From Tauranga to Rotorua, discover upcoming events in the Bay of Plenty region.
Saturday, September 20 to Saturday, October 4: Discover something new in the city centre with the Downtown Discovery Trail, running daily from 9am to 5pm between Saturday September 20 and Saturday October 4. Grab a free trailmap from the Tauranga i-SITE in Red Square, follow clues through Downtown Tauranga, uncover hidden gems, enjoy tasty pit stops, and be in to win prizes worth over $500 – it’s free and fun for all ages!
Saturday, September 20 to Sunday, October 5: Classic Flyers in Mount Maunganui is open daily from 9am to 3pm these school holidays, with indoor fun for kids rain or shine. From a free colouring competition to fire truck rides, arts and crafts, and Merlin the Moggy’s treasure hunt, there’s plenty to keep young aviators entertained – normal museum entry applies.
Wednesday, September 24 to Friday Octber 3:
Rocktopia’s Climb & Skate Holiday Programme runs select days 9.30am–3.30pm at 9 Triton Avenue, Mount Maunganui. Kids and teens can learn climbing and skating skills — sessions are $85–$230, with accessible facilities and bookings at rocktopia.co.nz.
Wednesday, October 1 to Saturday, October 4: Tauranga locals, mark your calendars — Bay Oval is hosting the BLACKCAPS vs Australia T20I series on Wednesday, October 1, Friday, October 3, and Saturday, October 4, with matches starting at 7.15pm. It’s a great chance to enjoy top-tier cricket right here in the Bay.
Saturdays in October: Rotorua Library adult learning programmes:Yoga in the library 10am, free. Book here.
GOMIL rolls into Baycourt at 7.30pm, starring Kiwi comedy legend Mark Hadlow in a spandex-filled sequel to the hit show MAMIL. With tickets from $83.48, expect big laughs, mid-life crises, and Lycra that’s tighter than ever — book now before it pedals off.
Whetūrangihia returns to the Sir Owen Glenn Theatre on at 6.30pm, weaving reo Māori, music, and storytelling into a moving theatrical experience. With tickets from $25 to $55, this powerful performance explores Matariki, memory, and wellbeing through the journey of a whānau reconnecting with ancestral knowledge.
Friday, October 3:
Catch a fun flash mob by older performers at the Young at Heart Festival, popping up at Tauranga Crossing (downstairs in the mall) from 12pm–12.15pm. It’s free, all ages welcome, and wheelchair accessible.
Tom Cunliffe brings his poetic folk trio to The Jam Factory at The Historic Village in Tauranga from 7pm to 9.30pm. Tickets are $20.
Saturday, October 4:
The 2025 Entertainer of the Year competition hits Baycourt’s Addison Theatre in Tauranga with more than 30 finalists performing across two shows at 1pm and 6.30pm. Tickets range from $23.03 to $87.06 depending on age and session, and all ages are welcome to enjoy this celebration of New Zealand’s top amateur country music talent.
King Missile (Dog Fly Religion) are bringing their offbeat indie charm to Tauranga with a midday set at Under The Bridge – entry is free or koha. You might remember them from cult classics like “Detachable Penis” and “Cheesecake Truck” – now’s your chance to catch them live without breaking the bank.
Start your Saturday right at the Rotary Kuirau Market – grab a coffee, stay for breakfast or brunch, and browse gifts, clothes, meat and veges from 7am to 12.30pm at Kuirau Park. All site fees go back into the community, so your shopping does a little good too.
Stock up on reading material from Friends of the Rotorua Library; massive sale this Saturday 9am until 1pm at the kiosk in Kuirau Park.
The Little Big Markets return to Coronation Park from 9am to 2pm, bringing all the market magic you love. Browse local stalls, enjoy gourmet street food, play games, catch live music and join a free workshop – it’s free, family-friendly, and full of good vibes.
The Monroes are bringing their high-energy Kids Edition concert to Totara Street, Mount Maunganui from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Packed with singalongs, dance-offs and rockstar vibes, tickets are $20 and parents/guardians attend free—book online for a school holiday show your kids won’t forget.
Sunday, October 5:
Celebrate Diwali with the NZ Punjabi Youth Club at Baycourt’s Addison Theatre in Tauranga from 7.30pm, with music, colour and community spirit. Tickets are $16.38 (plus fees), and all ages are welcome to join the festival of lights.
Arohana brings their East-meets-West jazz fusion to Rotorua Jazz Club blending South Indian Carnatic tradition with jazz standards and reimagined classics from Stevie Wonder, Sting, and the Beatles. Catch them at Rotorua Citizens Club from 4.30 to 8pm — tickets are $30 for casual entry, $20 for members, and just $5 for students.
Got too much stuff? Sell it at the Otumoetai Rotary Club Car Boot Sale at Otumoetai College Carpark — seller setup from 7.30am, buyers welcome from 8am to 11am. Spaces are $10, proceeds go to Rotary projects, and electronic/electrical recycling is available (fees apply). Contact Brian (021 1228735) or Bevan (027 4612127) for details.
Wednesday, October 8:
Shot Bro – Confessions of a Depressed Bullet returns to Baycourt’s X Space in Tauranga at 7pm, after Tuesday’s show sold out. Free and open to all (recommended age 10+), this powerful solo performance blends theatre and healing, followed by a relaxed forum with kai, kōrero and mental wellbeing resources.
Photo by Te Rawhitiroa Bosch | Rawhitiroa Photography Maumahara with Masterchef winners Kārena & Kasey Bird in collaboration with Kitchen Takeover comes to Tauranga this October A six-course culinary journey of edible nostalgia, cultural connection and storytelling. Photo / Supplied
Thursday, October 9 to Saturday, October 11: Maumahara, the award-winning six-course dining experience by MasterChef winners Kārena & Kasey Bird, is coming to Tauranga for one weekend only at St Amand Events Venue, 105 The Strand. Doors open at 6.30pm each night, tickets are $159 via Humanitix, and vegetarian or gluten-free options are available.
Friday, October 10:
Get ready to be hypnotised by laughter. Don’t miss the UK’s #1 Comedy Hypnosis Show with award-winning entertainer Frankie Mac at 7.30pm at Baycourt, Tauranga. Earlybird tickets are now on sale.
Rotorua Library adult learning programmes: Menopause and Sport talk, 6pm, free. Book here.
The Fleetwood Mac Experience hits Te Haumako bringing the unforgettable sound and spirit of Fleetwood Mac to life through a full live band. Expect a night of nostalgia, drama and timeless hits as talented musicians channel the magic of Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham and more.
Saturday, October 11:
Start your Saturday right at the Rotary Kuirau Market – grab a coffee, stay for breakfast or brunch, and browse gifts, clothes, meat and veges from 7am to 12.30pm at Kuirau Park. All site fees go back into the community, so your shopping does a little good too.
Suzanne Lynch will be at Rotorua Library talking about her book Yesterday when I was young on Saturday 11 October from 2-3pm. It’s free to attend, just book online at www.rotorualibrary.govt.nz.
Sunday, October 12:
EPIC Families LIVE is coming to Baycourt’s Addison Theatre in Tauranga at 2pm, offering real talk and practical tools for families navigating neurodiversity. Tickets range from $12.28 to $50.18 and can be booked online — children are welcome too, with activities available in a nearby supervised space.
Rotorua Musical Theatre presents We Will Rock You at Sir Howard Morrison Centre — a high-energy musical packed with more than 20 Queen hits and a bold script by Ben Elton. Tickets range from $35 to $62, and with a three-hour runtime including interval, it’s a full-throttle celebration of rock, rebellion and unforgettable anthems.
Wednesday, October 15:
The NZ Highwaymen — Brendan Dugan, Gray Bartlett, Dennis Marsh and Frankie Stevens — bring their legendary country sound to Baycourt’s Addison Theatre in Tauranga at 7pm. Tickets range from $83.48 to $93.73 and can be booked online for this all-ages show celebrating music, memories, and the late Eddie Low.
Thursday, October 16:
Step into the chaos of Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience 7pm at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre’s Banquet Room. Enjoy a hilarious, immersive show with Basil, Sybil, and Manuel — plus a delicious three-course 70s-style meal — all for $130.
Join Sir Wayne Smith, Dr Amy Marfell and Denise Arnold for an evening of stories, sport and heart at Baycourt’s Addison Theatre in Tauranga at 7pm. All proceeds support The Cambodia Charitable Trust—tickets range from $42.50 to $73.75.
Saturday, October 18 and Sunday, October 19:
Opus Orchestra invites you to experience Beethoven’s Symphony No.7 like never before in Beethoven Unwrapped!—a guided musical journey led by guest conductor Brent Stewart. Catch the show in Rotorua (Saturday, St John’s Church, 2pm), or Tauranga (Sunday, St Peters In The City, 3pm); tickets are $10 for children/students, $30 for seniors, and $35 for adults at opusorchestra.co.nz or eventfinda.co.nz.
Tuesday, October 21:
Rotorua Girls’ High School are showcasing their creative talents at The Arts Village from October 22 to 25, with an official opening evening from 5.30pm. Pop in to see what the students have been working on – it’s a great chance to support local young artists.
Comedy chameleon Tom Sainsbury brings his outrageous storytelling to the Sir Howard Morrison Centre at 7pm. Expect cringeworthy life lessons, small-town drama, and big Kiwi laughs — tickets are $45.78 and on sale now.
Thursday, October 23 to Saturday, October 25: Cirque Bon Bon lands at Baycourt’s Addison Theatre, bringing a whirlwind of acrobats, aerialists, dancers and comedy hosted by the fabulous Mario, Queen of the Circus. Fresh from a sold-out Aussie tour, this high-energy, family-friendly spectacle is part of the Tauranga Arts Festival—book now for a dazzling night out.
Thursday, October 23 to Sunday, November 2: Tauranga Arts Festival 2025, across Tauranga. Ten days of theatre, music, dance, visual arts and free community events transform Tauranga into a hub of creativity and connection. From the Festival Garden to Baycourt and beyond, the annual festival brings together local and international talent for a celebration of culture, stories and shared experiences. taurangafestival.co.nz
Friday, October 24:
Kristyl Neho brings more than 30 characters to life in Tangihanga, a moving and unexpectedly funny drama-comedy about whānau, grief and connection. Catch it at Baycourt’s Addison Theatre in Tauranga at 7.30pm—tickets are $42.50 and available online.
Little Shop of Horrors Interactive Film Screening: Head to Sir Howard Morrison Centre’s Te Whakaruruhau | Banquet Room at 7pm for an interactive screening of Little Shop of Horrors. Tickets are $35 and include a props kit – dress up, sing along, and enjoy a cabaret-style night of cult-classic fun.
Friday, October 31 to Saturday November 1:
Dare to enter Nightmare at the Theatre at Sir Howard Morrison Centre with sessions running from 5pm to 11pm. For $30 per person, you’ll take a 20 to 30-minute immersive horror journey through eerie halls and shadowy corners, packed with terrifying characters and spine-tingling surprises.
November
Saturday, November 1:
Rotorua Library adult learning programmes: World Ballet Day event: talk and showcase at Rotorua Library, Free event, book here.
Bring the whole whānau to Sir Howard Morrison Centre from 10am to 2pm for the Spooky Maze – just $10 per person. Explore creepy twists and turns, join a scavenger hunt, get crafty, and don’t miss the Halloween parade at 12pm with prizes for best dressed!
Tuesday, November 4:
TINA: The Ultimate Tribute to the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll is back at Baycourt at 7pm. Expect powerhouse vocals, a full international band, dancers, and all the hits—from Proud Mary to Nutbush City Limits — in a high-energy show that’s simply the best.
Rotorua Library adult learning programme: Legal Education - Māori Land (Succession & Whānau Trusts) 10am, free. Book here.
Get ready for a night of unfiltered laughs as 7 Days Live hits Baycourt’s Addison Theatre in Tauranga at 7.30pm. Featuring Jeremy Corbett, Dai Henwood, Hayley Sproull and more, tickets range from $67.60 to $72.73 — R16.
Friday, November 7:
The Motion Entertainment Fireworks Spectacular lights up Rotorua Speedway on Friday, 7 November at 7 pm (gates open 4 pm), featuring the delayed Easter Superstock and Stockcar Champs. Expect a night of superstocks, stockcars, streetstocks, ministocks and fireworks, with general-admission gate sales and a postponement date of Sunday, 9 November at 7 pm.
Saturday, November 8:
See award-winning folk troubadours Albi & The Wolves as the foursome wrap up their national Fun-Raiser Tour at the The Jam Factory, 3.30pm and 6.30pm shows.
Start your Saturday right at the Rotary Kuirau Market – grab a coffee, stay for breakfast or brunch, and browse gifts, clothes, meat and veges from 7am to 12.30pm at Kuirau Park. All site fees go back into the community, so your shopping does a little good too.
Tofiga Fepulea’i brings his hit show Shuuush Your Mouf to Tauranga’s Holy Trinity Church on Sat 8 Nov, serving up razor-sharp humour and Pasifika heart from 7.30pm. Tickets are $60 + BF and available now at tapliveevents.com.
Sunday, November 9:
Get ready to dance in your seat as TINA – The Ultimate Tribute hits Rotorua’s Sir Owen Glenn Theatre at 6pm. Featuring powerhouse vocals by Caroline Borole and a full international band, this high-energy show celebrates Tina Turner’s biggest hits—tickets available now.
The Mitre 10 Mega City to Surf hits Tauranga with scenic routes from the city to Mount Maunganui for runners, walkers and joggers alike. Choose from the BOP Times 5km Surf to Surf, United Airlines 11km City to Surf, or JBWere 21.1km half marathon – plus there’s a team challenge if you’re keen to rally the crew.
Diamond Studios presents DIAMONJI at Baycourt’s Addison Theatre in Tauranga with shows at 1pm and 6pm. This family-friendly dance adventure takes you deep into a mysterious board game—tickets range from $33.79 to $45.05.
A Celtic Christmas – Direct from Off-Broadway, this high-energy Irish dance and music show brings festive cheer to New Zealand. Featuring champion local dancers and world-class performers from Riverdance and Lord of the Dance. Catch it at Baycourt Theatre, Tauranga (Nov 10–11) and Sir Howard Morrison Centre, Rotorua (Nov 18).
Friday, November 14:
Viral comedy star Luke Kidgell brings his Good Intentions World Tour to Baycourt, Tauranga on Friday 14 November 2025 at 7:30pm. Known for his razor-sharp wit and legendary crowd work, this R16+ show promises a night of wild stories and big laughs—tickets from $63.50.
Saturday, November 15:
NZ’s favourite comedy chaos is coming to Rotorua — 7 Days Live hits the Sir Owen Glenn Theatre at 7.30pm. With tickets from $63–$69, expect stand-up, unscripted antics, and a brand-new game that’s just for your town — no cameras, no censors, no holding back.
Bay of Plenty Symphonia returns to Baycourt’s Addison Theatre in Tauranga at 2.30pm, featuring 14-year-old Shan Liu performing Saint-Saëns’ Piano Concerto No.5 ‘The Egyptian’. Tickets range from $5.62 to $55.24.
Tuesday, November 18:
A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland brings its festive magic to Rotorua at 7.30pm, live at the Sir Owen Glenn Theatre. Fresh from its Off-Broadway run, this heartwarming holiday show features world-class Irish dancers, musicians, and storytelling that’ll have you laughing, crying, and singing along.
Friday, November 21:
UK comedy legend Bill Bailey brings his all-new show Vaudevillean to Rotorua’s Sir Howard Morrison Theatre. Don’t miss this one-night-only performance — tickets via bohpresents.com.
The Bubble Show lands in Baycourt’s X Space in Tauranga on Sunday 23 November at 2pm, bringing bubble magic, science and storytelling for ages 2 and up. Tickets are $27.12 for children and $37.38 for adults—book online for 60 minutes of bubbly fun with Guinness World Record holder Mr. Bubbles.
Friday, November 28 to Sunday, November 30:
The NZ Blues & BBQ Festival returns to Rotorua’s Village Green from 28–30 November 2025, with early bird passes already sold out and Aussie blues-rock trio 19-Twenty headlining Saturday night. Expect three days of epic live music, smoky barbecue, and good vibes — first release tickets on sale now at bluesandbbq.co.nz.
All classes are for Rotorua residents 55+ and held at Parksyde Community Centre, 9 Tarewa Place.
Mondays:
Join a run club every Monday evening at 5.30pm, starting outside the EightySix Coffee kiosk at the lakefront (old QE end). Everyone’s welcome.
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 sing-outs in Tauranga. If this appeals to you contact Frank 576 3037 or David 576 0575.
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.
Thursdays:
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:
Enjoy two hours of racing down the hydro slide, bobbing through the waves in our wave pool and bombing off our special platform to the latest tunes for just$10 per person or $35 a Family and meal deals are available. The first Friday of every Month 6.30pm to 8.30pm. This event is family-friendly and suitable for all ages. Up to 13 years – Keep Me Safe Supervision Rules apply.
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.
Friday to Monday: Have you ever wanted to try your hand at glassblowing? Learn how to blow and shape glass into a design of your choice at Amokura Glass. Make your own Paperweight, Pumpkin or Tumbler to bring home with you, while learning fundamental glass-making skills during one of our hot glass experiences! Prices start from $150- $220 per person, depending on the design choice. Workshops take approximately 45 minutes. Experiences can be booked from Fridays to Mondays. 9.30am to 3.30pm.
Daily: Government Gardens Guided Tours, 11am, outside Rotorua Museum.
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.
Twice-monthly:
Geyserland Country Music Club meets twice monthly at the Rotorua Bowling Club — on the first Wednesday from 1pm to 4pm and the third Sunday from 1pm to 4.30 pm. Entry is $6 for non-members and free for children under 13 — for more information, visit the Geyserland Country Music Club Facebook page or contact Dallas at 350 2048 or Bruce at 027 446 5800.
Monthly:
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.
Rotorua Probus Club. Meets on the first Thursday of each month at 10am at the Rotorua golf Club
Rotorua East Probus Club. Meets 2nd Thursday of each month at 10am at the East Side Bowling Club
Rotorua North Probus Club. Meets on the 4th Monday each month at 10am at Parksyde. Contact Richard on 021 496 151
■ To include your event, email details to whatson@dailypost.co.nz at least a week before the event.
