The Nightglow will open the annual Balloons over Waikato Festival on Saturday, March 21 at the University of Waikato.
● Kickdown Festival, motorcycle event, March 20-21, Whangamatā
The Kickdown Festival is back in Whangamatā, this time in a special downtown edition instead of at Joe’s Farm, in a smaller, tighter format, bringing the action into the heart of town for one weekend of riding and live music. Tickets online via kickdown.flicket.co.nz.
● Cambridge Autumn Festival, community event, March 20-29, Cambridge
Cambridge will come alive with arts, entertainment and community events. From concerts to theatre, art exhibitions, comedy and movie screenings. More information online at cambridgeautumnfestival.co.nz.
● Tūrangawaewae Regatta 2026, cultural event, March 21, 9am at Tūrangawaewae Marae, 29 River Rd, Ngāruawāhia
The event includes a ceremonial fleet of five waka tauā floating down the river, waka racing, kapa haka and other performances, kai and craft stalls. Tickets online via Eventfinda.
● Lenny’s Toddler Techno Tour 2026, kids’ event, March 21, 11am at Claudelands Events Centre, Hamilton
After touring the world, Lenny Pearce is bringing his Toddler Techno Tour back home. Tickets online via Ticketek.
● Ironfist 20 Female Frenzy Fight Night, boxing, March 21, 4pm at Don Rowlands Centre, 601 Maungatautari Road, Cambridge
Nje Promotions brings the 20th edition of Ironfist. Headlined by Jadene Treadaway v Macy Smith for the Pro Box lightweight New Zealand title. Tickets online via Eventfinda.
● Bic Runga – Red Sunset Tour, March 21, 7pm at BNZ Theatre, Hamilton
Bic Runga is taking her sixth album, Red Sunset, around New Zealand. It’s her first collection of all-new material in 15 years. Tickets online via Ticketmaster.
● Wellathon, wellbeing event, March 21-22, at Hamilton Gardens
This event is a relaxed “triathlon” of movement, music and mindfulness, created by Tauranga‑based occupational therapist, yoga teacher and life coach Sophie Lister. Tickets online via hamiltongardens.co.nz.
● Balloons Over Waikato, March 21-28, Hamilton
Local and international pilots take to the Waikato skies in their hot air balloons. Every morning, weather permitting, the balloons take off from Innes Common. The iconic Nightglow will open the event this year, the Basket Burn is back and the balloons will visit South Waikato. Free event.
● Hamilton Farmers Market, March 22, 8am at The Barn, Claudelands Event Centre, Hamilton
The Hamilton Farmers’ Market is celebrating its 20th birthday. Apart from the usual stallholders offering their fresh, seasonal produce, there will be birthday cake and a display of old photos. Free entry.
● Beach Hop, automotive and rock’n’roll festival, March 25-29, Coromandel
The annual automotive and rock’n’roll festival is revving up in the Coromandel again. The programme includes stops in Waihī, Pāuanui and Ōnemana before the main event in Whangamatā. Free entry.
● Waikato Easter Market, March 28, from 9am to 3pm, at The Barn, Claudelands, Hamilton
This market showcases local crafts, live music, food trucks, and plenty of festive fun, including a kids’ Easter hunt and pony rides, with special appearances from the Easter Bunny and Winnie on the cards. Entry $5.
● Relay for Life, cancer fundraiser, March 28, 9am at Claudelands Oval, Hamilton
Relay teams take to the track, cheered on by supporters, and keep their batons moving to symbolise the community’s unstoppable fight against cancer. The event will have special performances, activities, music and food. Tickets online at hamilton.relayforlife.org.nz.
● Soweto Gospel Choir, concert, March 28, BNZ Theatre, Hamilton
The three-time Grammy-winning choir will perform a programme of South African freedom songs, renditions of the protest music of the Civil Rights Movement and contemporary classics, including works by Elvis Presley, Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin. Tickets online via Ticketmaster.
● Purple Walk for Epilepsy, March 29, 9.30am, at Innes Common, Hamilton
This free and family-friendly event is an opportunity for people to come together to celebrate Purple Day and 70 years of Epilepsy New Zealand. People are encouraged to wear their brightest purple clothes, with spot prizes to be won.
● Antarctic Film Festival, April 1, 6.30pm at New Zealand Deerstalkers Association Waikato, 975 Wairere Drive, Hamilton
The New Zealand Antarctic Society holds a presentation by Ian Hawes, with films blending documentary footage, curated by award-winning filmmaker Anthony Powell, revealing the continent’s beauty, unforgiving conditions, climate change and penguin antics. Tickets online at antarcticsociety.org.nz.
● Chiefs v Waratahs, Super Rugby Pacific, April 4, 7.05pm at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
The Gallagher Chiefs are back under the lights at FMG Stadium Waikato, ready to take on the NSW Waratahs. Tickets online at chiefs.flicket.co.nz.