Hamilton Arts Festival's perennial act, Sunset Symphony, is of course part of the 2026 festival.
● Hamilton Arts Festival, February 20-March 1
The much-loved annual festival is back with a bright mix of music, theatre, literature, comedy and performance. The full programme and tickets are available online via hamiltonartsfestival.co.nz.
● Sunset Symphony, concert, February 21, 7.20pm at Rhododendron Lawn, Hamilton Gardens
Experience classic favourites from the likes of Tchaikovsky, alongside from Latin dance numbers and film music from The Lord of the Rings. Gates open at 6.15pm, at 7.20pm Orchestras Central & Kulios Quartet will play with guest pianist Daniel Verstappen, before Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra conducted by Rupert D’Cruze take the stage at 8pm. Free event.
● Gourmet in the Gardens, food truck event, February 22, 4pm at Te Rapa Raceway
The much-loved food truck event is on the move while Hamilton Arts Festival is using its usual home base at Hamilton Gardens. Listen to local live music while dining from a line-up of local food trucks. Bring your own picnic blankets. Free event.
● White Ferns v Zimbabwe T20i, cricket, February 25 and 27, and March 1 at Seddon Park, Hamilton
The White Ferns face Zimbabwe in a thrilling summer showdown. Free entry.
● Chiefs v Crusaders, Super Rugby Pacific match, February 28, 7.05pm at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
The Chiefs are amped for their first home game of the special season. As in 1996, they are facing the Crusaders and there will be the same halftime entertainment: The Jordan Luck band. Tickets via chiefs.flicket.co.nz.
● Blindspott Arena Tour, concert, February 28, 7.30pm, Great Lake Centre, Taupō
Blindspott return for a nationwide tour hitting 10 spots across the country, including Havelock North, Whangārei and Christchurch. Tickets online via Eventfinda.
● Frankton Thunder, automotive event, March 1, 9am, in and around Commerce St, Hamilton
The annual event is a free, family-friendly celebration of cars, bikes and creativity. There are classic and custom car, motorcycle, and military and special-interest vehicle displays, music and the annual Miss Frankton Thunder and Thunder Ink competitions.
● A day at the Domain, community event, March 1, 10am at Te Aroha Domain
This annual event includes entertainment, food trucks, crafts market, and children’s rides. Free event.
● Gourmet in the Gardens, food truck event, March 1, 4pm at Cambridge Pony Club
The much-loved food truck event is on the move while Hamilton Arts Festival is using its usual home base at Hamilton Gardens. Listen to local live music while dining from a line-up of local food trucks. Bring your own picnic blankets. Free event.
● Groove Cafe, jazz concert, March 1, 6pm at Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, Hamilton
NZTrio He Taonga Wairere returns to Hamilton with a summer cocktail of classical poise and jazz swagger. Tickets online via Eventfinda.
● Rock Orchestra by Candlelight, March 6, Claudelands Event Centre, Hamilton
A group of 13 musicians blend together classical music and metal. They will perform the songs of iconic bands like Metallica, AC/DC, Rage Against The Machine and LinkinPark. Tickets online via Ticketek.
● Chiefs v Moana Pasifika, Super Rugby match, March 6, 7.05pm at FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
The Gallagher Chiefs are ready to take on Moana Pasifika in their second home game of the season. Tickets online via chiefs.flicket.co.nz.
● Ironman New Zealand, sports event, March 7, in Taupō
More than 2600 age-group triathletes, alongside professional triathletes, will take part in the event. Race entries can still be made online at ironman.com.
● Motofest Bike Show, motorsport event, March 7-8 at Hampton Downs Motorsport Park
In addition to Round 3 of the New Zealand Superbike Championship, enjoy a display of race, classic, custom and iconic bikes, meet some racing legends, discover the new gear and accessories, and test ride the latest models. Tickets are available online at hamptondowns.flicket.co.nz.