There's plenty to do in the Bay of Plenty. Photo / 123rf
There's plenty to do in the Bay of Plenty. Photo / 123rf
From Tauranga to Rotorua, discover upcoming events in the Bay of Plenty region.
July
Thursday, July 11 to Friday, July 19: Tinkd Makerspace School holiday Tour, Tinkd Makerspace, Tauranga. Come and check out Tinkd Makerspace for a free tour this July 2024 school holidays at Basestation 148 Durham St, Tauranga. Learn more about how you can get stuck into making with us – We will show you around our Makerspace chock full of equipment for 3D printing, coding, robotics, laser cutting and engraving, materials/croft, vinyl cutting, textiles, electronics, and more. Bookings are essential. Suitable for kids ages 8+.
Friday, July 19:
Magic Men, Baycourt Addison Theatre R18+ 7.30pm. Voted Australia’s Best Male Dance Group, find out what will make this group of guys the talk of Tauranga Moana. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your besties and be ready for a night of fun, laughter and plenty of eye-candy.
Chris Parker: Give Me One Good Reason Why I Shouldn’t Throw My Phone Off This Bridge, Sir Howard Morrison Centre. Tickets via Ticketmaster.
Saturday, July 20 and Sunday, July 21: The Amazing Dinosaur Discovery, Lakefront Reserve, Rotorua. Tickets via eventfinda. 11am and 1.30pm showtimes. Come and explore the prehistoric ages and discover over 30 lifelike dinosaurs. You don’t want to miss the crowd favourite Tyrannosaurus Rex, the 12m long neck of Brachiosaurus or the much-raved-about robotic raptors.
Saturday, July 20:
Tauranga Youth Chamber Ensemble, 2.30pm and 4.30pm at Baycourt’s X Space. Aged between 11 to 18 years, these talented violinists will perform five thrilling concertos - from solo violin to viola and flute, double violin, and even strings. Tickets via eventfinda.
Miss Rotorua NZ 2024, Sir Howard Morrison Centre, 7pm. Twenty beauty queens vie for the title of Miss Rotorua 2024. Tickets via Ticketmaster.
Carnival, Baycourt Addison Theatre, Tauranga, 6.30pm to 8.45pm. Tickets via eventfinda. A pole and aerial extravaganza. Prepare to be dazzled by vibrant costumes, spectacular acts, and the enchanting atmosphere of a carnival. This event showcases Altitude’s amazing students and instructors, performing aerial hoop, silks, rope, pole, dance and more.
Elvis Tribute Show, Jack Dusty’s Ale House, Tauranga, 7.30pm to 10.30pm, Elvis Tribute Show performed by Trevor Needham, Janine and Sue. All the greatest songs , wonderful costumes beautiful stage and a real good time. No cover charge. Bookings advised, call (07) 5769059.
Sunday, July 21:
Sylvia Jiang BaycourtX Space 4pm. Prices: $10.75 - $48.12. Come along and support this Juilliard graduate, and winner of the Hastings International Piano Concerto Competition as she makes her national, solo-tour debut. It’s just over a week away.
World To WAI-BOP: Gala Concert, Sir Howard Morrison Centre, 7.30pm. Choirs from Nigeria, the Philippines, China, the USA, Hamilton, Tauranga, Te Aroha, Matamata, Thames, Whitianga and Rotorua are set to perform. Tickets are available on Ticketmaster or there are free sessions at 1pm and 4pm at Sir Howard Morrison Centre.
Tauranga Baypark Ice Rink, Mercury Baypark, Mount Maunganui, 10am to 10pm. Tickets via Flicket. Experience the magic of winter as we bring the chill to Baypark with a 100% frozen ice rink.
Fungi Fest NZ Community Day, Envirohub Bay of Plenty, Tauranga 10am to 2pm. The EcoSci Creative Events team have partnered with Envirohub Bay of Plenty to bring you this one-day-only event that is not to be missed. Join us for the first ever Fungi Fest NZ Community Day.
Monday, July 22: The World of Musicals in Concert. Baycourt Theatre, 4pm and 7.30pm. Tickets via eventfinda. From the best of ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ and ‘Les Misérables’ to ‘Guys & Dolls’ and ‘South Pacific’ and many, many more.
Wednesday, July 24: A Taste of Ireland, Baycourt Theatre 4pm and 7.30pm. Hot off its Off-Broadway premiere, ‘A Taste of Ireland―The Irish Music & Dance Sensation’ hits stages across New Zealand, performing the show that has entertained thousands around the globe. Laugh, cry and jig into the night with a production that is Celtic, for this generation. Tickets via eventfinda.
Prima Facie is a one-woman show from Suzie Miller being performed by the New Zealand Theatre Company. Photo / Roxy Photography
Friday, July 26 to Sunday, July 28: PRIMA FACIE - Written by Suzie Miller, Baycourt X Space, Tauranga. Tickets via eventfinda. Suzie Miller’s Prima Facie is an unforgettable story and one-woman tour de force that has the power to question the structure of the legal system and takes us to the heart of where emotion and experience conflict within the system as we know it.
Friday, July 26: 3 Tenors Tribute to Mario Lanza, Holy Trinity Church, Tauranga, 11am to 12.45pm. Tickets via Operatunity or 0508 266 237. Deemed the greatest voice of the 20th century, our tenors pay tribute to Mario Lanza singing his passionate love songs.
GREAT FOREST ROGAINE
Saturday, July 27:
GREAT FOREST ROGAINE. Three and six-hour foot and mountain bike navigation adventure event in Whakarewarewa Forest. www.obop.org.nz.
Opus Orchestra presents Karohirohi (Tauranga), 3pm to 5pm, Baycourt Theatre, Addison Theatre, Tickets: eventfinda.co.nz.
A Taste of Ireland - Rotorua, Sir Owen Glenn Theatre, Rotorua, 7.30pm to 9.20pm. Tickets via Ticketmaster. Hot off its Off-Broadway premiere, ‘A Taste of Ireland―The Irish Music & Dance Sensation’ hits stages across New Zealand, performing the show that has entertained thousands around the globe. Laugh, cry and jig into the night with a production that is Celtic, for this generation.
Sausage Making Workshop, El Jefe Meats, 3/60 Aviation Ave, Mount Maunganui, 9am to 12pm. Tickets via eventfinda. This is a hands on workshop with lots of fun but also valuable skills to be learnt. Four teams of three people will be making a different type of sausage. There will some classic flavours and some out of the box ones. At the end of the day we will divide and pack the products and you get to take home. All ingredients and equipment will be provided, only a good attitude is required.
Monday, August 5: DanceNZmade Interschool Solos, Duos & Trios, Baycourt Addison Theatre, Tauranga, 6pm to 10pm. Tickets via eventfinda. The region’s schools bring their best dance to the stage aiming to become the champions in a celebration of all their unique dance. Who will represent Tauranga at Nationals?
Tuesday, August 6: DanceNZmade Interschool Regional, Baycourt Addison Theatre, Tauranga, 6pm to 10pm. Tickets via eventfinda.
Saturday, August 10:
Thrift Shop Ball, Totara St, Mount Maunganui, 7.30pm to 1am. Tickets via Flicket. Unleash your creativity and fashion a striking ensemble from your personal collection and thrift Shop finds. Featuring top-tier live performances and pulsating dance rhythms, this is no ordinary affair.
Run the Forest Half Marathon, The Redwoods, corner Tarawera & Long Mile Rds, Rotorua, 8am to 3pm. Tickets via www.runtheforest.co.nz.
Elton John vs Billy Joel *NZ Tribute* Rotorua, Sir Howard Morrison Centre, Rotorua. 7.30pm to 10.15pm. Tickets via Ticketmaster. NZ’s award-winning hit tribute show “Elton John vs. Billy Joel” is coming to Rotorua as part of its NZ-wide tour. Doors 7pm, show starts 7.30pm sharp.
Harcourts Dancing For Hospice. Photo / Andrew Warner
Sunday, August 11: Harcourts Dancing for Hospice 2024 - Matinee, Sir Howard Morrison Centre. Tickets via Ticketmaster.
Wednesday, August 14: Standup Comedy Freak Show, The Hop House, 12 Wharf St, Tauranga, 7.30pm.
Saturday, August 17: Harcourts Dancing for Hospice, Energy Events Centre, Rotorua. Tickets via Ticketmaster.
Saturday, August 24: Competition Day for Music Scholarships Grade One to Diploma Level, St John’s Church, cn Victoria and Ranolf Sts, Rotorua hosted by the Rotorua Branch IRMTNZ (LearnMusicNZ) from 9.30am to 9.30pm. To foster public awareness of talented musical students of ages 6 to young adult, competing for prize money of more than $3000.
September
Sunday, September 15: Lunch with Dame Theresa Gattung, Katikati Bowling Club, 11.30am. Cost - $50, includes main meal and dessert. Tickets from the Arts Junction, 36 Main Rd Katikati, on online at www.theartsjunction.org.nz. Inquiries - Natasja 0273487748 or email fundabbeyfieldwbop@gmail.com.
Regular events
Mondays: Harmony A Plenty has been singing for 20 years. Covid has reduced our numbers. We are inviting men to join and enjoy our 7pm to 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 Unilt 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.
Wednesdays: Learn to Salsa, QE Health Wellness & Spa Whakaue Street, Rotorua, all ages. 6pm to 9pm. You can join classes at any time, no need to bring a partner, just turn up on the night. 6pm to 7pm Cuban Salsa & Afro-Cuban - Intermediate Level; 7pm to 8pm Salsa Fusion - Beginners Level; 8pm to 9pm Bachata - Open Level; Cost: $20 for one class, $30 for two classes, or $35 for three classes on the same night.
Thursdays:
Rotorua Night Market, weekly at Tutanekai St from 5pm until 9pm. Weather dependant.
Dinner in the Domain, a weekly artisan food market. 5pm every Thursday night from November to March, Pāpāmoa Pony Club.
The Mount Art group meets every Thursday at St Peters Anglican church hall, 15 Victoria Rd at the Mount, from 9am until midday. 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.
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 per person. From 6pm to 8pm Fridays, excluding public and school holidays.
Saturdays:
Rotary Charity Market at Kuirau Park, has been operating for 37 years, every Saturday morning, wet or fine, 7am to 2pm. Stalls selling vegetables, 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 midday at Tauranga Primary School.
Book sale on the first, third and holiday Saturday of each month. All funds raised go back to the library. From 9am to 1pm at Kuirau Park.
The Little Big Markets Mount Maunganui at Coronation Park on the first, third and last Saturday of every month from 9am to 2pm.
The Greerton Hall Market on the second and last Saturday of every month from 8am to 12pm.
Sundays: Waihi Beach Sunday Market 9am to 1pm at Wilson Park.
Saturdays and Sundays: Weekend Drop-in Learning and Art Activities, Tauranga Art Gallery POP UP, 42 Devonport Rd.
Daily: Government Gardens Guided Tours, 11am, outside Rotorua Museum.
Weekly: Cards 500 at the Mount Community Hall every Tuesday and Thursday 12.30 to 4pm. Afternoon tea provided. All welcome. Inquiries to phone 0276586848.
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 9.00am. Visit Pakihi Ora on Facebook for more information.
Monthly:
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.
Omokoroa Market featuring arts and crafts, produce, plants and car boot, plus more. Held on the last Saturday of the month 9am to midday at Omokoroa 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 Road, Mount Maunganui. Collective Energies Facebook/Insta. Contact Melanie 027 286 8268 for more information.