presentation by Phil Andrews on Jean Michel Camille Malfroy. For children and families: Enjoy vintage games and cars at Jean Batten Square, dress up for photos in front of iconic Rotorua scenes, and attend a special Te Arawa-themed story-time with Mercia-Dawn Yates on the Second Floor. For more information, visit www.rotorualibrary.govt.nz.
Check out Children are Stinky at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre with shows at 10.30am and 1pm. This award-winning comedy by Circus Trick Tease is packed with high-energy circus acts, a great soundtrack, and loads of laughs. Kids get to step on stage and show off their skills against the performers, making for some heartwarming and hilarious moments. It’s a blast for both kids and parents.
The Little Big Markets – Mount Maunganui. Enjoy the summer vibes at Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui, from 9am to 2pm. Explore a variety of gourmet street food, food trucks, curated stalls, live music, and free activities for kids. A perfect day out for the whole whānau.
Tauranga Smoke, Soper Reserve, Mount Maunganui. Barbecue and rock music festival. Featuring an ensemble of well-known all-Kiwi rock bands headlined by Head Like A Hole and Tadpole, barbecue food from local vendors and a range of drinks.
Don’t miss the annual Showcase Concert by LearnMusicNZ Rotorua Branch IRMTNZ at 6.30pm. The event will be held at St John’s Presbyterian Church, Rotorua. Enjoy an evening of musical performances presented by students of branch members. Tickets are available at the door (cash only) with prices at $10 for families (two adults and children) and $5 for individuals.
Diamond Studios presents Once Upon a Diamond at Baycourt, Tauranga, with shows at 12pm and 5pm. This modern and hilarious spin on a timeless tale features toe-tapping rhythms, heartwarming moments, and jaw-dropping performances. Gather your friends and family for a magical night full of laughter and enchantment.
Giant 2W Gravity Enduro – Race 2 Join New Zealand’s largest gravity MTB enduro series from 7am to 4pm at Te Pūtake o Tawa, Tarawera Rd, Rotorua. Part of Season 13, this event offers 4 or 6 stage options and categories for both bikes and e-bikes. Cruise up and race down in a social, inclusive atmosphere that’s perfect for riders of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re in it for fun or serious competition, this is an event not to miss.
Ryland Moranz Live in Tauranga. Join Canadian folk artist Ryland Moranz from 7pm to 9.30pm at The Jam Factory, Tauranga. With world-class banjo, guitar, and heartfelt storytelling, Moranz delivers music in the style of John Prine and Neil Young. Don’t miss this acclaimed singer-songwriter in an intimate setting.
Chris Skinner will perform a fundraising concert at St Mary of the Cross Church, 40 Seddon Street, Rotorua. The event starts at 6.30pm, and tickets cost $45, available at the parish office. For more details, contact Kathy at 0212671586.
Urzila Carlson.
Sunday, November 24:
Bay of Plenty Symphonia Storm & Stillness concert with oboe soloist Bede Hanley,from 3pm to 5pm at Holy Trinity Church, Devonport Rd, Tauranga. Adults $20 online, $25 at the door, 18 and under free. Tickets from Eventfinda.
Catch Urzila Carlson in her show Just Jokes at Baycourt Addison Theatre, 38 Durham Street, Tauranga, with performances at 4.30pm and 7pm. A fan favourite, Urzila is a three-time winner of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival’s People’s Choice Award and a household name in Australia and New Zealand.
Join us for the Waikato BoP Mad Hatter’s Tea Party at The Landmark, Rotorua from 12.30pm to 3.30pm. Dress up in your best Mad Hatter costumes for high tea with champagne and a fun treasure hunt. Tickets are available via Eventfinda.
Celebrate the Tauranga Diwali Festival 2024 at The Historic Village, 17th Ave West, Tauranga from 2pm to 8pm. Check out the vibrant Indian arts, cultural dance performances, delicious street foods, traditional sweets, Spice Chai, Rangoli and diya painting, henna art, Indian jewelry, crafts, gifts, and a Ramayan play.
The GENX Homes/Marra Construction Tinman Triathlon will take place at Pilot Bay Beach, The Mall, Mount Maunganui from 7am to 2pm. Hosted by Triathlon Tauranga, the event features various races including Standard, Sprint, Short, Splash N Dash, and Para Tri distances. There’s something for everyone, including the Triathlon New Zealand National Standard & Para champs.
Headliners Tadpole are performing at Tauranga Smoke 2024.
Thursday, November 28: Dinner in the Domain is back at The Pāpāmoa Pony Club from 5pm to 9pm. Enjoy a variety of delicious street food, beverages from the bar, and live music by the sea. Bring your appetite.
Catch Ladi6 on her Alofa: The Heartbeat Tour at Totara St, 11 Totara St, Mount Maunganui from 8.30pm to 11.30pm. Celebrate the release of her new single “Alofa” with live performances and a chance to win exclusive merchandise and tickets.
Enjoy Picture This With Edward Gains & the Film Ed Wood at Village Cinema, 17th Avenue West, Tauranga, from 6.30pm to 9.10pm. Don’t miss this unique cinematic experience.
Saturday, November 30 and Sunday November 31: Catch Becoming at Baycourt Addison Theatre, 38 Durham Street, Tauranga, from 11.30am to 1.30pm. This dance production by KJ Studios celebrates life’s journey, resilience, and the courage to be authentic.
Saturday, November 30: The 2024 Rotorua Christmas Parade will take place at Rotorua Government Gardens from 11am to 12pm. Enjoy a vibrant community event with colorful floats and walking groups celebrating the festive season. This beloved parade brings together community groups, schools, businesses, and individuals, showcasing the spirit and diversity of Rotorua. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with neighbors, celebrate local talent, and embrace the joy of Christmas.
December
Sunday, December 1:
The Andrew London Trio will perform at the Rotorua Jazz Club for their final concert of the year. The trio features Andrew London (vocals, guitar), Kirsten London (bass guitar, vocals), and Ben Wilcock (keys). Expect a mix of satirical, whimsical, and comedic songs in styles ranging from jazz and blues to country swing and ′60s lounge.
Car boot sale, 7.30am for sellers and 8am for buyers at College Car Park Windsor Rd to raise funds for Ōtūmoetai Rotary. Sellers $10 a space. Electronic and Appliance recycling. Fees apply. Details Brian 021 1228735 Bevan 027 4612127
The Andrew London Trio returns to Rotorua Jazz Club. Photo / Supplied
Wednesday, December 4: Cirque Africa is 100% fun, 100% African, and 100% joy. Audiences will be fully immersed in traditional African culture while witnessing a hand-picked, world-renowned African troupe –from acrobats to dancers, musicians to contortionists – perform in this energetic two-hour spectacle. Tickets via Ticketmaster.
Cirque Africa is coming to Rotorua in December. Photo / Supplied
Saturday, December 7: The Z Manu World Champs will take place at the Tauranga Central Waterfront Tidal Steps from 10am to 5pm. This qualifier event will determine eight finalists in both the Manu and Freestyle divisions, who will compete in the Grand Final in Auckland on March 1. Prepare for an action-packed day of epic bombs and big splashes.
Monday, December 9: Join Alex Ventling and Phelan Burgoyne for The View album release jazz concert on Monday, December 9, 2024, at 7pm at St. Luke’s Church, 1223 Amohia Street, Rotorua. Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for students and Gold Card holders, available through Eventfinda or at the door.
Friday, December 20: The XMAS Stand-up Comedy Night at 16th Avenue Theatre, Tauranga is on Friday, December 20, 2024, with shows at 7:00pm and 9:00pm. Enjoy hilarious performances from 7 comics in the early show and 7 different comics in the late show, hosted by Punch Muffin. Tickets are $20, and you can buy for both shows to experience two unique lineups. Warning: R18 Content.
Regular events
Mondays: Harmony A Plenty have been singing for 20 years. Covid has reduced our numbers. We are inviting men to join and enjoy our 7pm-9pm Monday practice, supper and singouts in Tauranga. If this appeals to you contact Frank 576 3037 or David 576 0575.
Tuesdays:
Rotorua District Cadet Unit Parades – if you’re Year 9 and up, come along to see if you are the next cadet to join the ranks. Where: 23 Geddes Rd, Rotorua, on Tuesdays during school term, 6.15pm to 9pm.
Cards 500 at the Mount Community Hall 12.30pm to 4pm. All welcome. Inquiries to phone 0276586848.
Rotorua Night Market, weekly at Tutānekai St from 5pm until 9pm. Weather dependent.
The Mount Art group meets every Thursday at St Peter’s Anglican Church hall, 15 Victoria Rd at the Mount, from 9am until noon. Call Merilynn on 0274846874 for more information.
Air Training Corp parade during term weeks from 6.15pm at 23 Geddes Rd. Age 13-plus. Come down and have a look or contact cucdr.75sqn@cadetforces.org.nz for more information. You are welcome to come and have a look.
Cards 500 at the Mount Community Hall 12.30pm to 4pm. All welcome. Inquiries to phone 0276586848.
Fridays:
Friday Night Fun Night at Baywave – enjoy two hours of racing down the hydroslide, bobbing through the waves in our wave pool and bombing off a special platform to the latest tunes for $6 a person. From 6pm to 8pm Fridays, excluding public and school holidays.
Tauranga Night Market at McKinley Park in Tauranga Racecourse. 5pm-8.30pm. Come along for food, small business stalls and entertainment.
Saturdays:
The Little Big Markets – Summer Series: October 20, Tauranga CBD Waterfront, 9am to 2pm.
Rotary Charity Market at Kuirau Park has been operating for 37 years, every Saturday morning, wet or fine, 7am to 2pm. Stalls selling vegetables, a wide range of takeaway food, popcorn, coffee, meat, jewellery, clothing, gift cards, and more. Proceeds are used for various community undertakings. Sites for stalls cost $30.
Tauranga Farmers’ Market rain or shine, 7.45am to noon at Tauranga Primary School.
Kuirau Park Book Sale on first and third Saturdays, from 9am until 1pm in the kiosk near the playground. All proceeds to Rotorua Library.
The Greerton Hall Market on the second and last Saturday of every month from 8am to noon.
Sundays: Waihī Beach Sunday Market 9am to 1pm at Wilson Park.
Daily: Government Gardens Guided Tours, 11am, outside Rotorua Museum.
Fortnightly:
Pakihi Ora Māori Business Network Māori Business Rōpū focused on bringing together and supporting ngā pakihi Māori. Anchored in Māori values, knowledge and cultural practices, dedicated to creating spaces that are mana enhancing. A place where Māori business owners can come together and feel connected through mātauranga. This is a Wednesday fortnightly kaupapa held at Kai Caff Aye, Fenton St, 7.30am to 9am. Visit Pakihi Ora on Facebook for more information.
Muscular Dystrophy Support Group meets the last Sunday of the month at 11am at the Whipped Baker Cafe, Historic Village. Family and friends welcome. Any inquiries to reactn2you@gmail.com.
Sol Markets at Simpson Reserve includes products, services and information from local stallholders that consider sustainability in their business practises. From 9am to 2pm on the first Sunday of the month.
Geyserland Country Music Club meets on the first Wednesday from 1pm to 3pm and the third Sunday of the month from 1pm to 4.30pm at the Rotorua Bowling Club. Non-members $6, children under 13 are free. For more information go to Geyserland Country Music Club Facebook page.
Rotorua UkeBox Ukulele Open Mic and Strum Along. Third Sunday of the month, 3pm to 4.30pm at Te Runanga Tea House. Free to strum or sing along or watch.
Western Bay Crop Swap, a free event for backyard gardeners, home bakers and food foragers to swap and share high-quality local food on the first Saturday of the month, 10am to 11am at SuperGrans Western Bay of Plenty, 14 Jocelyn St, Katikati.
Rotorua Jazz Club meets first Sunday of every month, 4.30pm to 8pm, winter and summer. Rotorua Citizens Club, Arawa St. $20 entry for adults, $2 for juniors. The public is always welcome. For upcoming events and bands go to Rotorua Jazz Club Facebook page or email rotjazzclub@gmail.com.
Historic Village Wellbeing Market on the third Saturday of the month from 10am to 3pm.
Ōmokoroa Market featuring arts and crafts, produce, plants and car boot, plus more. Held on the last Saturday of the month 9am to noon at Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall.
Maketū Market from 7am at Maketū Village Green on the third and fifth Sunday of the month. Vendor stalls $10. Phone Maureen 021 2671 685.
Improv Comedy with The Honest Liars – 16th Ave Theatre. First Saturday of the month 7.30pm to 9pm, entry $15.
BoP Blues Club Jam, first Wednesday of the month, 7.30pm to 10.30pm, Rotorua Citizens Club.
Art By Bike Tours, third Saturday of the month, (finishes April 15) 10am, Te Manawa.
Collective Energies Holistic Wellness Market the fourth Saturday of each month 9am to 2pm at the Mount Community Hall, 345 Maunganui Rd, Mount Maunganui. Collective Energies Facebook/Insta. Contact Melanie 027 286 8268 for more information.
■ To include your event, email details to whatson@dailypost.co.nz at least a week before the event.
