Iconic events in the Waikato

Hamilton Arts Festival - Toi Ora ki Kirikiriroa

Hamilton’s hotbed of creativity is capped off by its annual arts festival, which has held the title of the city’s premier arts event for 25 years. Hosted in the fabulous Hamilton Gardens, the outdoor festival showcases the region’s creative communities as well as a carefully curated selection of national and international touring shows. An extensive palette of artistic expression including music, theatre, dance and comedy awaits you.

In 2027 the Hamilton Arts Festival will be held from 19 - 27 February.

Balloons over Waikato

Balloons over Waikato is New Zealand’s premier hot air balloon festival – six times voted best event in the Waikato. This is the definition of fun for all the family. Book a hot air balloon ride, explore the interior of a real hot air balloon and experience the unmissable ZURU nightglow where hot air balloons take over the night sky and glow in time to an orchestrated soundscape.

In 2027, you can experience Balloons over Waikato in Hamilton in March.

Fieldays

Described as the ultimate launch platform for cutting edge technology and innovation, Fieldays is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event and is so popular some years that it pulls in over 100,000 punters. The traditional Tractor Pull competition is a unique spectacle and kids will love the petting zoo and range of farming machinery on display. Enjoy the delicious food and beverages from on-site vendors, witness state of the art of agriculture, glimpse the future of agritech and see ‘Kiwi ingenuity’ at its best.

In 2027 Fieldays runs from 16 to 19 June in Hamilton.

Soundsplash

A unique festival atmosphere combining live music, workshops and performance art featuring home-grown musical heroes, international sonic specialists and scintillating summer vibes. Three stages drop different styles of sound so you can go with your own personal musical flow. A global food market offers culinary delights from all over the world to suit all tastes. All ages and varieties of festival fanatics are invited to the party.

Headliners this year set to push musical boundaries include foundational Aotearoa music pioneer Tiki Taane and heavyweight UK drum and bass duo Delta Heavy.

In 2027 Soundsplash booms from 22-24 January throughout Raglan’s Wainui Reserve.

International Hobbit Day

Where in the world would you want to experience International Hobbit Day apart from Hobbiton Movie Set, where, to all magical intents and purposes, you can experience a day in the life of a hobbit as you celebrate the birthdays of Bilbo and Frodo.

A guided tour will introduce you to the wonders of Hobbiton including the famous Baggins residence Bag End. You will pass through the Green Dragon Marketplace, finishing your quest at the Green Dragon Inn, after sampling sumptuous food, imbibing hobbit treats, and enjoying roving performers, interactive games and magical music.

There is nowhere else in the world you could have any experience like this. Join the hairy-footed hobbit revelry on International Hobbit Day – it could be the adventure of a lifetime!

International Hobbit Day occurs on 22 September every year.

Middle-earth Halfling Marathon

Take on an off-road running adventure through the rolling green hills of Waikato farmland and the enchanting landscapes of Hobbiton Movie Set.

Choose between the 21.1-kilometre Halfling Marathon and the 11.1-kilometre Eleventy-first, with running and walking categories available for both. The course passes familiar Middle-earth landmarks, including Bag End, Bagshot Row and The Millhouse, before a well-earned refreshment stop at The Green Dragon Inn.

The Middle-earth Halfling Marathon returns to Hobbiton Movie Set on 20 March 2027.

Jim Beam Homegrown

Celebrate the best of New Zealand music as Jim Beam Homegrown transforms Claudelands Oval into a high-energy festival of home-grown sound.

Move between stages showcasing a diverse line-up of Kiwi artists, from rock, pop and electronic music to hip-hop and roots. With thousands of music fans gathering in the heart of Hamilton, the festival brings together established favourites and rising talent for one unforgettable day of live music.

Jim Beam Homegrown returns to Hamilton on 3 April 2027.

Equifest

New Zealand’s largest equine event brings three action-packed days of competition, education, entertainment and shopping to Hamilton.

See talented riders and horses in action across a range of equestrian disciplines, learn from leading equine experts through clinics and demonstrations, explore hundreds of equestrian and lifestyle exhibitors, and experience the excitement of Equifest’s evening Nightshows. Whether you are an experienced rider or simply love horses, there is plenty to discover across the festival.

In 2026, Equifest takes place at Claudelands Events Centre from 16 to 18 October.

Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha 2027

Experience the power, artistry and spirit of kapa haka as Aotearoa’s premier Māori performing arts festival comes to the Waikato.

Te Matatini brings together 57 of the finest kapa haka from across Aotearoa and Australia to compete for the national title. Each performance combines exceptional vocals, movement, storytelling and collective expression, reflecting the identity and traditions of the communities represented on stage.

Hosted by Tainui, Te Matatini o Ngā Taniwha 2027 takes place at Hopuhopu from 23 to 27 February 2027.

Raglan Arts Weekend

Raglan’s intriguingly unique and explosively creative arts scene reaches its zenith over Raglan Arts Weekend.

Feast your eyes on diverse displays of artistic expression, including painting, photography, illustration and ceramics, as well as graffiti, silk fabrics, jewellery, taxidermy and recycled metal sculpture from a host of talented local artists. Amble at your own pace as you enjoy this special self-guided open-studio art trail.

Raglan Arts Weekend happens over Labour Weekend every October