Explore Bay of Plenty events: Theatre, music, and family fun

Rotorua Daily Post

29 Jan, 2026 03:00 PM25 mins to read

Summer is here - check out our What's On list for things to do. Photo / 123rf

From Tauranga to Rotorua, discover upcoming events in the Bay of Plenty region.

January

Friday, January 30:

The Gallagher Chiefs take on Fijian Drua in a pre-season clash at Sir Gordon Tietjens Field, Blake Park on Friday, January 30, kicking off at 3pm. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for youth, and under 12s are free – grab yours early to avoid missing out on this summer showdown.
Tauranga Night Market brings food trucks, live music, and shopping to Tauranga Racecourse every Friday through January 30, 5pm to 8pm. Entry is free, so grab a picnic blanket and enjoy a relaxed evening of good vibes and great eats.
Enjoy a night of racing at Club Night, ToolShed Paradise Valley Speedway, 105 Paradise Valley Rd, Rotorua on Friday, January 30 from 7pm – 10pm. Door sales only — adults $20, child/senior $15, family $45 — and it’s all ages, so bring the crew for some fast-paced fun.

Saturday, January 31:

FISHER brings the biggest party the Bay has ever seen to Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui from 3.30pm to 10.30pm. Tickets are $149, R18 — don’t miss this history-making night of dance anthems and high-energy vibes.
The Little Big Markets – Mount Maunganui Saturday, January 31 from 9am to 2pm at Coronation Park. A market with a big heart – food, music, and local crafts by the beach, with free entry for everyone.
Enjoy an evening of live music with Tony Lewis performing as Robbie Williams at the Katikati Twilight Concert on Saturday, January 31 at Haiku Reserve. Gates open at 5pm, the concert starts at 6pm, and tickets are $30 with under‑15s free when accompanied by an adult.
The Rotary Kuirau Saturday Market runs every Saturday from 7am to 12.30pm at Kuirau Park, offering great coffee, breakfast and brunch alongside gifts, clothing, meat and fresh produce. Hosted by Rotary Rotorua North, all site fees are returned to the community.
International Buskers Day Out takes over Tauranga city centre on Saturday, January 31 from 11am to 5pm, with free performances across Masonic Park and Red Square. Enjoy world‑class buskers, roaming acts and family‑friendly entertainment from international performers — all ages welcome and entry is free.
The Tauranga Death Cafe meets on Saturday, January 31 from 10am to 11.30am at Patio Rose Café’s Piccolo Room in Tauriko, offering a relaxed, supportive space to talk openly about death, dying and life. This free, all‑welcome gathering invites thoughtful, human conversation with no agenda or obligation to share.
The Billabong Grom Series presented by Oceanbridge takes place on January 31 and February 1 at Tay St Beach, where New Zealand’s top young surfing talent compete across six divisions from under 14 to under 18. The event is part of the National New Zealand Grom Series.

February

Sunday, February 1:

Wrap up the holidays with Skatescool Tauranga’s Roller Skating Disco on Sunday, February 1 from 1pm – 3pm at Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre, Tauranga. Entry is $12, skate hire $5, and it’s all ages — the perfect way to roll into February!
Have a rummage or set up a stall at the Otumoetai Rotary Club Car Boot Sale on Sunday, February 1 from 8am to 11am at the Otumoetai College car park. Seller spaces are $10 with setup from 7.30am, buyers entry is free, and proceeds support Rotary projects.
Enjoy an evening of classy, contemporary jazz with Tauranga‑based ensemble The Martini Fund at Rotorua Jazz Club on Sunday, February 1 from 4.30pm to 8pm at the Rotorua Citizens Club. Tickets are $30 casual, $20 for members and $5 for students.

Thursday, February 5:

The Lake Rotoiti Classic and Wooden Boat Association will showcase a stunning selection of boats at the Village Green on the Lakefront, opposite Eat Streat, from 4pm to 8pm. It’s free to wander through, chat with the owners, and soak up the start of a weekend of classic boating fun.
Enjoy Shakespeare under the stars with As You Like It at Te Puna Quarry Park, 200 Te Puna Quarry Road, Tauranga from Thursday, February 5 to Sunday, February 8 and Thursday, February 12, 5:30pm – 9:30pm. Tickets start at $24, it’s all ages, and this outdoor performance promises romance, laughter, and a magical setting — bring a picnic blanket and soak up the summer vibes!
The Rotorua Night Market runs every Thursday evening from 5pm to 9pm on Tutanekai Street, offering food trucks, live music and locally made arts and crafts — weather permitting. It’s a vibrant, family‑friendly spot to enjoy boutique shopping and great street food right in the heart of the city.
Hear from Rotorua Museum Art Awards judge Julie Catchpole in a free midday talk on Thursday, February 5 at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre, where she’ll discuss her process for selecting finalists and award winners. The session runs from midday to 1pm inside the Finalist Exhibition, which is open daily during the awards period.

Thursday, February 5 to Sunday, March 1:

Salon des Refusés runs from Thursday, February 5 to Sunday, March 1 at the Lockwood Show Homes Village, Rotorua, open daily from 10am to 4pm. This free exhibition showcases artworks not selected for the Rotorua Museum Art Awards finalist show, offering visitors the chance to view and purchase an even wider range of regional artistic talent.
The Rotorua Museum Art Awards 2026 Finalist Exhibition runs from Thursday, February 5 to Sunday, March 1 at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre, open daily from 10am to 4pm. Entry is free and the exhibition showcases award‑winning and finalist artworks from artists across the Bay of Plenty, with visitors also able to vote for the People’s Choice Award.

Waitangi Day

Friday, February 6:

Celebrate Waitangi Day at For the Love of the People on Friday, February 6 from 10am to 3pm at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa. This free, whānau‑friendly event features performances, health and wellbeing activities, sports and games, food stalls, markets and visual arts, all coming together to acknowledge Te Tiriti o Waitangi and community connection.
Celebrate Waitangi Day at Te Puia | New Zealand Māori Arts and Crafts Institute on Friday, February 6 from 9am, with cultural performances, hands‑on pā activities, wānanga, demonstrations by master carvers and weavers, train rides to Pōhutu Geyser, and a street food market featuring hāngī cooked in the Whakarewarewa Geothermal Valley. Tickets are $5 and must be booked in advance, with timed entry sessions throughout the day and a final entry at 2.30pm.
Celebrate Waitangi Day at the Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Festival on Friday, February 6 from 10am to 3pm at the Historic Village, 17th Ave West. This free, all‑ages event includes live music, kai and craft stalls, workshops, games, a Treaty Storyboard Trail and family activities, celebrating Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the diverse cultures of Aotearoa.
Te Rā O Waitangi takes place on Friday, February 6 from 10am to 2pm at Haiku Park, Katikati, hosted by Western Bay Museum. This free, whānau‑friendly event features poi‑making, weaving, face painting, live music, Māori and Pasifika performances, and plenty of kai from 13 food vendors — bring a rug, chair and sunblock.
The Tauranga Moana Waitangi Day Dawn Service will be held on Friday, February 6 at a to-be-confirmed venue with gathering from 6am and the service beginning at 6.30am. All are welcome to attend this annual commemoration, which includes a welcome by tangata whenua, kapa haka and guest speakers.
Head along to Ōmokoroa Domain on Friday, February 6 for a relaxed summer evening with food trucks, markets, live music and lawn games. This free, family‑friendly event is perfect for bringing a picnic blanket, soaking up the good vibes and enjoying easy entertainment for all ages.
The Rotorua Canine Carnival is on February 6 from 10am to 3.30pm at Karenga Park on Bennetts Rd. Enjoy dog sport displays, stalls, fun competitions, raffles, and spot prizes. Free entry. Bring your dog for a fun day out (dog must be on lead at all times).

Saturday, February 7 and Sunday, February 8:

The New Zealand Festival of Longboarding runs on Saturday, February 7 and Sunday, February 8 from 8am at Pāpāmoa Domain, celebrating longboarding talent from across Aotearoa. This free, all‑ages event features divisions from under 18s through to over 60s and forms part of the NZ Surf Series for national team selection.

Saturday, February 7:

UB40 featuring Ali Campbell brings their Big Love Tour to Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui from 4pm to 10pm for a massive Waitangi weekend celebration. Tickets range from $119 to $159, R18 — secure yours now for an unforgettable night of reggae classics and summer vibes.
The Rotary Kuirau Saturday Market runs every Saturday from 7am to 12.30pm at Kuirau Park, offering great coffee, breakfast and brunch alongside gifts, clothing, meat and fresh produce. Hosted by Rotary Rotorua North, all site fees are returned to the community.
Browse great NZ books and hundreds more at the Kuirau Park brick kiosk on Saturday, February 7 from 9am to 1pm. All proceeds support the Rotorua Public Library.
Born to Adapt takes place on Saturday, February 7 from 10am to 2pm at the Redwoods i‑SITE, offering free, non‑competitive walk, jog, run or roll options for all ages and abilities. Choose from a 1km wheelchair‑accessible loop, a 1.7km loop or a 7.5km course (up to 15km total) and enjoy the trails at your own pace.
Rockstock Tauranga is at Mount Maunganui’s Soper Reserve on February 7 from 11am to 9pm. Brace yourself for a massive day of epic tributes to legendary bands like Pearl Jam, Slipknot, Nirvana, Green Day, System of a Down, Stone Temple Pilots, Deftones, and Faith No More. Original acts include InTheirImage and Kaosis. There will be tattooists on-site, food vendors, and a bar. Tickets cost $37.46.

Catch Muroki live at Totara Street, Tauranga on Thursday, February 12 as he brings his debut album Amber Skies to the stage after three years away. Tickets are available at totarastreet.co.nz — don’t miss this chance to see one of Aotearoa’s most distinctive voices in an intimate setting.
The Rotorua Night Market runs every Thursday evening from 5pm to 9pm on Tutanekai Street, offering food trucks, live music and locally made arts and crafts — weather permitting. It’s a vibrant, family‑friendly spot to enjoy boutique shopping and great street food right in the heart of the city.

Watch Northern Districts take on Central Hinds in the Hallyburton Johnstone Shield at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15 from 10.30am. Entry is free and all ages are welcome — a great chance to enjoy top‑level women’s cricket in the Bay.
The Festival of Speed Climbing comes to Mount Maunganui on Saturday, February 14 and Sunday, February 15 at the Bay Oval speedwall, with racing from 9.45am to 3pm on Saturday and 7am to 6pm on Sunday. Entry is free and all ages are welcome to watch elite and emerging climbers compete in Oceania and national speed championships.

Battle of the Bay hits Mercury Baypark Speedway, Mount Maunganui on Saturday, February 14 from 6.30pm with two massive titles on the line — the Harry Fredrickson Stockcar Gold Cup and the Aotearoa F2 Midget Car Championship. Tickets range from free to $75, all ages welcome — buckle up for a night of full‑throttle racing action.
The Rotary Kuirau Saturday Market runs every Saturday from 7am to 12.30pm at Kuirau Park, offering great coffee, breakfast and brunch alongside gifts, clothing, meat and fresh produce. Hosted by Rotary Rotorua North, all site fees are returned to the community.
Two Steppin’ on the Tarmac brings a beginner‑friendly line dancing experience to Rotorua Airport on Saturday, February 14 from 5.30pm to 8.30pm, held at The Hangar Café. Tickets are $35 per person and include a drink and nibbles on arrival — a fun, high‑energy evening with easy‑to‑learn routines and plenty of good vibes.

The Little Big Markets – Tauranga Waterfront, Sunday, February 15 from 10am to 2pm at No.1 The Strand. Enjoy live music, delicious eats, and unique stalls in a relaxed harbourside setting – no tickets needed.
Ukulele Alchemy brings three world‑class acts — Sonia & Nigel, Tyrone & Lesley, and The Nukes — to Baycourt, Tauranga on Sunday, February 15 at 2pm for an afternoon of humour, harmony and musical magic. Tickets start at $42.50 for adults, $32.25 for children, with family passes available.
The Calley Homes Women’s Triathlon takes place on Sunday, February 15 from 7am to 11.30am at Pilot Bay Reserve, Mount Maunganui. This women‑only, beginner‑friendly event is open to ages 11 and up, with individual and team options, and entry fees ranging from $65 to $120.

The Rotorua Night Market runs every Thursday evening from 5pm to 9pm on Tutanekai Street, offering food trucks, live music and locally made arts and crafts — weather permitting. It’s a vibrant, family‑friendly spot to enjoy boutique shopping and great street food right in the heart of the city.
The Blake Pavey comedy show is at Totara St in Mount Maunganui on February 19 at 6.30pm. After gaining over a million followers online and making audiences across the globe laugh until they cry, Blake Pavey is hitting New Zealand with his brand new hour of stand-up. Tickets cost $50

Pukehina Craft Market, Saturday, February 21 from 10am to 2pm at Monty’s Pukehina. Grab a drink, soak up the music, and explore local crafts in a relaxed, seaside setting – entry is free.
The Rotary Kuirau Saturday Market runs every Saturday from 7am to 12.30pm at Kuirau Park, offering great coffee, breakfast and brunch alongside gifts, clothing, meat and fresh produce. Hosted by Rotary Rotorua North, all site fees are returned to the community.
Meet the Artists takes place on Saturday, February 21 from 11am to 12.30pm at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre, offering visitors the chance to talk with finalists from the Rotorua Museum Art Awards 2026 about their works. Entry is free, and it’s a great opportunity to hear directly from the artists behind the exhibition.
AMJAZZ Autorama takes place on Saturday, February 21 from 9am to 1pm at Arawa Park Racecourse, featuring a car show, swap meet, car boot sale, food and drink, kids’ activities and more. Entry is $5 with children under 12 free, and all proceeds support local dancers fundraising for a trip to New York and Orlando.

Make a day of it at the Agrodome Farmers Market, Agrodome – Rotorua on Sunday, February 22 from 9am – 2pm. It’s free, all ages, and the perfect spot to shop local, grab a coffee, and enjoy the farm atmosphere!

Beast of a Feast returns to Soper Reserve, Mount Maunganui on Saturday, February 28 from 2pm for a summer celebration of craft beer, food and live music. Expect top Kiwi acts including Ladi6, Avalanche City and P‑Money, plus brewers from across Aotearoa — tickets are R18 and on sale now.
The Rotary Kuirau Saturday Market runs every Saturday from 7am to 12.30pm at Kuirau Park, offering great coffee, breakfast and brunch alongside gifts, clothing, meat and fresh produce. Hosted by Rotary Rotorua North, all site fees are returned to the community.

Kerry-Marie Callander’s Bridging the 2 Worlds tour comes to Trinity Wharf, Tauranga on Tuesday, March 3 from 7pm to 9pm. Tickets start at $58 early bird and a portion of profits supports Hospice — book now on Eventfinda for an evening of uplifting messages and connection.
The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight performs at Sir Owen Glenn Theatre on Tuesday, March 3 with shows at 6pm and 8.30pm, blending classical musicianship with iconic rock and metal anthems in a candlelit setting. Tickets range from $81 to $140 for this all‑new take on music by bands including Metallica, AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses.

Pukehina Craft Market Saturday, March 21 from 10am to 2pm at Monty’s Pukehina. A laid-back market with live music, great food, and plenty of creative stalls – free entry for all ages.
The Rotary Kuirau Saturday Market runs every Saturday from 7am to 12.30pm at Kuirau Park, offering great coffee, breakfast and brunch alongside gifts, clothing, meat and fresh produce. Hosted by Rotary Rotorua North, all site fees are returned to the community.

8.30am: Pilates ($8 per class)
2.30pm: Seated Aerobics ($7 per class)

9.30am: Zumba ($8 per class)
1.30pm: Strength and Balance Class ($7 per class)

9am: Tai Chi ($10 per class)
11.15am: Pilates ($8 per class)

1pm: Strength and Balance Class ($7 per class)
2.30pm: Seated Aerobics ($7 per class)

9.30am: Zumba ($8 per class)
12.45pm: Seated Zumba ($8 per class)
2pm: Qi Gong Tai Chi ($10 per class)

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.

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.

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.

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.
The Rotary Kuirau Saturday Market runs every Saturday from 7am to 12.30pm at Kuirau Park, offering great coffee, breakfast and brunch alongside gifts, clothing, meat and fresh produce. Hosted by Rotary Rotorua North, all site fees are returned to the community.

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.

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.
Every first and third Saturday, and on public holidays, Friends of the Library sell hundreds of books from the brick kiosk in Kuirau Park. 9am until 1pm. Find that sought after book!

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