From food festivals to music festivals and everything in between, there's always something happening in the Bay of Plenty! Whether you are planning a visit next week or next year, the list of events below will help you find what's happening during your stay in the Bay of Plenty.
AFTER DARK - URBAN LIGHT FESTIVAL
Date: 13-22 May 2022
Where: Tauranga CBD
After Dark Urban Light Festival is an all-new creative experience that will take over Tauranga’s city centre for ten days in May 2022 with an exciting selection of illuminated artworks.
Buildings, alleyways, and public spaces will be taken over by light, moving images, and expressive artworks that will bring the city to life.
MATARIKI DISH CHALLENGE
Date: 13 June - 17 July 2022
Where: Bay of Plenty
The Bay of Plenty (Te Moananui ā Toi) will live up to its name this Winter as local eateries shine a light on the abundance of local produce and New Zealand unique cultural stories. Celebrate Matariki this Winter in the Bay of Plenty and discover some rising culinary stars of the region. Find out more here.
59TH NATIONAL JAZZ FESTIVAL
Date: 20-26 June 2022
Where: Tauranga
The longest running Jazz Festival in the Southern Hemisphere showcasing New Zealand’s top jazz musicians.
THE WEST END WIGGLE
Date: 9-10 July
Where: West End, Ōhope Beach
A traditional longboard festival at the popular West End in Ōhope.
MOUNT MAUNGANUI HALF MARATHON
Date: 27 August 2022
Where: Mount Maunganui
Come explore Mount Maunganui for a running festival incorporating 21km half marathon, 10km and 5km options.
AIMS GAMES
Date: 3-9 September 2022
Where: Various venues
The AIMS games give 11, 12 and 13 year olds an opportunity to compete as an individual or in a team against their age group in 23 different sports.
SUN TO SURF
Date: 8 October 2022
Where: Mahy Reserve, Ōhope Beach
Whether you’re looking to nail a personal best on our flat and fast 21.1km and 10km courses, or wanting to embrace the end of our amazing Kiwi summer with family and friends in the 5km or The Wilde Whippet kids’ 1km fun social distances, Sun to Surf ticks all the boxes.
BAY OF PLENTY GARDEN & ART FESTIVAL
Date: 17-20 November 2022
Where: Tauranga, Mount Maunganui, Te Puke, Katikati
The Garden & Arts Festival celebrates the beauty and diversity of our region’s gardens and the creativity of talented artists.
LOCAL WILD FOOD FESTIVAL
Date: 19 November
Where: Mahy Reserve, Ōhope
Whakatāne's Local Wild Food Festival is back in 2022 with tastings, demonstrations, live entertainment, food stalls and more! Celebrate the abundance of local food, sustainability and the environment.
POLO IN THE BAY
Date: 26 November 2022
Where: Trustpower Baypark, Tauranga
Catch some of New Zealand’s most talented Polo players going head-to-head in their provincial colours. Graze your way around handpicked food trucks on the Polo Lawn, let canapes come to you in the VIP Pavilion or put on a spread in your own Private Marquee.
MOUNT FESTIVAL OF MULTISPORT
Date: 21 January 2022
Where: Mount Maunganui
The Mount Festival of Multisport includes the Tauranga Half Marathon, AquaBike, Mount Run and Pilot Bay Swim.
KATIKATI AVOCADO FESTIVAL
Date: 14 January 2023
Where: Katikati
Katikati is the Avocado Capital of New Zealand and hosts the Katikati Avocado Festival each year. Great food & wine, lively entertainment, product displays, kitchen demonstrations and more.
ONE LOVE
Date: 28-29 January 2023
Where: Mount Maunganui
Some of Aotearoa’s best reggae, hip-hop, soul, and R&B artists will unite in Tauranga Moana for the highly-anticipated One Love Festival 2023.
WATERBOURNE BEACH FESTIVAL
Date: March 2023
Where: Mount Maunganui
Waterbourne Beach Festival is a three-day event featuring water sports, food and international musicians.
FLAVOURS OF PLENTY FESTIVAL
Date: Autumn 2023
Where: Various locations
The Flavours of Plenty Festival is a celebration of the Coastal Bay of Plenty’s world-class food scene. Expect all kinds of mouthwatering fun, from workshops and demonstrations, degustations and pop-ups, cultural events and more.