Mayor of Tauranga

For the first time, the BLACKCAPS take on Australia right here at Bay Oval for a three-series T20I spectacle.

The first match is on Wednesday, 1 October – so if you’re 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 – there’s something for everyone to enjoy across the city.

Mount Maunganui

BLACKCAPS vs Australia
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.
Wed 1, Fri 3 & Sat 4 Oct | Bay Oval

The Monroes Kids’ Rock Show
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.
Sat 4 Oct | Totara Street

The Historic Village

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 – Wed 24 Sep
• Flow – Thu 25 Sep
• Wonka – Wed 1 Oct
• Dog Man – Thu 2 Oct

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? Youth portrait drawing workshop – Mon 22 & Mon 29 Sep
• Kids Watercolour Workshop – Tue 23 Sep
• After School Sew Love Workshop – Wed 24 Sep
• Mixed Media: Native Birds – Tue 30 Sep
• Campus Art Class – Tue 30 Sep
• Mindful Mending – Fri 3 Oct

Village Hunt with Market & Main
From 20 September to 5 October, 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.
Fri 3 Oct

Tauranga Libraries - Te Ao Mārama

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.

• Pocket Sized Play – Magic Workshop – Learn a small trick with a big wow factor. 20 Sep, Tauranga Library
• Koro Wētā Book Launch – Storytime fun for tamariki & whānau. 20 Sep, Tauranga Library
• Rūaumoko: Restless Land Exhibition – Explore volcanoes & earthquakes. 20 Sep–5 Oct, Tauranga Library
• Kōrero Keretao: Puppet Talk – Stories, songs & crafts for 3–6 yrs. 22 Sep–3 Oct, all libraries
• Pūrerehua Peg Automata – Make a flapping butterfly. 23 Sep–3 Oct, all libraries
• Pocket Sized Play – Toi Tākaro – Create clay taonga & learn te reo Māori. 27 Sep, Tauranga Library
• Grandbots Mechanical Claw – Build & code with Brain Play. 1 Oct, Tauranga & Pāpāmoa

Baycourt Community and Arts Centre

Acorn Foundation Junior Art Awards Exhibition
Celebrate the creativity of Bay of Plenty tamariki at Tauranga Art Gallery’s fourth biennial Junior Art Awards. This year’s theme is “The Future Is… / Ko… te anamata” featuring imaginative works by young artists aged 4–14.
Sat 20 Sep

Jersey Boys
Discover how four kids from New Jersey became music legends. Jersey Boys tells the story of The Four Seasons’ rise, challenges, and enduring friendship, featuring their iconic hits.
Sat 20 – Sat 27 Sep

Central Tauranga

STEMFest
STEMFest is back! A family-friendly celebration of science, technology, engineering, and maths - designed to inspire tamariki, rangatahi, and the whole community.
Sun 28 Sep | Durham Street

Downtown Discovery Trail
These school holidays, grab a free map from i-SITE in Red Square and explore Tauranga city centre! Solve clues, discover hidden gems, enjoy tasty pit stops, and return your map for the chance to win prizes valued at over $500.
Sat 20 Sep – Sat 4 Oct | Red Square

Latin American Spring Festival
Experience the vibrant sights, sounds, and flavours of Latin America. Enjoy live music, colourful dances, traditional games, prizes, and activities for all ages.
Sat 20 Sep | Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre

Hoops on the Waterfront
Whai Basketball is bringing the action to Tauranga’s new waterfront playground! 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.
Wed 24 Sep | Tauranga Waterfront

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! Bring the whānau for an afternoon of rugby, food, fun, and Bay spirit.
Sun 28 Sep | Tauranga Domain

Heathers: The Musical (Teen Edition)
A darkly funny, high-energy take on high school life, based on the cult 1988 film. This Teen Edition keeps the edge but tones down language and mature content. Recommended for ages 13+.
Tue 23 – Sat 27 Sep | 16th Avenue Theatre

For a full details of these events and more, visit What's On Tauranga.

Hosting a school holiday event? Check it meets our event criteria, then submit your listing here.