From Tauranga to Rotorua, discover upcoming events in the Bay of Plenty region.
March
April
Thursday, April 3 and Friday, April 4: Experience a night of unforgettable country music with Dion Pride Sings the Songs of his Father at Baycourt at 7pm. Tickets start at $98.03, so don’t miss this chance to hear Dion Pride and original Charley Pride touring musicians bring iconic hits to life.
The BOP Annual Orchid Show will be held at the War Memorial Hall in Te Puke on Friday from 10am to 4pm, and Saturday,from 10am to 3pm. Enjoy morning tea or lunch, with plants for sale including orchids, hoyas, bromeliads, tropical fruit, and ornamentals. Tickets are $3 for adults, free for children. Eftpos available.
Magic vs Stars – Pre-season Netball Game will take place at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre on Friday, 4 April, with the centre pass at 6.30pm. The curtain raiser match between Rotorua Girls’ High School and Trident High School starts at 4.35pm.
Magic & Stars - Community Netball Day will be held at the Rotorua Energy Events Centre on Saturday, 5 April from 9.30am to 11.30am. Join the full teams for skills and drills, a Q&A session, and a signing session with 180 local children.
Friday, April 4 to Sunday, April 6: Join the Hindu Elders Foundation and Hindu Heritage Centre for the Shri Ram Janam Maha Utsav at the Hindu Heritage Centre, Rotorua. This free, three-day celebration features Ramayan recitations, bhajans, kirtans, and a grand procession, fostering a spirit of devotion and cultural unity.
Friday, April 4:
Enjoy an electrifying tribute to The Boss with The Bruce Springsteen Experience at 7:30pm at Sir Howard Morrison Centre, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of “Born to Run” with a full nine-piece lineup.
Join us for the Twilight Gala from 4pm to 7pm at 66 Carmichael Road, Bethlehem. Enjoy an evening of food, market stalls, and fun games for everyone.
Enjoy the free exhibition “EREWHON” from 5.30pm to 7pm at The Arts Village, Rotorua, featuring works by 12 contemporary artists inspired by Samuel Butler’s 1872 classic.
Katikati is set to come alive with vibrant colours, music, and flavours as the Katikati Festival of Cultures returns on Saturday, April 5th.
Saturday, April 5:
Sikh Parade in Rotorua from 10am to 2pm, starting at Sikh Temple, 24 Ward Avenue, Fenton Park, and enjoy a vibrant procession with free food and drinks. Everyone is welcome. For more info, contact info@sikhsangatnz.com.
Join the Katikati Festival of Cultures at Moore Park starting with a flag parade at 10am from Katikati College, followed by live performances, international food, and arts from 11am to 2pm. Enjoy traditional music, dance, and the vibrant Holi Powder Throw. Free entry.
Register at deathwithoutdebt.org.nz for the Death Without Debt Funeral Workshop from 10am to 2pm at Life Church, 934 Cameron Rd, Tauranga. This $40 workshop includes practical steps to plan end-of-life care and avoid funeral debt, with afternoon tea and a 60+ page booklet provided.
Discover old favourites and new reading adventures at the Friends of the Library book sale in the Kuirau Park kiosk on Saturday, 5 April from 9am to 1pm.
The Saturday Morning Market at Kuirau Park, run by Rotorua North Rotary Club volunteers, happens every Saturday from 7-8 am into the afternoon, rain or shine. With 35-50 stalls, it offers a variety of foods, vegetables, clothing, plants, and more. Proceeds support local charities. Look for club members in Hi-Viz vests for inquiries.
Join the Kids Kai Trail at Jubilee Park, Te Puke from 12.30pm to 5.30pm. Tamariki will plant seeds, make seed bombs, harvest veggies, and enjoy a pizza party, learning about sustainable gardening. Each child will receive seeds to continue gardening at home. No need to register as an accompanying adult.
The XTERRA Rotorua Festival will be held at Blue Lake (Tikitapu), Rotorua from 8am to 1pm. Choose from seven events, including trail running, mountain biking, and swimming, set in the beautiful Blue Lake and Whakarewarewa Forest. Age requirements vary by event, with no age limit for the 5.5km and 11km events, but kids under 10 must be accompanied by an adult.
Sunday, April 6:
Join the Car Boot Sale on Sunday, 6 April, at Otumoetain College car park. Sellers arrive at 7.30am ($10 a space), buyers at 8am. Funds raised support Otumoetai Rotary. Electronic and appliance recycling available (fees apply). For details, contact Brian at 021 1228735 or Bevan at 027 4612127.
Alexander’s Ragtime Band will perform at the Rotorua Jazz Club on Sunday, 6 April from 4:30 to 8pm at the Rotorua Citizens Club. Tickets are $30 casual, $20 members, $5 students.
Tauranga Organ and Keyboard Club (TOKS) meets on the first Sunday of each month at 1.30pm at Carmel Country Estate Social Centre, Ohauiti, Tauranga. Play or listen to Organ EL900, Clavinova 405 Piano, and Electric Keyboard. Contact Maureen at 027-303-9059.
Celebrate nature and transform your backyard at the Tauranga Community Nature Event from 11am to 2pm at The Tauranga Community Centre. Enjoy free workshops, a native plant, children’s activities, and a sausage sizzle.
Monday, April 7 to Monday, April 21: The Port of Tauranga 62nd National Jazz Festival Tauranga returns to Baycourt Community & Arts Centre from April 7 to 21, 2025. Enjoy eight world-class jazz concerts, the National Youth Jazz Competition, and Cocktail Swing at The Cargo Shed. Don’t miss out.
Supergroove's ‘The Phenomenon Tour’ starts with two shows in Rotorua on April 7 and 8, 2025. Photo / Paul Taylor 25 March 2025
Monday, April 7:
Catch New Zealand’s legendary Supergroove live at the Sir Howard Morrison Centre at 8pm, with an added date for their highly anticipated The Phenomenon Tour due to extraordinary demand and multiple sold-out shows.
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.
Scottish Country dancing every Monday at Owhata Primary School in Brent Rd from 6.45pm to 9pm. Beginners welcome. Wear soft shoes and comfortable clothing. Just $5 per night (first night is free). Email rotorua@dancescottish.org.nz or phone Claire 021 154 2473.
Senior citizens can join housie every Monday and Wednesday from 1pm to 3.30pm at Rotorua Racecourse, Fenton St. For more information, contact Di at 0224986261 or Lorraine at 0272403929.
Saturday, April 12:
Mark your calendars for the free Katikati Jazz Street Festival from 10am to 1pm along Main Rd, Katikati. Enjoy live jazz performances, local market shopping, and family-friendly activities like mini golf and face painting.
The first concert of the year, “Songs of Earth, Sea and Sky,” featuring our choir, organist, a small chamber orchestra, and baritone soloist Sam McKeever, under the direction of Fergus Byett. The concert is on Saturday, 12 April at 4pm at St. Peter’s in the City Church, Cnr Spring Street and Cameron Road, Tauranga. Tickets are $25 cash at the door.
Tuesday, April 15: The Circus of Illusion Magic Show will be at the Baycourt Community & Arts Centre, Addison Theatre, Tauranga, with shows at 2pm and 6pm. Enjoy 90 minutes of family entertainment featuring New Zealand’s premiere illusionist Andre Vegas, aerial acts by Nunya Bender, and magic by Felicity Rogers.
Thursday, April 17: Register now for the free Tauranga Public Art Wānanga on Thursday, 17 April, at Baycourt Community & Arts Centre. Gain practical knowledge on public art funding, engaging with mana whenua, and proposal development through workshops and panel discussions.
Writer and comedian Ben Elton is coming to Tauranga. Photo / Supplied
Tuesday, April 22 and Wednesday, April 23: Comedy legend Ben Elton is bringing his brand-new live show “Authentic Stupidity” to Rotorua’s Sir Howard Morrison Centre on Tuesday and Tauranga’s Baycourt on Wednesday at 7.30pm, with tickets starting from $79.90.
Thursday, April 24: Join Tauranga Art Gallery director Sonya Korohina for a free Public Art Walking Tour from 12 to 1pm in Tauranga City Centre. Explore five significant public artworks, including pieces by Sara Hughes, Whare Thompson, Peata Larkin, and more. The tour is fully accessible and dog-friendly. Limited spaces available.
Monday, April 28: Tauranga SeniorNet Term Two programme starts. Course Registrations Tuesday, April 8 from 10am until 1.45pm. www.taurangaseniornet.co.nz
May
Thursday, May 15 and Saturday May 17: Marlon Williams announces the Te Whare Tīwekaweka album tour of Aotearoa, featuring his first Māori language album. Catch him with The Yarra Benders and special guests on Thursday at Holy Trinity, Tauranga, and Saturday at Sir Howard Morrison Centre, Rotorua. Tickets go on sale at 12pm on Wednesday, March 5.
Wednesday, May 21: Fresh off a blockbuster 2024 Europe Tour, The Royal Family Dance Crew brings their electrifying Honour The Crown show to Baycourt on Wednesday, 21 May at 7pm. Witness all their iconic sets from the past 14 years in a performance of precision, power, and pure entertainment. Tickets start at $53.25.
June
Saturday, June 28: Catch Devilskin’s Re-Evolution Tour 2025 with special guests Villainy and Midwave Breaks at the Stadium Lounge, Mount Maunganui, on Saturday, 28 June. Tickets available at devilskin.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.
Tuesdays:
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:
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 a person. From 6pm to 8pm Fridays, excluding public and school holidays.
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.
Sundays: Waihī Beach Sunday Market 9am to 1pm at Wilson Park.
Daily: Government Gardens Guided Tours, 11am, outside Rotorua Museum.
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 9am. Visit Pakihi Ora on Facebook for more information.
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.
■ To include your event, email details to whatson@dailypost.co.nz at least a week before the event.
