With international cricket, the Tauranga Arts Festival already in full swing, and a premier basketball tournament, plus a whole lot of community events. Tauranga is shaping up to be the ultimate long weekend destination or the perfect staycation spot for locals.
BLACKCAPS vs England ODI
Bay Oval | Sun 26 Oct, First ball 2pm.
Set against the backdrop of Mauao, Bay Oval’s grassy banks make it one of the most scenic cricket venues in the world. Photo credit, Hunter Studio.
After hosting Australia earlier this month, Bay Oval will once again be the scene of thrilling international cricket as the BLACKCAPS take on England in the first one-day international (ODI) of a three-match series (the two other games will be played in Hamilton and Wellington).
England last played in Tauranga in March 2023, defeating the BLACKCAPS by 267 runs. This upcoming clash gives New Zealand the opportunity to turn the tables in front of a passionate local crowd – so bring the whole whānau and get ready for an unforgettable day out. The stakes are high with the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup on the horizon in 2028, so every match counts.
Tickets are on sale now - don’t miss your chance to cheer on the BLACKCAPS.
Other international cricket matches coming up this season:
- BLACKCAPS v West Indies test match from 18–22 Dec 2025
- BLACKCAPS and WHITE FERNS take on South Africa with a T20 Double-header on 15 Mar 2026
Tauranga Arts Festival
Baycourt Community Arts Centre, Carrus Crystal Palace on the Tauranga Waterfront and other venues | 23 Oct – 2 Nov
Inside the Carrus Crystal Palace. Photo credit, Katie Cox Photography
Since it began in 1998, the Tauranga Arts Festival has been a celebration of creativity, culture, and community – right in the heart of the city. This year, Baycourt Community and Arts Centre will host many of the Festival’s headline shows, alongside the Carrus Crystal Palace – the magical Spiegeltent – which will take pride of place on the Northern Waterfront Reserve. Designed to be the beating heart of the Festival, it will also be home to the Festival Garden – a lively pre-show hub.
Over the long weekend, audiences can look forward to an inspiring line-up of performances and free entertainment, with highlights including:
- Cirque Bon Bon - Sat 25 Oct, 2pm and 7.30pm shows | Baycourt Addison Theatre.
A circus spectacular blending acrobatics, dance, and comedy (selling fast, so limited tickets are available).
- Battle Chorus- Sat, 25 Oct, 7.30pm | Carrus Crystal Palace, Northern Waterfront Reserve.
Back with a brand new song list of Greatest Hits, join this social sing-along for an unforgettable night of iconic songs and sweet harmonies.
- The Velvet Rebels - Sun, 26 Oct, 5pm | Carrus Crystal Palace, Northern Waterfront Reserve.
Rutene Spooner and Shea Kokaua bring Rat Pack swagger to Aotearoa’s jazz scene.
- Holding Ground - - Mon, 27 Oct, 5pm | Baycourt Addison Theatre.
Holding Ground brings together two dynamic dance performances - one grounded in place, the other in technology.
Some free goodness in the city:
- Obelisk Natura – Thu, 23 Oct –Sun, 2 Nov | Festival Garden, Northern Waterfront Reserve.
A stunning large-scale light and sound installation celebrating nature - best experienced after dark.
- Tauranga Zinefest - - Sat, 25 Oct, 10am–3pm | The Cargo Shed.
Explore the world of zines, from art and poetry to politics and pop culture.
- Undergrand - Multiple times and locations across the weekend - see event listing.
A roaming, open-air piano experience, where a baby grand piano appears in unexpected locations, including the Tidal Steps, Mount Maunganui Main Beach and Kulim Park!
Whether you’re a first-timer or long-time festival fan, there’s something to delight everyone. Check out the full lineup of Festival events here.
The Classic
Mercury Baypark Arena and venues across Tauranga | Fri 24 – Mon 27 Oct.
The Classic at Mercury Baypark last year. Photo credit Cameron Walker.
For those chasing high energy and fast-paced action, The Classic by HoopNation tips off at Mercury Baypark Arena. As one of Australasia’s largest basketball tournaments, it attracts top players from across Aotearoa, Australia, and the USA. This year marks the event’s 15th anniversary and its 10th year in Tauranga, and it’s set to be the biggest yet, with close to 2,000 athletes, over 200 teams, and more than 600 games.
Basketball continues to grow rapidly in New Zealand, and Tauranga has become the heart of that growth. So, head along and experience the excitement, high-energy games, sportsmanship, and skill as teams from the under-14 age group to elite men’s and women’s divisions compete for the championship. With free entry, it’s a great opportunity for the community to soak up the action firsthand.
Other event highlights over Labour Weekend
Visit What's on Tauranga for more.