2026 Lineup

A backstage peek at Hamilton Gardens

Immersive story-telling on the Waikato River

An epic journey: The complete Lord of the Rings Marathon from The Shire to Mount Doom.

Chaos, callbacks, and costumes for The Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Meteor.

Family fun at The Meteor: A screening of the beloved family favourite Shrek.

Double the Kiwi laughs: A Sione?s Wedding and Eagle vs Shark double feature.

Moments of wonder from Australia's favourite Bubbleman!

An Epic Kids? Adventure Lands in Aotearoa!

Storytelling that ignites the senses

The iconic Summer Shakespeare is back

More than just a ukulele band

Musical theatre from the back seat of a van

Bold, brave, and award-winning comedy

Your favourite daytime soap gets a comedic reboot

Addiction, shame and the chaos of being human

Laugh Club are back!

Two actors. One musician. 40+ characters

Equal parts history, hilarity, and heartfelt nostalgia.

A brand-new mystery game

The hit social sing-along experience lands in Hamilton!

World-winning hip-hop & street dance

Internationally acclaimed dance & guitar duo

Enchanting dance experience in the English Flower Garden

ADHD ? it?s so hot right now!

A story of ambition and forbidden love

A psychological study of an artist corrupted in her quest for power and fame.

A modern reimagining of Hamlet

A free event featuring six exceptional local poets

Two lauded writers discuss their creative evolution

The Chicks singer recounts her eventful life

Dive into the world of crime writing

An extraordinary one-woman show

Local voices on the Festival Hub stage

Award-winning poet Tusiata Avia discusses her most personal book yet

For anyone seeking clarity amid the chaos of modern life

A Natural History of New Zealand Flowers

The state of the media

Two observers of contemporary life discuss their works

Soak up the festival vibes, enjoy some amazing kai and music, and mingle with friends and whaanau at the Hamilton Arts Festival Toi Ora ki Kirikiriroa Festival Hub.

Back after a hit launch season in 2024

A tour de force from Jackie Clarke

Intergalactic funk in the Surrealist Garden

Taonga puoro in the Surrealist Garden

Operatic brilliance in the Ancient Egyptian Garden

Epic orchestral celebration

Waikato's most iconic free event returns

Pasifika culture meets musical theatre

High energy party cabaret

Hear iconic songs from one of our most celebrated songwriters

Fijian storytelling meets contemporary circus