Hamilton Arts Festival Toi Ora ki Kirikiriroa

31/03/2026

It's been a month and we're still buzzing! Take a moment to relive some of the magic, e te whaanau. 💛

Every year we aim to up the ante, and this year felt like the culmination of years of hard work. We're so proud of our (not so) little Festival and how far we've come.

There are so many people to thank — businesses and sponsors who support our kaupapa, we salute you. In these trying times, your generosity means the world.

The incredible artists who took part in this year's Festival. We salute you!

And to you, our beloved audience — thank you for going on this journey with us. We hope your cup is full.

📍February 19-28, 2027. Save the dates.

🎥:

👩‍💻: KingSt

06/03/2026

03/03/2026

Who was lucky enough to witness the incredible Fijian Flying Circus?

VOU 💚

The show blends Fijian culture with ballet, hip hop and contemporary dance.

03/03/2026

Last Chance! Take the Festival survey today to be in to win one of five $50 Prezzy Cards!

We’d love to hear your feedback on this year’s Festival. 💚

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LYPHKDL

01/03/2026

The final day of the Festival is upon us! We're leaving nothing on the table today, whaanau. Get down to the Gardens and take it all in while you still can.

Here's what's happening!

Festival Hub: Open from 5pm, the Hub is the place to be for kai, drinks and wonderful live music.

Soliloquy: The Waikato Times loved it! See what all the fuss is about and catch this intimate and thought provoking show in the Japanese Garden of Contemplation. 4pm.

Flamencodanza: Experience the fiery passion and elegance of an internationally acclaimed dance and guitar duo, performing on the Medici Court. Sold out. 5pm.

Don McGlashan & The Others with Hollie Smith: The final show of 2026 season is set to be an absolute stunner on the Rhododendron Lawn. 6:30pm.

28/02/2026

Tonight's the night! We're over the moon to bring our 2026 season to a close with Don McGlashan and the Others with special guest Hollie Smith on the Rhododendron Lawn. Bring a festival chair or blanket and get comfy!

📍 Gates open at 6pm
🍃 Show starts at 6:30pm
🌯There will be food trucks and a bar on the Rhodo Lawn

Limited tickets available from our website or from the Hamilton Gardens Box Office (located in the Gallagher Visitor Centre).

Please note this is a strictly no BYO alcohol event, this includes 0% alcohol. Due to liquor licensing regulations, we are required to check all bags on arrival.

27/02/2026

Today's the day. Here's what's happening at the Festival. See you soon!

Dr Hubble's Brilliant Bubbles: Using simple soap bubbles, Australia’s favourite Bubbleman Dr Hubble creates magical moments of wonder.

This fun, funny, and occasionally educational show also carries a gentle message of sustainability.

11am & 2pm in the Pavilion. Selling fast!

The Nukes Ukulele: With original songs, dazzling musicianship, and rich three-part harmonies, The Nukes transform the humble ukulele into a powerhouse of humour and creativity.

6:30pm on the Mansfield Garden Tennis Court.

Songs for Nobodies sees Jackie Clarke (The Lady Killers, Chicago, Mamma Mia) bring 10 characters to life in a tour de force performance.

Saturday night at 8pm in the Pavilion.

Much Ado About Nothing: While not technically today, with a 5am start tomorrow we thought you might need a heads' up. Don't miss the iconic Summer Shakespeare dawn session.

Rodgers Rose Garden. Please bring a koha (this is an unticketed event).

27/02/2026

Bula vinaka! Tonight, we're thrilled to present the wonderful Fijian Flying Circus on the Rhododendron Lawn. This is the first of two performances from VOU . Here's what you need to know.

7pm - Gates open
7:30pm - a special guest appearance from Talents Of The Pacific Academy - T**A - featuring Hamilton Fiji Society Youth and special guest multi award-winner soprano Maddison Nonoa.
7:45pm - The main event - Fijian Flying Circus

Word to the wise - VOU will be selling merch including caps, tees and more! 💚

Feel free to bring along a festival chair or blanket and do come prepared for the possibility of a touch of rain.

*Please note that this event is strictly no BYO alcohol (this includes 0% alcohol). There will be kai and drinks available for purchase on the Rhododendron Lawn.

27/02/2026

The Fijian Flying Circus is hitting the stage TONIGHT! 🇫🇯🎪

Don’t miss out on the magic - if you haven't secured your spot yet, grab your tickets now!

Get tickets here https://haftokk-premier.eventfinda.co.nz/2026/fijian-flying-circus/hamilton

See you soon, Kirikiriroa! ✨