Tauranga City Council and Envirohub Bay of Plenty are delivering the Young at Heart Festival from 1 to 8 October 2026. The festival coincides with the International Day of Older Persons on Thursday, 1 October.
The festival is for older people across Tauranga and includes opportunities to connect with others, learn new skills, get active, enjoy local entertainment, and celebrate the valuable contribution older residents make to our community.
Paula Naude, Tauranga City Council Head of Community Outcomes & Emergency Management, says the festival is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate older people while encouraging social connection and wellbeing.
"The festival brings together older people from across Tauranga to enjoy shared experiences, discover new interests and connect with their community. It's also a chance to acknowledge and celebrate the many ways older residents contribute to the city every day."
Rachael Pratt, Project Co-ordinator at Envirohub Bay of Plenty, says the festival programme offers something for everyone.
"Whether you're keen to explore a creative hobby, enjoy live music, learn something new or simply meet new people, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved throughout the week.”
“The Senior Choir Concert is always one of the highlights of the Young at Heart Festival. Last year about 500 tickets were sold, with all proceeds supporting Waipuna Hospice. We're expecting another fantastic turnout this year, so we encourage people to book early and be part of this special community event on Saturday, 3 October at Bethlehem Baptist Church. Tickets are expected to sell out fast."
Festival highlights include:
- 1 October Envirohub Festival Launch - The Atrium Conference Centre, 252 Otūmoetai Road
- 2 October Whaioranga Trust Hangi “n” Hoedown - Summerhill Base, 319 Reid Road, Pāpāmoa
- 3 October Rake Healing Sand Art Workshop - Moturiki Island (Leisure Island)
- 4 October Envirohub Bus Tour and Tree Talk - 31b Glasgow Street
- 5 October The Mount Pickleball Club’s Pickleball for Fun - Mercury Baypark Arena, 81 Truman Lane
- 6 October Tauranga Multicultural Seniors in Harmony Migrant Lunch - Merivale Community Centre
- 7 October Tauranga City Council Wastewater Treatment Plant Tour - 75 Chapel Street, Otūmoetai
- 8 October Envirohub Tree Planting closing event - Gordon Carmichael Reserve, Bethlehem
Many events are free or low-cost, making it easy for people to take part and connect with others in their community.
For event details, and to purchase admission for the ticketed events, please visit www.youngatheart.co.nz or pick up a programme from Tauranga City libraries.
A special thank you to the following community organisations and businesses for their help bringing the Young at Heart Festival 2026 to life.
Tauranga City Libraries
Tauranga Branch Forest & Bird
The Incubator Creative Hub
The Pilates Fix
Doreen McNeill Artist
Greerton Social Badminton
Whaioranga Trust
ASB
Rake Healing Sand Art
Taoist Tai Chi
Senior Choir
Luxe Cinemas
Born Free Fitness
Cafē Scientifique Tauranga
Good Neighbour
Super Support
Here to Help U
Age Concern Tauranga
The Mount Pickleball Club Incorporated
St George's Gate Pa
STEM Wana Trust
Merivale Community Centre
Multicutural Tauranga
Life's Next Stage
Envirohub Bay of Plenty