Hi friends, there’s lots happening in Hamilton. I’ll let you get to it. Enjoy!

— Ben Woodgates

P.S. If this edition looks like it’s been cut off by your email provider, just tap “Read more” or '“View entire message” to see the full version. Or read it online here >

Our Dinner Club has been bringing hundreds of like-minded Hamiltonians together, helping us meet new people and get out and about. But what if it wasn’t just about dinner?

I’ve got a few ideas brewing to bring Hamiltonian’s together in other fun ways.

Matching begins TOMORROW. Final chance to grab your ticket for next week!

☀️ Hamilton Sunset Market | Thu 21st 4:00 - 8:00pm at Big Save Carpark.
Happening every Thursday, pop in for an early dinner with friends or family. 

🎭 Balloon Dog | Thursday and Friday 7:00pm at Clarence St Theatre.
1800s Calcutta becomes 21C Auckland in Indian Ink’s stage adaptation of one of India’s most-loved stories, Kabuliwala. 

🎓 Waikato Uni Hamilton Campus Open Day | Fri 22nd 9:00am - 2:00pm.
Visit the beautiful Hamilton campus and see if Waikato University might be for you.

Lady Gaga vs Madonna Drag Show | Fri 22nd 9:00pm at Biddy Mulligans.
Get ready for the ultimate Mother-off!! 

Rangatahi on the Move | Sat 23rd 8:00am - 3:00pm at Innes Common.
Join for a walk around the lake, win some prizes, and engage with other community organisations in interactive stations all around the lake.

🫖 Explore Zealong - Open Day | Sat 23rd 9:00am - 4:00pm at Zealong Tea Estate.
See behind the scenes of New Zealand’s only commercial tea estate.

3rd Bhangra and Giddha Cup 2026 | Sat 23rd 10:00am at Clarence St Theatre.
One of the largest dance competitions in the Waikato.

🇲🇾 Malaysia Day 2026 | Sat 23rd 10:00am - 5:00pm at Claudelands.
Come and try a selection of delicacies from different parts of Malaysia! 

😆 A Night to Raise An Outrageous Fortune | Sat 23rd 6:30 - 10:30pm at Melville Rugby Club.
Join Brain Tumour Support Trust NZ for a night of fun and laughter. 

The Pink Floyd Experience | Sat 23rd 8:00pm at Claudelands Events Centre.
An epic live reimagining of Pink Floyd’s most powerful concept album. 

🎶 Jeannie | Sat 23rd 8:30pm at Last Place. 
Combining hip hop, funk, soul, and pop, these sets will have you covered.

Sunday Run and Walk: Gardens Gander | Sun 24th 8:00am at Hamilton Gardens. Join for a run and walk along the Te Awa river trail towards Tamahere.

🥬 Hamilton Farmers' Markets | Sun 24th 8:00am-noon at Gate 3, Claudelands.
Support local and do your weekly fresh shopping and have a coffee.

🍁 Autumn Gala | Sun 24th from 12:00pm at Workingmen’s Club.
A day of fun and entertainment with activities, food and prizes for an exciting afternoon.

Find events happening next week further down this edition.

French cinema is set to return to Hamilton this month, bringing Cannes hits, wartime thrillers, fashion dramas and blockbusters to local screens. The L’Oréal French Film Festival Aotearoa returns on May 27 for its 20th anniversary. Read >

The new peanut-shaped roundabout, signalised pedestrian crossing and wide shared paths has cracked open to traffic - replacing the Morrinsville, Silverdale and Matangi roads junction known for its high crash rate. The project finished ahead of schedule and within budget. Read >

From King Charles to Billie Eilish, world-famous figures have sipped tea grown at New Zealand’s only tea plantation in Hamilton. Zealong Tea Estate is now opening its doors to the public as it prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary. Read >

Reserve Bank Governor Anna Breman visited Hamilton’s world-famous gardens and award-winning farms. Alongside speaking at a sold‑out Waikato Young Professionals event, she visited hospitality businesses, Gallagher Group and two Waipā farms. Read >

🗺️ THE HAMILTON MAP: You’ve probably seen our sleek platinum framed artwork of Hamilton… time to get one of your own? Get yours >

🫵🏼 PARTNER: You know how you're reading this right now? So are thousands of other Hamiltonians. Wouldn't it be awesome to get your business or event in front of thousands and thousands and thousands of people right here in Kirikiriroa? Let’s talk >

👀 JOIN THE TEAM: I’m looking (slowly and patiently) to grow the Hello Hamilton team. Put your hand up >

🐶 PETS: Minerva is a confident little girl with a playful spirit and a big personality. Looking for fun, energy, and cuddles?

🏠 PROPERTY: One Cook Street is a new premium mixed-use development offering an unparalleled riverfront sanctuary in Hamilton East. Wow >

🧩 LAST WEEK’S SCRAMBLE: ST ANDREWS. Reply and let me know what it is this week, friends!

Professorial Lecture | Tue 26th 5:30pm at Gallagher Academy.
'Being Human in the Age of Technology' with Professor Judy Bowen. 

🍲 Andrew Clarke Degustation | Tue 26th 6:30pm at Furnace Steakhouse.
Exclusive six-course degustation designed and prepared by acclaimed chef Andrew.

🎥 French Film Festival 2026 | Wed 27th May - Sun 21st June at Lido Cinema.
Launching with a Gala event followed by three weeks of the very best films that France has to offer.

Dreams in Mirrors, Mirrors in Dreams | Thu 28th May - Sat 6th June 11:00am at The Meteor.
This exhibition presents 17 calligraphic works, of which five are AI-generated pseudo-characters and twelve are hand-copied by the artist.

🪏 Gardens of the Past | Thu 28th 6:30pm at The Pavilion, Hamilton Gardens.
Neil Curgenven from Waikato Historical Society will talk about a couple of heritage homes that had great gardens in their day, and some of his efforts in horticulture. 

Authentic Irish Folk and Ballads | Fri 29th 5:30 - 8:30pm at Biddy Mulligans.
Seanachie will be playing authentic Irish folk and ballads.

Pub Olympics | Fri 29th 6:30 - 9:30pm at Hamilton Workingmen’s Club. A fun team-based night of games, challenges, and friendly competition.

🎤 Kirikiriroa Hardcore Vol 8 | Fri 29th 7:00pm at Mesoverse.
Brawler, with Kuwake, rangatahi straight edge from Taamaki Makaurau and more.

🎵 Sam Buckingham | Fri 29th 8:00 - 10:30pm at Nivara Lounge.
Celebrating her gorgeous new album Beautiful Machine. 

🦸‍♀️ The Comics, Games and Toy Fair | Sat 30th til 2:00pm at The Barn, Claudelands.
Marvel, Hot Wheels, Star Wars, Board Games, PS Games, Xbox Games and more.

Card Market Hamilton | Sat 30th 9:30am - 4:00pm at Claudelands Events Centre.
Trading event built around the heart of the hobby, buying, selling, and trading cards. 

🏐 AVIS Magic v Stars | Sat 30th 4:00pm at Claudelands Events Centre.
Feel the energy and cheer on your team as they battle it out in the ANZ Premiership. 

Gallagher Chiefs vs Blues | Sat 30th 7:05pm at FMG Stadium.
A massive final home game of the regular season. 

🇮🇪 Ireland the Voyage | Sun 31st 2:00pm at Clarence St Theatre.
Epic celebration of Irish heritage through voices, live music, and dance.

🎶 DARTZ: Winter Missions | Sun 31st 8:30pm at Last Place.
A winter mission with support from local operators Marital Law. 

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

See you out there!

— Ben Woodgates and Sarah Blake