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

Find out more here

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

Find out more here

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

Find out more here 

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

Find out more here

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

Find out more here

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

Get your ticket here today

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

Get your tickets today

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

Grab your tickets now

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

Find out more here

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Last updated 3 August 2026