The upcoming school holidays will be action-packed in Tauranga with something for everyone to enjoy across the city.
For the first time, the Black Caps take on Australia at Bay Oval for a three-series T20I spectacle.
The first match is on Wednesday, October 1 – so if you were looking for electric energy and a fun family night out in the school holidays, this is an evening not to be missed.
Sports not your thing? No problem. Tauranga is brimming with activities from creative workshops and performances to movies, exhibitions and festivals.
Mount Maunganui
Treat the whānau to a thrilling T20I showdown under lights.
Enjoy fast-paced cricket, family fun, and summer vibes as the BLACKCAPS take on their Trans-Tasman rivals on Wednesday 1, Friday 3 and Saturday 4, October at Bay Oval.
New Zealand’s favourite party band, The Monroes, are bringing their high-energy, kid-friendly rock concert to Mount Maunganui these school holidays.
Packed with singalongs, dance moves and nonstop fun, featuring flashy guitar solos, glamorous costumes and 9-year-old Indy Monroe on drums on Saturday, October 4 at Totara St.
The Historic Village

Village Cinema movies. Photo credit / Hunter Studios
Village Cinema movies
Stroll through boutique shops, grab a bite to eat, and settle in for a family-friendly movie at the Village Cinema.
Catch favourites like Paddington in Peru on Wednesday, September 24, Flow on Thursday, September 25, Wonka on Wednesday, October 1, and Dog Man on Thursday, October 2.
The Incubator creative workshops
Make it, sew it, paint it or stitch it! Choose from an exciting range of hands-on workshops, including Why the face?, a youth portrait drawing workshop on Monday, September 22 and 29.
On Tuesday, September 23, there will be a Kids Watercolour Workshop, on Wednesday, September 24, there will be an After School Sew Love Workshop, on Tuesday, September 30, there will be a session on Mixed Media: Native Birds, a Campus Art Class will be held on Tuesday, September 30, and there will be a Mindful Mending session on Friday, October 3.
Village Hunt with Market & Main
From September 20 to October 5, tamariki can take part in a fun-filled village hunt.
Pick up a clue sheet from Market & Main and explore the village to find the answers, then return your completed sheet for a free fluffy or kids’ hot chocolate.
Village Vibes - Young at Heart Festival
Celebrate Young at Heart Festival at The Historic Village with live music, creative workshops, exhibitions, boutique shopping and tasty food will be held on Friday, October 3.
Tauranga Libraries - Te Ao Mārama

Pūrerehua Peg Automata. Photo / supplied
Get ready for stories, science, creativity and hands-on fun.
From puppet-making and clay workshops to interactive exhibitions and Stem activities, there’s something for tamariki of all ages.
Learn a small trick with a big wow factor at the Pocket Sized Play – Magic Workshop on September 20 at the Tauranga Library.
Spend some storytime with tamariki and whānau at Koro Wētā Book Launch on September 20, at the Tauranga Library.
Explore volcanoes & earthquakes Rūaumoko: Restless Land Exhibition from September 20 to October 5 at the Tauranga Library.
A story, song and craft session for 3- to 6-year-olds will be held from September 22 to October 3 in all libraries called Kōrero Keretao: Puppet Talk.
Make a flapping butterfly at the Pūrerehua Peg Automata sessions from September 23 to October 3 in all libraries.
Create clay taonga and learn te reo Māori in the Pocket-Sized Play – Toi Tākaro session on September 27 at Tauranga Library.
Build and code with Brian Play at the Grandbots Mechanical Claw session on October 1 in Tauranga and Pāpāmoa.
Baycourt Community & Arts Centre

Baycourt Community & Arts Centre. Photo credit / Hunter Studio.
Acorn Foundation Junior Art Awards Exhibition
Celebrate the creativity of Bay of Plenty tamariki at Tauranga Art Gallery’s fourth biennial Junior Art Awards on Saturday, September 20.
This year’s theme is The Future Is… / Ko… te anamata, featuring imaginative works by artists aged 4–14.
Discover how four kids from New Jersey became music legends from September 20 to 27.
Jersey Boys tells the story of The Four Seasons’ rise, challenges and enduring friendship, featuring their iconic hits.
Central Tauranga

STEMFest in Tauranga City Centre. Photo / supplied
StemFest is back on Sunday, September 28, at Durham St.
A family-friendly celebration of science, technology, engineering and maths - designed to inspire tamariki, rangatahi and the whole community.
These school holidays, grab a free map from i-Site in Red Square and explore Tauranga city centre from Saturday, September 20 to Saturday, October 4.
Solve clues, discover hidden gems, enjoy tasty pit stops, and return your map for the chance to win prizes valued at over $500.
Latin American Spring Festival
Experience the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavours of Latin America at Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre on Saturday, September 20.
Enjoy live music, colourful dances, traditional games, prizes and activities for all ages.

Hoops on the Waterfront with Whai Basketball. Photo / supplied
Whai Basketball is bringing the action to Tauranga’s new waterfront playground on Wednesday, September 24.
Join players for an afternoon of hoops, skills, games and fun for all ages and abilities.
Shoot some hoops, learn new tricks, take part in friendly competitions and meet your favourite players.
Bunnings NPC Rugby: Bay of Plenty Steamers vs Waikato
Cheer on the Bay in the Battle of the Kaimais – the final round robin of the season on Sunday, September 28 at Tauranga Domain.
Bring the whānau for an afternoon of rugby, food, fun and Bay spirit.
Heathers: The Musical (Teen Edition)
A darkly funny, high-energy take on high school life, based on the cult 1988 film, will be shown at 16th Avenue Theatre from Tuesday, September 23 to Saturday, September 27.
This Teen Edition keeps the edge but tones down language and mature content. Recommended for ages 13+.
For full details of these events and more, visit What’s On Tauranga.
-Contributed content



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