It feels like a great time to be in Hamilton - it’s all happening! The Hamilton Arts Festival has burst into life, the BNZ Theatre is announcing new shows, and the next Hello Hamilton Dinner Club night is coming up. Let’s get out there.

First time here? I’m Ben from Pukete 👋🏼 Join 10,000+ Hamiltonians here. Want more? Check us out on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Join our Dinner Club. Contribute to keep this thriving. Partner with us.

Been missing Dinner Club? Have been keen to give it a go? Our next Dinner Club is happening Wednesday 18th March at 5:30 and 6:30pm.

We bring together small groups of personality-matched strangers for an evening of good food and fun conversation. It’s relaxed, welcoming, and designed to make meeting new people feel easy. How cool?!

$5 Sale | Thu 26th - Sat 28th at 169 London Street. Dress For Success Hamilton is having its first $5 sale for 2026! Gently used high-quality women’s clothes, accessories and shoes will all be $5. Info.

🎤 Kirikiriroa Open Mic | Thu 26th 5:00 - 7:00pm at Central Library. Whether you’re a seasoned performer looking for like-minded people, or performing to an audience for the first time, Kirikiriroa Open Mic is for you! These sessions are open to poetry, music, comedy, etc. Info.  

The Big Bike Film Night 2026 | Thu 26th 6:00pm & 7:00pm at Lido Cinema. Showcasing 2.5 hours of dazzling bike films that have everything a cycle-centric audience could want – action, drama, humour, and plenty of inspiration. Tickets.  

🎸 The Kings of Country Rock | Thu 26th 7:30pm at Clarence St Theatre. The Kings of Country Rock is a two-hour stage spectacular celebrating the music of two of America’s greatest country rock bands - the Eagles and Creedence Clearwater Revival. Tickets.  

D-Day With Quixotic Minds | Fri 27th 7:30pm at Last Place. Closing out the month of love, four of Hamilton’s own powerhouse bands are set to storm Last Place for D-Day, delivering an impactful sonic collage of diverse sounds. Tickets.  

🎪 Fijian Flying Circus | Friday and Saturday 7:45pm at Rhododendron Lawn, Hamilton Gardens. Bold, breathtaking and human, Fijian Flying Circus is a world-first fusion of Indigenous storytelling and contemporary circus. Tickets. 

Some Hamilton Music | Fri 27th 8:00pm at Nivara Lounge. Performing will be ThiefofBaghdad & Lurk Nurgle performing rap, Sinaea & Cailum (of Static), doing some beautiful acoustic stuff, Lambjaw performing some super chill melancholic rock and more! Tickets.  

🍃 Plant Extravaganza | Sat 28th 9:00am - 2:00pm at The Barn, Claudelands. Join for the plantiest day out in the Waikato! A relaxed, fun day out enjoying all things plants & gardening. Info.  

The Extravaganza Fair | Saturday and Sunday 9:00am - 5:00pm at Innes Common. New Zealand’s biggest and most fabulous traveling fair is rolling back into town – and you’re invited! Get ready for a weekend packed full of FREE entertainment the whole whānau will love. Info. 

🍿 MOVIES AT THE METEOR: Lord of the Rings Marathon | Sat 28th 1:00pm at The Meteor. Gather the whānau together, BYO blankets or bean bags and get comfy! Tickets.  

Chinese Lantern Festival | Sat 28th 4:00 - 9:00pm at Garden Place. Join for a fantastic evening celebrating Chinese New Year with a Dragon & Lion Dance, Magic Show, Chinese Martial Arts, Live Cultural Performances & Food Stalls. Info.  

Hamilton Ceilidh Music & Dance | Sat 28th 7:00pm at Fairfield Community House. Come dancing this Saturday! Family event, great for singles too. Live music with Scottish ceilidh band and caller. No prior experience needed, just a good attitude and willingness to have a great time! Info.  

🏉 Super Rugby Pacific - Gallagher Chiefs vs Crusaders | Sat 28th 7:05pm at FMG Stadium. Join the boys as they launch their 2026 home campaign in style with a Heritage Round clash against fiercest rivals, the Crusaders at FMG Stadium Waikato. Tickets.  

David Correos & Hoani Hotene - The Hamilton Town Meeting | Sat 28th 7:30pm at Nivara Lounge. Hear ye, hear ye, it’s time for the Town Meeting, join David Correos & Hoani Hotene as they delve into what’s really going on in Hamilton. Bring your gripes, complaints and even compliments to discuss with the group. Tickets.  

🏎️ Frankton Thunder 2026 | Sun 1st 9:00am - 4:00pm at Frankton. Frankton Thunder 2026 is back and bigger than ever — a free, family-friendly celebration of cars, bikes, creativity and community in the heart of Frankton, Hamilton. Info. 

🌈 Festival of Colors - Waikato Holi 2026 | Sun 1st 11:30am - 3:30pm at Whitiora School. What to expect: Colour splash, RAIN Dance, Music, Food & Fun activities for Kids, Lucky Draw and more! Register.  

Bracelet Making | Sun 1st 1:30-pm at Rototuna Library. Dive into making a beautiful collection of bracelets and enjoy the chance to meet new friends along the way! This programme is perfect for kids aged 8 and above, and teens 15 and under are also welcome! Info.  

Whaanau Fun Day | Sun 1st 2:00 - 4:30pm at Chartwell Library. Join the fun for a free and exciting afternoon consisting of entertainment, activities, prizes and giveaways. Info.  

🤣 HaHaHamilton Comedy Lounge | Wed 4th 8:00pm at Nivara Lounge. Have some laughing madness for March, at the monthly Wednesday night HaHaHamilton Comedy Lounge. With MC Katrina McGuinness, and a line up of comedians including Sam Barnes, Mike Healey, Chey Johanson and more. Tickets.  

Autumn Gala - Evening Concert | Fri 6th 7:00pm at St Peter's Cathedral. A stunning variety concert in the glow of St Peter’s Cathedral. This year’s concert features the Cathedral Choir and soloists, led by Director of Music Rachael Griffiths-Hughes. Info.  

Super Rugby Pacific - Gallagher Chiefs vs Moana Pasifika | Fri 6th 7:05pm at FMG Stadium. The stage is set, and the Gallagher Chiefs are ready to take on Moana Pasifika in a regular-season matchup at home! Tickets. 

9D Breathwork NZ Presents: Friday Feels | Fri 6th 7:30pm at High Above. Join for a soothing 75 minute immersive 9D Breathwork Experience to bring forth clarity, confidence, and connection. Tickets.  

🎶 The Bats Celebrate 'Corner Coming Up’ | Fri 6th 8:00pm at Last Place. Fresh from a triumphant, room-rammed set at The Other’s Way festival, Aotearoa indie legends The Bats are heading out on the road in 2026 to finally deliver the live accompaniment to their much-loved 2025 album Corner Coming Up. Tickets.  

🕯️ The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight | Fri 6th 8:30pm at Claudelands Event Centre. After entertaining 700,000 guests across the UK, USA and Europe, The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight is kicking off the first ever tour of New Zealand and coming to Claudelands! Tickets. 

🪩 Rüdi's Bakery Rave | Sat 7th 6:00 - 8:30am at Riverbank Lane. Rüdi's has teamed up with 445 Run Club and LSKD for a morning experience a little out of the ordinary - warm bakes, banging brews, and vibing beats in a joyful laneway takeover. There'll be product giveaways and a LSKD pop-up on the day. Tickets.  

Market Day | Sat 7th 8:30am - 1:00pm at St Peter's Cathedral. Family market day that is fundraising for earthquake strengthening of St Peter's Cathedral. Stalls include a bake sale, books, ceramics, crafts, coffee, face painting, flowers, good used clothing, plants, and more! Info.  

To The Front Kirikiriroa Recording Workshop | Saturday and Sunday 10:00am - 4:00pm at The Porch Recording Studio. Join for an awesome two day Recording Workshop! Over the weekend you will gain confidence and experience in a recording studio. For young women, trans, intersex, queer, takatāpui and gender-diverse people aged 12-19. Info.  

Tamariki – Hamilton Children’s Day | Saturday and Sunday at Garden Place, Civic Place and Central Library.  Bring the whole whānau along for two days of fun, connection, and celebration, honouring our tamariki and the joy they bring to our communities. Includes family picnics, live performances,  fun rides, inflatables, dress-up characters and more! Info.  

🎨 Paintvine in the Park - Cathedral Cove | Sat 7th 2:00pm at Hamilton Gardens. Paintvine in the park is a beginners painting class in some of New Zealand's most beautiful parks and gardens. Sit in the sun and paint the day away. Tickets.  

🎷 Summer Sounds: Jazz at the Hamilton Gardens | Sat 7th 2:00 - 4:00pm at Hamilton Gardens. Hamilton Big Band is back at the Hamilton Gardens for another year with a free concert! Enjoy a picnic with some classic jazz, latin, and classic pop hits with a beautiful view of the turtle lake. Info.  

Much Ado About Nothing | Sat 7th 6:00pm at Victoria on the River. Dearest gentle reader, you are invited to the event of the season. We have it on good authority that the Lady Leonata will, this summer, play host to the regiment of Don Pedro of Aragon. This, as Leonata’s own family gathers to celebrate the debut of her daughter Hero. Bring a chair, a picnic blanket and perhaps some snacks. Info.  

😂 Paul Ego 'Stick' - Solo Comedy Show | Sat 7th 7:30pm at Nivara Lounge. Well known for his many years as Team Captain on the TV show '7DAYS', Paul Ego has also been part of award winning Breakfast Radio shows for both MoreFM and The Rock. Tickets.  

Powder Chutes w/ The Boondocks | Sat 7th 8:30pm at Last Place. The Boonies are joining Pow Chu for their first tour of 2026, plus Haast Hunter will be joining as very special guests. Tickets.  

Children’s Day | Sun 1st at Ninja Valley. Calling all ninjas! Something special is happening this Children's Day at Ninja Valley! Pop by for face painting, spot prizes, a photo with Spiderman, and a go on the GIANT waterslide! Book.   

Glenview Club Market and Club Open Day | Sun 8th 10:00am - 2:00pm at The Glenview Club. Come on down to the Glenview Club and check out the market. While you are there, have a look around the club and see what they are all about and enjoy the facilities. Info.  

Earth and Air and Rain | Sun 8th 2:00pm at St Paul’s Collegiate School. Join two talented kiwi performers for a special Waikato tour - baritone Jonathan Eyers and pianist Liam Wooding, both in Aotearoa for a brief break between overseas engagements. Tickets. 

NZTA have extended the Te Huia passenger rail service between Hamilton and Auckland for another 12 months. The trial was meant to finish by the end of June, but NZTA has agreed to support a 12-month extension of the rail service. Read.

Motorists using one of the country’s busiest stretches of road are facing up to nine months of lane closures, after NZTA announced significant asphalt works on the Waikato Expressway between Cambridge and Tamahere. The $80 million project will see 16km of State Highway 1 resurfaced, with drivers warned to plan ahead for significant delays. Read.

Parking changes in Hamilton’s central city have come with a hefty price tag for drivers. Infringements have more than doubled and the total value of tickets was nearly five times higher in the year after the changes were introduced. Read.

For Rathmony Chiv, it was love at first bite when he tasted the cheesy goodness of a New Zealand steak, bacon and cheese pie, a moment that set him on a new career path. Six years after getting a job in Hamilton bakeries to learn the trade, he and his wife Ann now own Bite The Pie Bakery & Cafe in Beerescourt. Read.

That’s all for this week! As always, thanks for reading Hello Hamilton today.

You know the drill - please direct reply to this email if you have any suggestions for what you would like to see in future editions of Hello Hamilton. I read every email!

— Ben and Sarah