The 32nd Paeroa Highland Games and Tattoo will take place this weekend. Photo / Trevor Lowe
The 32nd Paeroa Highland Games and Tattoo will take place this weekend. Photo / Trevor Lowe
● Kickdown Festival, music and motorcycle event, now until February 8 at Joe’s Farm, Whangamatā
This festival is dedicated to all things motorcycle. Attendees can expect music on steroids, a bike show and trade displays, open fire meat cook, burnout pad, hill climb, NZ Combat School display, FMX displays, Barber shops and tattoo artists. As part of the festival, on February 8, 2.30pm, Shihad will play alongside Kora, Th Dudes, The D4 and Dick Move. Tickets online via kickdown.flicket.co.nz.
● The Secret Circus, performance, February 7, 7.30pm at Biddy Mulligans, 17b Hood St, Hamilton
The Secret Circus will proudly return to Hamilton to showcase a mash-up of talent from the UK and New Zealand. There will be music, comedy, magic, drag, burlesque and other variety acts. Tickets online via humanitix.
● Hydro Thunder NZ Series, powerboat event, February 8-9 at The Mighty River Domain, Lake Karapiro
It’s the 100th anniversary of the Masport Cup, plus Round 3 of the Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder Series and the NZ Powerboat Nationals. Over 100 entries are expected with 25 races per day. The Grand Prix Hydroplanes reach speeds of 170mph. Saturday will also feature the Petrol Head and Chemical Guys classic car show. Tickets online via Eventfinda.
Shihad will play at the Kickdown Festival.
● Paeroa Highland Games and Tattoo, Scottish culture celebration, February 8, 9am at Paeroa Domain
The annual event returns to Paeroa for the 32nd time. There will be hundreds of pipers and drummers, Round 1 of the NZ Highland Heavyweight Championship, wood chopping, Highland dancing, Steampunk Tartan, Junior (Kids) Highland Games, market stalls and a variety stage. The Evening Tattoo starts at 6pm. Tickets online via humanitix or at the gate.
● Circus in the Centre, children’s event, February 8-April 5, 12pm at Garden Place, Hamilton
The lawn at Garden Place will turn into a lively circus zone for free family-friendly sessions where kids and family can explore circus skills. Circus tutors will teach juggling, hula hooping, spinning plates, and more for free.
● Gourmet in the Gardens, food event, February 9, 4pm at the Rhododendron Lawn, Hamilton Gardens
Event includes a diverse line-up of food trucks and live entertainment. Furry friends welcome. Free entry.
● Sunset Cinema, outdoor movie screenings, February 13-15 at Seddon Park Cricket Stadium
Seddon Park will turn into an outdoor cinema again. The opening night’s movie will be Top Gun: Maverick. They will also screen The Notebook (February 14, 6.30pm), Inside Out 2 (February 15, 3pm) and Footloose (February 15, 6.30pm). There will also be music, food trucks and a bar. Tickets online via ndcricket.flicket.co.nz.
● Hamilton Arts Festival, February 21-March 2, in Hamilton
The much-loved annual festival is back for 2025 with a chocka programme for young and old. Included are new shows but also fan favourites including the Sunset Symphony. More info and full programme online at hamiltonartsfestival.co.nz.
● Chinese Lantern Festival, February 22, 6pm at Garden Place, Hamilton
Join the Waikato Chinese Culture and Art Centre for a fantastic evening celebrating Chinese New Year with a dragon and lion dance, magic show, live cultural performances and food stalls. Free event.
