WHAT'S ON THIS WINTER
From Matariki celebrations to high energy performances and local markets, there's plenty to make the most of this winter in the Bay of Plenty.
June
POP! Glow, Go!
29 May – 1 June
Tauranga Waterfront
Tauranga’s waterfront lights up this King’s Birthday with POP! Glow, Go! Large-scale lighting installations, fire performances, neon face painting, photobooth, and surprise encounters with luminous roaming characters.
Project Hip Hop
Dance Competition
30 May - 1 June 2026
Mercury Baypark Arena, Mount Maunganui
Watch over 1,000 young dancers from across Aotearoa bring the stage to life at the Project Hip Hop Dance Competition with explosive hip hop, incredible creativity, and world-class choreography.
The Little Big Markets
Various dates
Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui & Tauranga Waterfront
Wander through a vibrant lineup of local talent at The Little Big Markets, from artisan makers to designers and creatives. Feast on delicious street food, groove to live music, and chill out with lawn games, workshops, and plenty more to keep the good vibes rolling.
TE PUKE FESTIVAL OF CULTURES
6 June
Capitol Theatre & Te Puke War Memorial Hall, Te Puke
Celebrate the rich diversity of our community with a day filled with exciting performances, delicious food, and engaging workshops.
Whai BASKETBALL
Various dates
QEYC, Tauranga
There is nothing quite like a Whai Basketball home game! The music, the crowd, the energy, and a stadium full of Whai fans getting behind Tauranga’s team.
Pāpāmoa Polar Plunge
21 June
Pāpāmoa Beach Domain
Winter’s boldest beach tradition invites you to come together for one unforgettable day of icy courage and connection at the Pāpāmoa Polar Plunge.
Matariki Te Tauranga o ngā Waka 2026
16 June – 16 July
Across Tauranga and the Western Bay
Matariki Te Tauranga o ngā Waka is a range of local events that honour, celebrate and connect us under Te Kāhui o Matariki (the Matariki star cluster).
July
Matariki: Light up the Waterways
10 July
Te Ara O Wairakei Waterways, Pāpāmoa
A free community event celebrating the stories, traditions and history of Matariki. As night falls, the Pāpāmoa waterways will come alive with light, creating an unforgettable experience for whānau and friends to enjoy together.
August
Alan Davies – Think Ahead Tour
3 August
Baycourt, Tauranga
One of the UK’s best-loved comedians returns to NZ with a brand new show.
Tauranga Food Show
15-16 August
Mercury Baypark Arena
Explore over 150+ delicious exhibitors at the Tauranga Food Show showcasing local providers and producers.
Mount Maunganui Half Marathon
29 August
Mount Maunganui
With stunning ocean views and a flat, fast course, it's the perfect excuse to hit the Bay for an unforgettable weekend at the Mount Maunganui Half Marathon. Whether you're chasing a half marathon PB, stepping up to the 10km, or keeping it fun with the 5km, there’s options for everyone.
