Tauranga Arts Festival holds family and community close to its heart and is celebrating both with some special shows.

The entire whānau can also enjoy a free, community singalong at Waiata Mai on Saturday, October 28, led by local legends like Ria Hall and the Tuatara Collective Choir. Words will be provided for songs ranging from ‘Tū Tira Mai Ngā Iwi' to ‘Hallelujah' in te reo Māori. Waiata Mai is at The Edgewater Fan from 4pm.

A free street dance workshop on Wednesday, October 25, is the curtain-raiser to Biggie & Smalls the next night, a dance battle where improv is front and centre – an awesome opportunity for youngsters to be guided by a ‘Biggie' and try out their moves. New and emerging freestyle dancers can learn breaking, footwork, freezes and power moves. Both events are at The Cargo Shed, Dive Crescent, from 6.30pm. Register at: www.taurangafestival.co.nz

A show for anyone who has ever wanted to go into space, ‘Mission Control: Mars' is an interactive event that has its audience working in teams to save a human colony on Mars in 2034. The Mission Commander guides teams through co-operative games, challenging tasks and digital puzzles. For ages seven-plus, ‘Mission Control: Mars' is at the X-Space, Baycourt on Friday, October 20 at 4pm, 5pm, 6pm; and Saturday and Sunday, October 21-22, on the hour from 10am to 5pm, tickets are $15-$25.

Meanwhile, children under seven can travel to the ‘Moon', where some very strange – and funny – things are going on in a wild comedy show especially devised for their age group by two new dads. ‘Moon' is at The Cargo Shed, October 28-29, at 11am and 2pm daily, tickets are $10-$15.
More information from: www.taurangafestival.co.nz
Tickets available now from Ticketek: https://premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/show.aspx?sh=TRGART2023