What's happening in Hamilton - August 2026
August is here, and Hamilton Kirikiriroa is not hitting snooze.
Whether you’re bringing the kids, rallying your friends or planning a whaanau day out, Hamilton has plenty on offer this month.
Hamilton Brick Show
The Hamilton Brick Show is back at Claudelands Event Centre with incredible builds, creative displays and collections that show just how much imagination can fit into one small brick. Come along, get inspired and see what creativity looks like piece by piece.
When: Saturday 8 August and Sunday 9 August, 9am - 4pm
Where: Claudelands Event Centre
Little hands, big imaginations
Do you know someone between six and nine years old who is interested in hand crafts? If they love bright colours and the magic of creativity, bring them along to join the free My Craft programme for kids and have fun making your crafts.
When and where:
- Chartwell Library, every Monday, 3.30pm - 4.30pm
- Hillcrest Library at Hamilton Gardens, every Saturday, 10am - 11am
- Te Kete Aronui Rototuna Library, every Wednesday, 3.30pm - 4.30pm
Park, plant and pedal on
Pedal, walk or scooter and make several stops at designated planting sites along the river path. Bring your bikes or environmentally friendly transport, a sense of adventure, and commitment to making a positive impact on our environment.
Spades and everything you need for planting will be provided at each plant site. Hop off, plant a tree or two, and then continue to the next spot. You can visit the planting sites at any time throughout the event.
When: Saturday 8 August, 11am - 1pm
Planting sites are:
- Te Ara Pekapeka bridge
- Yendell Park, off Cobham Drive
Sisterly Sundays
Grab your friends and enjoy a relaxing women-only hydrotheraphy pool session at Waterworld. Whether you come solo or with friends it's a great way to recharge, relax or help with recovery.
When: Every Sunday, 6pm - 8pm
Where: Waterworld
50 years of art, stories and connection
Travel through 50 years of iconic art by Dame Robin White. Featuring portraits, landscapes and collaborative works, this major exhibition celebrates the people, places and connections that have shaped her remarkable career.
When: Open until 11 November, 10am - 5pm
Where: Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery
Women's lifestyle expo returns for 2026
Back for another year, the Hamilton Women’s Lifestyle Expo is bringing together close to 180 of the best lifestyle companies under one roof. Browse, taste and discover the latest in fashion, beauty, wellness, gourmet food, artisan goods, gifts and so much more!
When:
- Saturday 22 August, 10am - 4pm
- Sunday 23 August, 10am - 4pm
Where: Claudelands Event Centre
The ultimate kids concert
After sell-out shows nationwide, Sonic Boom are bringing their high-energy kids' concert right here to the Hamilton Gardens. Expect a fun-filled evening of music and dancing as the group inspires little ones to sing, move and get involved. Perfect for the whole family.
When: Saturday 8 August, 6pm - 7.15pm
Where: Hamilton Gardens
NRL action like you’ve never seen before
The One NZ Warriors are coming to Hamilton to take on the Newcastle Knights at FMG Stadium Waikato. Whether you’re a longtime rugby league supporter or looking for a fun night out with friends and whaanau, this is a great opportunity to get behind the Warriors Women right here in Kirikiriroa.
When: Saturday 8 August, from 7.15pm
Where: FMG Stadium Waikato
Light up your Ride
Wrap up warm and come along for an evening of lights, entertainment, and biking in the central city.
Pedal from Garden Place along the Te Awa River Ride shared path via Victoria on the River and back. A fun, family-friendly 2km return ride with lights along the way.
Enjoy a range of things to do and see in Garden Place including:
- light installations
- face painting
- live entertainment
- food trucks
- giveaways.
Ride or walk along the path at your leisure.
When: Saturday 8 August, 5.30pm - 7.30pm
Where: Starts in Garden Place
Feedback
Last updated 3 August 2026