A jam-packed line-up of festivals, food, music and family fun is about to hit the Tauranga and Western Bay region.

Nineteen local events have secured a share of $164,600 through the latest round of the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund.

From vibrant cultural festivals and outdoor adventures to live performances and foodie favourites, the collaborative fund helped create more chances for locals and visitors to connect, try something new and celebrate what made the region unique.

The fund was supported by the Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, TECT, Tauranga City Council, and Western Bay of Plenty District Council to simplify the process for event organisers by consolidating five separate funding applications into one easy-to-use process.

This round’s funding supported a wide line-up, including the annual Tauranga Multicultural Festival and Tauranga Asian Food Festival.

As well as those celebrating creativity and bringing the community together through a Summer Shakespeare’s performance of As You Like It, the Katikati Bike Series, Dazzlehands ballet, and Te Puke’s 120th A&P Lifestyle Show.

Grants range from $1000 to $35,000, helping organisers deliver memorable, community-building events of all sizes.

Acorn Foundation chief executive Lori Luke said it was exciting to see the fund continue to support a range of events this funding round.

“Our region is home to people from diverse cultures, with varying interests, spread across numerous smaller communities.

“It is always pleasing to see the fund support events that showcase those pockets and ensure there is something for everyone to get involved in.”

Seven of the 19 events were brand new to the region, bringing fresh experiences for communities to enjoy.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council community and strategic relationships manager Jodie Rickard was looking forward to Carols at Haiku.

“It’s great to support new events in the region that our communities haven’t experienced before as it allows us to continue creating a vibrant and inclusive community. We’re proud to be part of making that happen alongside our fund partners.”

The Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund ran four funding rounds each year.

Funding applications for round four were now open at www.communityeventfund.nz

Applications for round four funding closed on February 9, 2026, with decisions released by March 20, 2026.

-Supplied content