Hamilton Arts Festival Toi Ora ki Kirikiriroa

29/06/2026

If you've enjoyed a Hamilton Arts Festival or ten over the years, help give us a fighting chance of winning the NZEA's Arts, Cultural or Heritage event of the year!

Two years running as finalists. Could 2026 be our year?

We'd love your vote:

VOTE for New Zealand's Favourite Event 2026! New Zealand's best events have been chosen, and now it’s your turn to help decide the ...

15/06/2026

We’re pleased as punch to have been selected as a finalist in the Arts, Cultural or Heritage Event of the Year 2026 category of the 2026 NZEA New Zealand Event Awards. 🩷

Winners will be announced at the NZEA New Zealand Event Awards Gala Evening on Wednesday 5 August 2026 in Auckland.

Keep your fingers and toes crossed for us, e te whaanau!

10/06/2026

We are now taking expressions of interest for 2027!

We can’t wait to hear what you’ve been dreaming up for next year’s Hamilton Arts Festival Toi Ora ki Kirikiriroa. 💭

Whether it’s theatre, comedy, music, dance, experiential or otherwise, we welcome ideas, big and small, weird and wonderful.

🔗 https://hgaf.festivalpro.com/form/BJHLDUBeAVCXipgDxpZA/0

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.