What's happening in Hamilton

There’s always something happening in Hamilton, and this July is no exception! Whether you're looking to give back, try something new, or simply enjoy a great day out, there's something here for everyone.

Check out below how you and your whaanau can get involved in making the most of what Hamilton Kirikiriroa has to offer. 

Get stuck in for nature at Plantathon  

Planting season is now officially underway and Plantathon is back for 2025! This is an opportunity to do your part for nature in Hamilton Kirikiriroa.

We've set a goal to increase Hamilton's native vegetation to 10% by 2050! That's hundreds of thousands of plants across more than 1000 hectares to be restored and we need your help.

Whether you’re keen to take part in your first planting day or have made it an annual tradition, we’d love to see you there.

The plantings run from 11am – 1pm on both days.

Caernarvon Park, Dinsdale on Saturday 5 July.

Tauhara Park, Queenwood on Saturday 12 July.

For more info and to register your interest sign up at volunteerhamilton.rosterfy.co 

 

Learn what it takes to be a lifeguard these school holidays 

With Waterworld closed during these school holidays, Gallagher Aquatic Centre will be hosting all the fun.

Bring the kids along from Monday 30 June – Thursday 10 July for all the school holiday excitement. There will even be a Mini Lifeguard Workshop on Wednesday 2 July from 12pm – 1pm where the kids can discover what our incredible lifeguards do and learn key skills.

Check out the full list of school holiday fun at hamiltonpools.co.nz 

 

Visit the Bolmuir Park and Forest Lake School playground     

Tucked away in Forest Lake, the playground at Bolmuir Park and Forest Lake School is well worth exploring.

The playground’s design reflects the unique cultural identity of the school and includes the use of natural materials, colours and gardens. Timber balance beams, stepping logs and climbing poles surround a central Pohutukawa tree with native plants, encouraging children to connect with nature and the land while playing.

Other equipment includes swings, slides and different items such as overhead bars, climbing net and scaling wall, which provides a fun way to improve upper body strength, balance and flexibility.

Previously Council and the school had separate playgrounds in this area – when both playgrounds required renewing at the same time, we decided to partner up to co-fund and deliver a play space that crosses over the park/school boundary and is open to everyone.

 

Come hungry to the Waikato Food Show 

Calling all foodies, flavour seekers, and kitchen creatives! The Waikato Food Show is serving up two days of inspiration, innovation, and indulgence at Claudelands Event Centre on Saturday 5 July from 9am – 4pm and Saturday 6 July from 9am – 3pm.

Expect live cooking demonstrations, interactive masterclasses, and engaging how-to sessions to level up your kitchen game. The heart of the show is the Heathcotes Cooking Theatre, where a stellar lineup of chefs and food personalities will share their skills, stories, and signature dishes.

Tickets are on sale now, learn more at hlive.co.nz 

Learn to make your own body scrub 

Take time out for yourself and learn how to make your own body scrub with common kitchen ingredients.

This Plastic Free July, learn how to make your skincare routine more sustainable by making body scrubs at home.

Classes will be held at Hillcrest Library on Thursday 3 July from 1pm – 2pm and Dinsdale Library on Wednesday 9 July from 12.30pm – 1.30pm.

Sessions are free - you just need to bring your own container to take your sample home with you. Spots are limited – register at hamiltonlibraries.co.nz

 

Family movie night at Te Kete Aronui 

Escape the winter chills and come along for a Maunga (Mountain) inspired family movie night at Te Kete Aronui – Rototuna Library on Thursday 10 July from 5.30pm – 7pm.

The movie is inspired by the Tooku Maunga: My Mountain and Ngaa Tae o Hootoke: Colours of Winter Reading Programmes. The whole whaanau can sign up to participate in the reading programmes.

Popcorn will be provided, and you are welcome to bring your own kai and drinks (no alcohol please). Children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by a caregiver.

Spaces are limited, register your friends and whaanau at hamiltonlibraries.co.nz 

 

Enjoy creativity these school holidays at Te Whare Taonga 

Make the most of the winter school holidays with an opportunity for your children to learn how to make their own unique puppets, inspired by the exhibitions at Te Whare Taonga.

In these hands-on sessions, tamariki will learn how to manipulate puppets, create a story, and design the stage for performances.

This programme runs from 9am – 3pm each day.

• Create talking puppets inspired by the Inside Out exhibition on Tuesday 8 July. 
• Create rod puppets inspired by Exscite on Wednesday 9 July. 
• Shadow puppetry inspired by Te Winika and the stories from the Ripples exhibition on Thursday 10 July.

Register your child via tewharetaonga.nz

 

Get ready for some winter Christmas magic

Come and embrace the festive cheer at a special Mid-Winter Edition of the Waikato Christmas Market at Claudelands Event Centre on Saturday 5 July from 9am – 4pm and Sunday 6 July from 9am – 3pm.

Wander through markets and find the perfect winter warmers and yummy treats. Enjoy live music, food trucks and entertainment for the kids including Queen Elsa and your favourite superhero. There will also be a special elves workshop with crafts and activities.

Entry is $5 and children under 12 years old are free.

Learn more at hlive.co.nz 

 

Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out Live!

See Peppa, her family and friends live at GLOBOX Arena, Claudelands on Saturday 13 July from 10am.

Join Peppa and the crew as they go to the zoo and beach for a special party - it’s going to be a fun packed day with lots of songs and muddy puddles!

Get your tickets now – visit hlive.co.nz

 

Check out the Baby Expo 2025

Gain expert, up-to-date advice from the diverse range of exhibitors and experiment with products and services to find what best suits your needs at the Baby Expo 2025. Head along to Claudelands Events Centre on Thursday 19 July and Friday 20 July from 9am – 4pm.

There will be a complimentary creche and parent’s room provided on site and a huge range of products and services on show, along with seminars, demos and workshops.

Don’t miss out on exclusive offers, discounts, activities, and competitions! 

There are limited free tickets available via hlive.co.nz or door sales are $5 per entry. 

 

Get ready to laugh with Chris Parker

Chris Parker has heard the expression “Stop being so dramatic” his whole life. Watch as he addresses it and faces these drama queen allegations head-on in his hot comedy show – Stop Being So Dramatic!

Join for an hour of high intensity, feverishly paced and dizzyingly expressive comedy at GLOBOX Arena, Claudelands on Friday 25 July from 7pm.

Secure your seats now – visit hlive.co.nz for details.

 

A night at the Museum  

Te Whare Taonga will be extending their hours till 9pm on Wednesday 30 July so you can enjoy the exhibitions after-hours.

There will be free entry with drinks and nibbles available for purchase from the bar, plus get in the groove with DJ Hi-Vibe! Enjoy the vibes, great company and celebrate outstanding art.

Plan your visit at tewharetaonga.nz 

 

These are just some of the fun activities to do in Hamilton, for more ideas check out: 

• hamilton.govt.nz/parks-recreation-and-community-spaces
• HLive.co.nz
• or download the Nature in the City App