What’s On: Things to do in Rotorua, Tauranga and the Bay of Plenty region

From Tauranga to Rotorua, discover all the upcoming events in the Bay of Plenty region.

November

Wednesday November 15 to Saturday November 25: Disenchanted! Baycourt Theatre, Tauranga. Poisoned apples. Glass slippers. Who needs ‘em? Not Snow White and her posse of disenchanted princesses in the hilarious hit musical that’s anything but Grimm. The original storybook heroines are none-too-happy with the way they’ve been portrayed in today’s pop culture so they’ve tossed their tiaras and have come to life to set the record straight. Tickets via Ticketek.

Friday, November 24 to Saturday, November 25: The Kingdom of Bling: A Spectacular New Satirical Fairy Tale by Richard O’Brien, Baycourt Theatre. Richard O’Brien, the mastermind behind “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” has once again crafted a remarkable story filled with quirky characters, catchy tunes, and a touch of the bizarre. O’Brien will also take centre stage as the narrator, lending his unique charm and charisma to the production alongside students from the schools he attended as a child; Tauranga Primary and Tauranga Boys’ College. Proceeds to go to Starship Children’s Hospital. Tickets via Ticketek.

Friday November 24: It is People! Conference presented be Bellbird Charitable Trust, Distinction Hotel, 9am to 4pm. The conference’s theme, It is People, offers an opportunity to celebrate our social service and community kaimahi, feeding our minds and hearts. The conference will provide a space for our social service professionals to connect with one another, share knowledge, learn and inspire creativity. This conference celebrates our workforce and aims to inspire attendees to continue making a positive impact.

Friday November 24: Blindspott Summer Tour, Mercury Baypark Arena, Mount Maunganui, 7.30pm to 11pm. Tickets via eventfinda.

Friday November 24 to Sunday November 26: Rotorua Indigenous Film Festival, Sir Howard Morrison Centre. The festival programme is diverse, featuring curated screenings, industry discussions, and networking events connecting filmmakers with industry professionals, funders, and creatives. www.riffnz.com

Friday, November 24 to Sunday, November 26: New Zealand Blues and BBQs festival, Village Green, Rotorua. The line-up includes: 19-Twenty (AUS), Fiona Boyes and the Fortune Tellers (AUS), Midge Marsden, Grant Haua Explosion, The Flaming Mudcats, Kokomo, Jimi Kara, Petra Rijnbeek, Rehaab, The Dirty Tones, Legacy Band, Theory 89, Robert Locks Loaded. bluesandbbq.co.nz

Saturday, November 25: Polo in the Bay, Trustpower, Baypark — a fresh, fast-paced format designed for spectators that requires zero polo knowledge to enjoy. The event will feature some of NZ’s most talented players going head-to-head in their provincial colours. Teams include Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Hawke’s Bay. Gates open at 2pm , first game 2.30pm.

Saturday, November 25: Duets ‘n More Showcase Concert presented by the Rotorua Branch IRMTNZ, 6.30pm to 8.30pm, St John’s Church, corner of Ranolf and Victoria Sts. Music students of branch members will perform duets, solos and ensembles. Cost: $10 per family (two adults and children), $5 per individual. Cash only (no eftpos).

Saturday, November 25: Elemental Event, Totara Street, 8.30pm to 1am. Get ready to be amazed by incredible circus performers, musicians, dancers, models, actors and DJ as they take you on a journey through the four elements of the earth. Dress up as the elemental force that resonates within you – Earth, Water, Air, or Fire. This 18+ event is a playground for free spirits and adventurers. Get ready to dance, mingle, and connect with like-minded souls who share a love for art, music, and self-expression.

Saturday, November 25: ‘Allo ‘Allo – Le Christmas Comedy Dinner Show, The Raft, 65 Chapel Street, Tauranga, 7pm to 10pm. Pop along to “Cafe Rene” for a night to remember in an all-new show as Rene Artois juggles the Gestapo, his most daring mission yet for the Resistance, his secret affairs and wife, Edith. Tickets via eventfinda.

Saturday, November 25: Hawker Trucks Superstock Triples , TWS Paradise Valley Speedway, Rotorua, 7pm to 10.30pm. Some good Superstock, Stockcar and Streetstock action, not to be missed. The drivers can choose their own teams who qualify on a points system for a one-off final race. This year’s events: Hawker Trucks Superstock Triples; McRobbie Contracting Stockcar Triples and Driftkartz Streetstock Triples. Great family entertainment also features the Vintage Stockcars. Adult general admission: $25, child/senior: $15, family $65 – door sales only.

Sunday, November 26: Oempa Festival Tauranga, Soper Reserve, Mount Maunganui, 12pm to 7pm. Oempa Festival is an authentic South African Multicultural Family Festival. Come and enjoy a fun-filled day with your family where everyone will be entertained from morning to evening. We have something for everyone from live entertainment to kiddies’ entertainment and activities for everyone to enjoy. Tickets via ticketfairy.

December

Saturday, December 2: The Hits Bay of Plenty and Pacific Toyota Christmas Movie in the Park, Coronation Park, 6pm. This year will be a festival of fun, games, food, and good vibes all free. The screening of The Grinch on our huge 40-meter squared LED screen will top it all off. Free entry for all but please bring along a non-perishable food item for the Tauranga foodbank. RSVP on our Facebook Event now and keep up to date.

Saturday, December 2: Book sale at Kuirau Park kiosk, 9am to 1pm. A huge range of books, magazines and puzzles at low prices. All proceeds go to Rotorua Library for holiday programmes and special events.

Saturday, December 2: The Honest Liars, 16th Avenue Theatre, 164 16th Ave, Tauranga, 7.30pm. Hilarious Comedy Improvisation like “Whose Line is it Anyway.” Nothing scripted, suggestions from the audience inspire scenes for the show. Spontaneous, entertaining and fun. Anything can happen and often does. Tickets via eventfinda.

Saturday, December 2: Rotorua District Choir and Taupo Choral Society present Handel’s Messiah at St Mary’s Catholic Church on Seddon St, at 3pm. Door sales and tickets at humanitix.com $25 adult, and free for under 18 years.

Saturday, December 2: Rotorua A&P Show — Agrodome Rotorua, 8.30am to 5pm.

Sunday, December 3: Weet-Bix Kids’ Tryathlon. Baywave Aquatic Centre, Mount Maunganui. Black Ferns and sisters Chelsea and Alana Bremner have been enlisted as this year’s TRYathlon ambassadors to spur on the next generation of sporting stars. Every child will receive a champions medal from Kiwi sporting champions at the end of the course. Open to all kids aged 6 to 15 years, the TRYathlon caters to all fitness levels and experience. TRYathletes will swim, bike and run their way around age-specific lengths of the course. Entries are open now and more information can be found at https://tryathlon.co.nz/ and https://trychallenge.co.nz/

Sunday, December 3: Plant Fest, Tauranga Racecourse, 9am to 2pm. Tickets at Plantfest.co.nz and at the gate on the day. Free unlimited parking. Not just an ordinary plant show.

Sunday, December 3: Rotary Club of Otumoetai- Carboot Sale, 7.30am for sellers and 8am for buyers at Car Boot Sale at College Car Park Windsor Rd to raise funds for Otumoetai Rotary. Sellers $10 a space. New electronic and appliance recycling. Fees apply. Christmas puddings $25 each. Details: Brian – 021 1228735 or Bevan 027 4612127.

Friday, December 8: Emma Memma’s Twirly Tour, Baycourt Theatre. Emma Memma is delighted to announce that she will finally be boarding her Green Plane to New Zealand in December with her friends Elvin Melvin, BB Butterfly and Waffles The Wombat. Choose your best orange, pink and green outfits to dress up for Emma Memma’s Twirly Tour. 10am and 12pm shows. Tickets via Livenation. One NZ members get a special early bird chance to buy tickets on Wednesday, September 27 at 10:00am from one.nz/music.

Sunday, December 10: The Sweet Caroline Tour: A Tribute to Neil Diamond. Baycourt theatre. Take a step back into the glory days of music and musicianship with this beautiful tribute concert, featuring Sweet Caroline, Cherry Cherry, Red Red Wine, Crunchy Granola Suite, Shilo, Cracklin’ Rosie, You Don’t Bring Me Flowers, Both Sides Now, Heartlight, Forever In Blue Jeans, Song Sung Blue, Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show, I Am… I Said, Girl You’ll Be a Woman Soon and more.

Saturday, December 16: Free books – find Christmas presents for all the family among the selected titles that are being given away at the Kuirau Park kiosk, 9am to 1pm.

Regular events

November 26 to March 24: Dinner the Park Matua, Matua Park, Hall Rd, Tauranga, 5pm to 9pm. Dinner in the Park is a weekly artisan food market held at Matua Park, operating every Sunday evening from the November 26. The market will be churning out some ambient beats with regular musicians and bands, ensuring feet will be tapping and heads bobbing while the whole family enjoy their restaurant-quality meals.

October 9 to December 4: Skate Fit Class. Join Moana Roller Derby for fun and fitness on skates with our NEW Skate Fit Classes. These classes are an awesome mixture of fitness drills and strength exercises – and it’s all done on roller skates. Open to all, 16 years and older. You must have a basic level of skating ability (be able to stand up and skate/roll with some confidence, without assistance) and your own skates and protective gear. Mondays 6-7pm from October 9 – December 4 (excl Labour Day) at Mount Sport Centre. $80 for 8 classes. See Moana Roller Derby on Facebook for more info.

October 16 to December 11: Tauranga Roller Skating Club, Adult Learn to Skate classes, Te Puke Memorial Hall. In term 4 we will be continuing our Monday 2pm to 3pm adult class. Contact taurangarollerskating@gmail.com for more information and to register and find us on facebook Tauranga Roller Skating Club

October 16 to December 11: Tauranga Roller Skating Club, Beginners Learn to Skate classes, Te Puke Memorial Hall. In term 4 we will be continuing our Monday 3.30pm to 4.30pm Beginner class. Contact taurangarollerskating@gmail.com for more information and to register and find us on Facebook Tauranga Roller Skating Club

October 22 to December 17: Tauranga Roller Skating Club, Kiwiskate classes, Mount and Greerton Halls. This class is a fun introduction to skating. Following New Zealand’s kiwiskate programme to learn fundamental skating skills. Each skater will be able to learn new tricks to pass levels in their own kiwiskate check book. Classes will be running 2pm to 3pm every Sunday from October 22 to December 17. Contact taurangarollerskating@gmail.com for more details and to register and find us on Facebook Tauranga Roller Skating Club

Now until January 31: Western Bay Museum presents Treasures of Culture. An opportunity for the Katikati community to share personal taonga / treasures as a way celebrating our community’s rich diversity and honouring the traditions and stories of those who make this place such a vibrant and dynamic place to live.

Weekly: Cards 500 at the Mount Community Hall every Tuesday and Thursday 12.30 to 4pm. Afternoon tea provided. All welcome. Inquiries to phone 0276586848.

Tuesdays: Rotorua District Cadet Unilt Parades — if you’re Year 9 and up, come along to see if you are the next Cadet to join the ranks. Where: 23 Geddes Rd, Rotorua on Tuesdays, during school term, 6.15pm to 9pm.

Thursdays: Rotorua Night Market, weekly at Tutanekai St from 5pm until 9pm. Weather dependant.

Thursdays: The Mount Art group meets every Thursday at St Peters Anglican church hall, 15 Victoria Rd at the Mount, from 9am until midday. Call Merilynn on 0274846874 for more information.

Thursdays: Air Training Corp, Parade during term weeks from 6.15pm at 23 Geddes Rd. Age 13-plus. Come down and have a look or contact cucdr.75sqn@cadetforces.org.nz for more information. You are welcome to come and have a look.

Fridays: Friday Night Fun Night at Baywave Enjoy two hours of racing down the Hydroslide, bobbing through the waves in our wave pool and bombing off a special platform to the latest tunes for $6 per person. From 6pm to 8pm Fridays, excluding public and school holidays.

Saturdays: Kuirau Park Saturday Market , operated by the Rotorua North Rotary Club, opens every Saturday morning, wet or fine, 7am to 1.30pm. Stalls selling vegetables, wide range of takeaway food, coffee, meat, jewellery, clothing, massages, gift cards, and more. Proceeds used in the community. Sites for stalls cost $30.

Saturdays: Tauranga Farmers Market rain or shine, 7.45am to midday at Tauranga Primary School.

Saturdays: Book sale on the first, third and holiday Saturday of each month. All funds raised go back to the library. From 9am to 1pm at Kuirau Park.

Saturdays: The Little Big Markets Mount Maunganui at Coronation Park on the first, third and last Saturday of every month from 9am to 2pm.

Saturdays: The Greerton Hall Market on the second and last Saturday of every month from 8am to 12pm.

Sundays: Waihi Beach Sunday Market 9am to 1pm at Wilson Park.

Daily: Government Gardens Guided Tours, 11am, outside Rotorua Museum.

Monthly: Sol Markets at Simpson Reserve includes products, services and information from local stallholders that consider sustainability in their business practises. From 9am to 2pm on the first Sunday of the month.

Monthly: The Little Big Markets Pāpāmoa from 9am to 2pm at The Pāpāmoa Pony Club. January 15, February 19, March 19 and April 23.

Monthly: Geyserland Country Music Club meets on the first Wednesday from 1pm-3pm and the third Sunday of the month from 1pm -4.30pm at the Rotorua Bowling Club. Non-members $5, children under 13 free. For more information go to Geyserland Country Music Club Facebook page.

Monthly: Rotorua UkeBox Ukulele Open Mic and Strum Along. Third Sunday of the month, 3pm to 4.30pm at Te Runanga Tea House. Free to strum or sing along or watch.

Monthly: Western Bay Crop Swap, a free event for backyard gardeners, home bakers and food foragers to swap and share high quality local food on the first Saturday of the month, 10am to 11am at SuperGrans Western Bay of Plenty, 14 Jocelyn St, Katikati.

Monthly: Rotorua Jazz Club meets first Sunday of every month, 4.30pm to 8pm, winter and summer. Rotorua Citizens Club, Arawa St. $20 entry for adults, $2 for juniors. The public is always welcome. For upcoming events and bands go to Rotorua Jazz Club Facebook page or email rotjazzclub@gmail.com.

Monthly: Historic Village Wellbeing Market on the third Saturday of the month from 10am to 3pm.

Monthly: Omokoroa Market featuring arts and crafts, produce, plants and car boot, plus more. Held on the last Saturday of the month 9am to midday at Omokoroa Settlers Hall.

Monthly: Maketū Market from 7am at Maketū Village Green on the third and fifth Sunday of the month. Vendor stalls $10. Phone Maureen 021 2671 685

Monthly: Improv Comedy with The Honest Liars — 16th Ave Theatre. First Saturday of the month 7.30pm to 9pm, entry $15.

Monthly: BOP Blues Club Jam, first Wednesday of the month. 7.30pm to 10.30pm. Rotorua Citizens Club.

Monthly: Art By Bike Tours, third Saturday of the month, (finishes April 15) 10am, Te Manawa.

Fortnightly: Pakihi Ora Māori Business Network Māori Business Rōpū focused on bringing together and supporting ngā pakihi Māori. Anchored in Māori values, knowledge and cultural practices, dedicated to creating spaces that are mana-enhancing. A place where Māori business owners can come together and feel connected through mātauranga. This is a Wednesday fortnightly kaupapa held at Kai Caff Aye, Fenton St, 7.30am — 9.00am. Visit Pakihi Ora on Facebook for more information.

■ What’s On runs weekly. To include your event, email details to whatson@dailypost.co.nz at least a week before the event.