what's on this spring
Spring is buzzing in the Bay of Plenty! From vibrant festivals to world-class sport, there’s something for everyone. Catch the BLACKCAPS as they take on India, watch the best triathletes compete in the World Triathlon Cup, experience world-class music, theatre, comedy, dance, and performances at the Tauranga Arts Festival, or wander through inspiring blooms at the Garden & Arts Festival.
September
barrels by the baY
4 - 5 September | The Cargo, Shed Tauranga
Barrels By the Bay returns to The Cargo Shed in 2026 as Tauranga's whisky tasting event on the harbourfront. Ticket includes samples from all exhibiting brands (local craft and international) plus access to an on-site bar serving signature whisky cocktails. Attendees can meet distillers, compare notes, and relax with friends in a laid-back, social setting.
ZESPRI AIMS GAMES 2026
5 - 11 September | Various locations, Tauranga
The Zespri AIMS games is Australasia's junior sporting event which offers 11, 12 and 13-years olds the opportunity to compete as an individual or team across 28 different sporting codes.
WICKED
17 September - 3 October | Baycourt Theatre, Tauranga
Tauranga Musical Theatre presents Wicked, an unforgettable theatrical experience for audiences of all ages.
GReerton cherry blossom festival
19 September | Greerton village
A spectacular day celebrating spring with live entertainment, delicious food, market stalls, family activities, classic cars, the Greerton Village School Gala and plenty of cherry blossom magic throughout the village.
XP Gymnastics nationals
29 September - 3 October | Mercury Baypark, Mount Maunganui
XP Gymnastics Nationals runs over the school holidays. Five days of competition across aerobics, artistic, rhythmic, and trampoline gymnastics, featuring NZ's top athletes. Family-friendly, suitable for single or multi-day visits.
OCTOBER
OKTOBERFEST
3 October | The Cargo Shed, Tauranga
Join this Oktoberfest for authentic Bavarian vibes, steins in hand, German DJ, best dressed prizes and Big Smoke BBQ platters.
Ultimate Athlete
10 October | Main Beach, Mount Maunganui
Test your endurance and strength at Ultimate Athlete, a fun and fiercely competitive obstacle course race.
Tauranga Arts Festival
22 October - 1 November | Various locations
Tauranga Arts Festival returns with a captivating line-up of theatre, comedy, music, visual arts, and a writers weekend.
The Classic Tauranga - Hoopnation
23-26 October | Mercury Baypark, Mount Maunganui
New Zealand’s premier basketball event showcasing some of the nation’s top basketball talent.
Halloween Walk the waterways
31 October | Te Ara o Wairakei, Pāpāmoa
Bring your whānau along Pāpāmoa's waterways for a spooky, family-friendly Halloween trail full of costumes and surprises.
NOVEMBER
Gindulgence
7 November | Soper Reserve, Mount Maunganui
Meet the makers and savour a fantastic line-up of distillers at Gindulgence, a boutique gin festival for gin lovers.
Tauranga Diwali Festival |
7 November | Wharepai Domain, Tauranga
Experience a culturally rich and vibrant Festival of Lights with your whānau and friends!
Mitre10 Mega Tauranga City to Surf |
8 November | Mount Maunganui Main Beach
The 11 km and half marathon start at the Tauranga Marina with the course heading over the harbour bridge and finishing on the golden sands of Mount Main beach.
No Days off
13 November | Soper Reserve, Mount Maunganui
Expect world-class DnB talent at No Days Off. Lineup dropping soon.
BLACKCAPS v India
13 & 15 Nov | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
Experience world-class cricket and game day vibes as the BLACKCAPS take on India in two one-day international (ODI) matches.
Tauranga Garden & Arts Festival
19-22 November | Various locations
Visit around 70 beautiful gardens and art stops and meet more than 70 magnificent artists.
Barkfest
22 November | Memorial Park, Tauranga
Barkfest is the ultimate day out for everyone – whether you have a dog, love dogs, or simply want a fun-filled day with plenty to see, do, and enjoy with the whole family.
Marra Tinman Triathlon
22 November | Mount Maunganui
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Mount Maunganui, the Tinman Triathlon has a distance for everyone from standard, sprint, short & a splash’n’dash for the kids.
World Triathlon Cup Tauranga
22 November | Mount Maunganui
Watch the world’s best triathletes arrive on our shores for the World Triathlon Cup Tauranga, a defining moment that launches a three-year journey toward the World Championship Finals. Set against the stunning backdrop of Mount Maunganui, this is where elite performance meets community spirit, where locals and visitors come together, and where a global story begins.
Pak'n Save Pāpāmoa Santa Parade
29 November | Dickson Road, Pāpāmoa
The Pāpāmoa Santa Parade rolls through town from 10am, marking the official arrival of Santa to Pāpāmoa and the start of the festive season.
DECEMBER
Christmas in the park
5 December | Soper Reserve, Mount Maunganui
A full day of Christmas celebrations, with live music, Christmas markets, street food, free workshops, Santa’s Grotto, face painting, Fun Football and plenty more to come.
Pins & Pours
10-13 December | Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui
A fun, social summer golf experience with friends, music, drinks, and closest-to-the-pin challenges under the lights.
Mount Monster
12 December | Mount Maunganui
New Zealand's most prestigious surf lifesaving endurance race. Watch top athletes from across New Zeaalnd gather for their chance to race on one of the most iconic beaches.
