Welcome in my friends.

A whole bunch of you were keen on that exclusive tour of the BNZ Theatre that I teased last week. Fill out this super secret form to go in the draw to win a spot on a tour >

Just after I send this, I'll be heading into the Free FM studios in town to record my weekly event brief, which airs throughout the week. Have you come across Free FM before? They’re all about keeping community voices at the heart of Aotearoa’s media landscape — across 89.0FM, livestreams, and podcasts. Check them out >

Alrighty. Got a good one for ya this week. Enjoy, and I’ll see you out there!

— Ben Woodgates

p.s. This is a big one - sorry not sorry. If this email looks like it’s been cut off, click “Read more” to see the full message, or read online here >

We’ve teamed up with the delicious people at Reggie’s to throw our next Dinner Club night on 29 April. A unique social dining experience - three generous courses, served feasting-style, with a table of soon-to-be friends. 🍝🍕

We’re taking over the restaurant. You’ll be seated with a group of fellow Hamiltonians, and surrounded by other dinner clubbers. Reggie’s iconic pizzas and pastas landing in the middle of the table, plus breads, sides, bites, and a proper dessert to finish. How good? 😋

And I’ll be hosting the night, keeping the vibes high as we all enjoy some delightful food and make some new friends. here also might be a giveaway or two. Maybe even a quiz.

School Holiday Pottery Workshop | Thu 9th 9:00am-3:00pm at Waikato Society of Potters.
Full-day creative workshop for kids. That’ll keep them busy.

Pride Zine Workshops | Thu 9th 3:00pm at Glenview Library.
Create your own zine to celebrate Pride Month. Awesome. 🏳️‍🌈

CMNZ Series: Symposium Brass | Thu 9th 7:30pm at Gallagher Academy.
A blend of orchestral precision and jazz energy. Great listening. 🎺

Waypeople Album Release Tour | Thu 9th 8:30pm at Nivara Lounge.
Contemporary jazz from leading Aotearoa musicians.

Community Day on the Park | Fri 10th 11:00am-2:00pm at Claudelands Park.
Local stalls, entertainment, and free giveaways. Hoping for good weather. ☀️

Twilight Wine and Cheese | Fri 10th 5:00-8:00pm at The Sculpture Park.
Relaxed evening with local food, wine, and nature. Delightful.🍷

Counterculture Mag Release Show | Fri 10th 7:00pm at Mesoverse.
Heavy live music plus Counterculture vol. 1 launch.

Pride After Dark | Fri 10th 7:00pm at Hamilton Cosmopolitan Club.
High-energy Pride Month kickoff. 🌈

Parade | Fri 10th - Sat 18th 7:30pm at The Meteor.
Parade is a moving examination of the darkest corners of America’s history.

Michael Morris & The Sonic Boom | Fri 10th 8:00pm at Last Place.
Double album release show!

The Ninja Run | Sat 11th - Mon 27th at The Base.
Head over to The Base in Hamilton for a fun-filled day taking on 14 huge inflatables - some over 40 metres long!

Kaitiaki Ki o Rahi | Sat 11th 10:00am at Rototuna Library.
Learn and play a fast-paced traditional Māori sport. It’s fun!

Andre Vegas Family Fun Magic & Illusion Show | Sat 11th at Riverlea Theatre.
Magic, comedy, and audience interaction for all ages. 🔮

New Zealand Hungama 2026 | Sat 11th 4:00-10:00pm at Claudelands.
A vibrant multicultural celebration of music, dance, and food.

Patrons Bar & Restaurant Night Market | Sat 11th 5:00 - 11:00pm at The Patrons. Come taste flavours from all over the world, sip your favourite brews and vibe with DJ Ash!

Before The Wrecking Ball | Sat 11th 8:00pm at Nivara Lounge.
Featuring live performances by Cry Wolf, Atlas Dawn, Dolphin Drive, Empress and Job Site.

Htown Hu$tle 2 | Sat 11th 8:00pm at Last Place.
A stacked night of local underground talent. 🎵

Hamilton Farmers' Markets | Sun 12th 8:00am-noon at Gate 3 Claudelands.
Support local and do your weekly fresh shopping and have a coffee. 🥬

Oceania Qualifiers Semi-Finals | Sun 12th 12:00 & 4:00pm at FMG Stadium.
International football clashes on the road to World Cup qualification. ⚽️

Sunny Side Up Children's Film Festival | Tue 14th 10:15am - 4:00pm at Waikato Museum.
Designed especially for children aged 5–12, this high-energy event showcases the magic of animated short films.

🏌️‍♀️ Seddon Park Pitch & Putt | Wed 15th 4:00 - 7:00pm at Seddon Park.
Your chance to play golf on one of the most unique cricket grounds in the country!

Interactionz' Fundraiser for Riding for the Disabled | Thu 16th 12:30pm at Chartwell Cooperating Church.
Learn about Riding for the Disabled, with a donation to raise funds for this fantastic service.

Patty Smack's Super Saucy Meal Deal | Thu 16th 9:30pm at Last Place.
Enjoy a night of late-night cabaret.

⭐️ Tainui Waka Kapa Haka Festival 2026 | Friday and Saturday at Claudelands.
A spectacular celebration of Tainui Waka Kapa Haka performances, international street food, and vibrant live music.

Queer Art Flash Day | Fri 17th 11:00am - 7:00pm at CaliLou’s Tattoos.
A joyful flash tattoo day celebrating self-expression, chosen family, and art that lives on your skin.

🎤 K-Pop Live | Fri 17th 6:00pm at BNZ Theatre.
An ultimate high-energy concert experience, delivering a vibrant celebration of music, dance, and performance.

House of Mana Drag Show | Fri 17th 9:00pm at Biddy Mulligans.
An amazing night full of passion & pride, dedicated to celebrating the incredible takatāpui Māori talent.

Artillery on Show | Sat 18th 9:00am - 4:00pm at Waikato Artillery Museum.
Sales, stalls, souvenirs, coffee cart and sausage sizzle.

The Royal Ascent | Sat 18th 10:00am - 11:30pm at The Atrium, Wintec.
An audience-observed coaching session with international drag artist Kween Kong.

Intro to D&D - Kids Day | Sat 18th 12:30 - 4:00pm at Rototuna Public Library.
Know a young person 10+ who is excited about Dungeons & Dragons, but don’t know where to start? Bring them.

Gallagher Chiefs vs Hurricanes | Sat 18th 7:05pm at FMG Stadium.
Expect fast-paced action, big hits, and the roar of Chiefs Country.

The Royal Revue | Sat 18th 7:30pm at Clarence St Theatre.
A one-night spectacular showcasing queer performance.

🎶 Progressive Doom Sciences Vol.1 | Sat 18th 8:00pm at Last Place.
A night of science-bent doom metal, exploratory riffs, and heavy atmospheres.

Waikato Vintage Textile Fair | Sun 19th 10:00am - 3:00pm at Distinction Hotel & Conference Centre.
A wonderful and comprehensive array of all things vintage and antique textile for sale.

🌈 Pride in the Park | Sun 19th 11:00am - 3:00pm at Western Community Centre.
Bringing Hamilton Pride Month to a joyful close with a day of celebration, connection, and community.

SELENE | Sun 19th 6:00pm at The Meteor.
A radical exploding of an ancient myth. It’s a story, a score, and a description of a film.

Gulab Sidhu Vaisakhi Mela | Sun 19th 7:00pm at BNZ Theatre.
This punjabi artist began singing to avoid getting bullied in school—now he sings to share stories of his land and culture across the globe.

🚌 Variable lower speed limits announced for outside 34 Waikato schools, including Hillcrest Normal School and Melville Primary School. Drivers will need to drop their speed to what’s displayed by the electronic signs - typically to either 30kph or 60kph, depending on the school’s surroundings. More here >

🚗 Two hours of free parking is set to return to Hamilton’s CBD. Our city councillors voted 13-1 to reinstate the offer, backing a proposal from Mayor Macindoe that also cuts this year’s rates rise to 6.9%. Have your say here >

☢️ 400 litres of sulphuric acid was spilled at a Hamilton business in Melville this week. About 20 firefighters were sent in and advice was called in from Australia. More info >

🎟️ Many visitors fine with proposed fee increase at Hamilton Gardens from $20 to $27.50. The gardens would remain free for Hamilton residents under the proposal. Public feedback is being sought until May, and a decision will be made in June. Have your say here >

🎭 The Hamilton Arts Festival drew in an estimated 42,700 people and generated around $12 million in economic benefit for the Waikato. More than a third of attendees travelled from outside the region, including nearly 10% from overseas. Read more >

🚧 More road works are about to start just down from Hillcrest’s peanut-about, adding cycle lanes and raised crossings. More road works are about to start just down from Hillcrest’s peanut-about, adding cycle lanes and raised crossings. Get the details >

⚒️ A major chunk of “investment-ready” land in Te Rapa has been opened up for industrial development. It could create up to 1300 jobs and add $300 million to the local economy over the next decade. Read about it >

🏗️ Final touches are being completed on Hamilton East’s One Cook St riverside development, with a few apartments still available. The eight-storey building, the tallest in Hamilton East, includes what is believed to be the city’s most expensive penthouse, boasting sweeping river views. Take a peek inside >

Want more? Check us out on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.

See you out there!

— Ben Woodgates and Sarah Blake