What's happening in Hamilton - November 2025

Kia ora Hamilton! We’re back again with some fantastic highlights for all ages. From a fresh library location to a touch of Christmas magic, discover what’s new and what’s coming to your neighbourhood this November.

Hamilton Gardens Scarecrow Festival

The annual Scarecrow Festival at Hamilton Gardens is a great event for all ages. Get creative and enter a scarecrow before Friday 31 October to be put on display in the Kitchen Garden.

Come along to see them all displayed and vote for your favourite on Sunday 2 November from 11am - 3pm.

For more details visit hamiltongardens.co.nz 

 

A new temporary home for Hillcrest Library 

Hillcrest Library is making a return. While the Masters Avenue site undergoes repairs after a fire, a temporary Hillcrest Library at Hamilton Gardens opens Monday 10 November.

Expect a handpicked collection, regular programmes, and free holds ready for pickup. It’s everything you love about your local library, just in a temporary new setting.

Keep an eye out on hamiltonlibraries.co.nz for more updates. 

 

Uncover our city’s past at free cemetery tour

Council’s popular cemetery tour returns for NZ Cemeteries Week 2025!

Join local historian Lyn Williams on Saturday 1 November at 10am as she shares the surprising stories behind the headstones at Hamilton West Cemetery on Willoughby Street, Whitiora.

This event is free and open to everyone. No registration is required - just bring your curiosity and comfortable shoes.

For more information visit the Facebook event page. 

 

Dhyana Tea Ceremony

Join the team at Rototuna Library for a special Hamilton Dhyana Tea Ceremony, where Zen meditation and artful preparation of tea combine.

This unique event is ideal for adults seeking to unwind, reflect, and connect in a welcoming environment.

Sessions are available on Saturday 8 November and Saturday 22 November from 2pm - 4pm.

Register at hamiltonlibraries.co.nz to secure your spot.

 

Pekapeka night-time discovery walk 

Experience the magic of the night and explore the hidden world of the native pekapeka (long-tailed bats). These fascinating creatures are a vital part of our ecosystem, and this tour offers a unique opportunity to explore the hidden world they inhabit.

Bring your sense of adventure and comfortable walking shoes on Thursday 6 November from 8pm or Tuesday 18 November from 8.10pm. 

The tours run through November - February on select Tuesday and Thursday evenings each month.

Learn more and secure your tickets at hamiltongardens.co.nz 

 

Love the Centre Progressive Dinner

Embark on an unforgettable culinary journey where every bite tells a story.

This isn't just a dinner, it's an adventure to discover your new favourite dining destinations. Half the thrill is in the mystery of which outstanding eateries you'll be experiencing until you're in the moment.

Join in the fun on Thursday 13 November from 6pm.  

Tickets are limited, learn more at lovethecentre.co.nz 

 

Explore the city’s newest neighbourhood playground

Get outdoors and burn off some energy at the newly reopened Wiltshire Drive Reserve playground in Huntington.

This neighbourhood playground has just been given a refresh, with its new design paying tribute to the Kirikiriroa gully system.   

Tamariki can swing, slide, spin and climb to their hearts’ content, and interact with playful elements reflective of the gully including toadstool features and nature-inspired artwork (designed in collaboration between Ngaati Wairere and local artist Jeremy Shirley) scattered along the path. With a new picnic table and plenty of sun protection thanks to blue shade sails this is sure to be a favourite go-to spot in summer.

Get directions here.

 

Come along and vote for Rose of the Year

Take a moment to smell the roses and immerse yourself in a celebration of colour and fragrance at the Pacific Rose Bowl Festival.

Held in the enchanting Rodgers' Rose Garden at Hamilton Gardens, this free event invites you to help crown the prestigious New Zealand Rose of the Year, while children can cast their votes for the Children’s Choice Award.

From Thursday 13 November - Sunday 16 November, 10am - 6pm, wander through a display of blooms and let your senses guide your vote.

Learn more at hamiltongardens.co.nz

 

Magical stories in Garden Place

Come on a free magical adventure under the trees in Garden Place for an hour of storytelling and games with characters from Enchanted Entertainment. 

Join the crew on Saturday 15 November and Saturday 29 November from 10am.  

Learn more at lovethecentre.co.nz

 

Summer is on its way to Waterworld

Step away from your desk and into the galleries to explore poetry and art at Te Whare Taonga o Waikato on Friday 10 October, 12.30pm – 1.30pm.

These free drop-in poetry sessions are perfect for both beginners and poetry lovers alike to explore their creativity.

Learn more at tewharetaonga.nz 

 

Free Tronpost for spring gardens

Grab a bucket and head to the Hamilton Organic Centre on Saturday 15 November from 8am - midday for some free Tronpost (compost) made from Hamilton's kerbside food scraps.

The team will do the heavy lifting and fill your bucket, enjoy the vibes and rewards of fighting the landfill. 

For more information head to fightthelandfill.co.nz

 

Lugtons Round the Bridges 

Even after 80 years, the iconic running and walking event around the bridges of Hamilton is set for another epic year!

Don’t miss your chance to be part of the thousands of runners and walkers descend upon Hamilton's central city for Lugtons Round the Bridges.

Starting from Garden Place on Sunday 16 November from 7.30am - midday.

Learn more at lovethecentre.co.nz 

 

BLACKCAPS v West Indies 3rd ODI

That’s right, an all-new season of cricket is on at Seddon Park with the BLACKCAPS taking on the West Indies in Hamilton on Saturday 22 November from 2pm.

For more details and ticket information visit hlive.co.nz 

 

Fabuloso Mrs. India NZ 2025

The finale date is locked and loaded for Fabuloso Mrs. India NZ 2025.

Fierce and fabulous contenders are ready to take to the stage on Sunday 23 November from 5pm - 10pm. 

Watch the celebration of strength and grace - it's more than a pageant. 

For more information visit hlive.co.nz

 

Open late: Celebrate 10 years of Boon at Te Whare Taonga o Waikato 

We’re making a night of it at Te Whare Taonga o Waikato Museum and Gallery on Wednesday 26 November so you can enjoy the exhibitions after-hours from 5pm – 9pm. 

There will be drinks and nibbles available to purchase from the bar, music and more.

Learn more at tewharetaonga.nz

 

7 Days Live is back!

Every year, NZ’s favourite comedy show goes rogue, gets into a van and tours the country, delighting and outraging audiences, live, in packed theatres across the motu.

Join Jeremy Corbett, Dai Henwood, Hayley Sproull, Paul Ego, Josh Thomson, Ben Hurley and Justine Smith smash all barriers of proper behaviour, with no cameras, censors, editors or rules.  

First comes quick-fire standup comedy from the seven best in the business. Then an extreme game of 7 Days, brand new for your town. Hang onto your pants!

See the crew live on Saturday 29 November at Claudelands from 7.30pm.

For more details and tickets visit hlive.co.nz

 

SkyCity Hamilton Christmas Tree Lighting Festival

Get ready for an unforgettable night as we light up the Christmas tree for the first time. This exciting event promises a night of festive fun and dazzling lights! Join in the fun at Garden Place on Saturday 29 November from 5pm - 9pm.

There will be food trucks, various characters, face painting, balloon art, and live entertainment. Don’t forget your picnic blankets.

Learn more at lovethecentre.co.nz 

 

Waikato Christmas Market

Waikato's very own Christmas market features a gorgeous selection of quality artisan goods and beautifully handcrafted gifts, fine art, skincare, wooden toys, leather ware, candles, fresh food and more.

There will be Christmas charm at the Claudelands Barn on Saturday 29 November from 9am - 4pm.

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

Learn more at hlive.co.nz 

 

Fair Enough’s Mākete Kirihimete is on again for 2025 

Come along to Garden Place and Te Koopuu Maania o Kirikiriroa (Hamilton Central Library) on Sunday 30 November from 10am – 3pm to celebrate Waikato’s mahi toi, local artists, live music, and kapa haka.

Learn more at lovethecentre.co.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