Families can look forward to an exciting line-up of free events at this year’s Tauranga Arts Festival — from hands-on creativity to musical surprises and community singalongs.
Tauranga Zinefest kicks things off on October 25 at The Cargo Shed from 10am–3pm, celebrating independent publishing and handmade zines. Covering everything from politics to pop culture, poetry to punk, this lively event offers a glimpse into the world of DIY creativity — and entry is free.
For music lovers, Undergrand transforms Tauranga into an open-air concert space, featuring a baby grand piano “in the wild”.
Emerging and established pianists will perform in unexpected outdoor spots — including the Festival Garden on the Tauranga Waterfront, Kulim Park, and Mount Main Beach. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy beautiful live music in the fresh air.
Joe Dobson will be playing a white baby grand piano at the Tauranga Arts Festival.
Also on October 25, popular duo Aro will perform a free whānau show at 11am at the Festival Garden. Known for their bilingual music blending pop, R&B, jazz, and taonga pūoro (traditional Māori instruments), Aro — made up of husband-and-wife team Charles and Emily Looker (aka Emily Rice) — weave storytelling, sing-alongs, and cultural celebration into every performance.
On October 27, the Wham Bam Poetry Slam at the Tauranga Waterfront will showcase energetic and thought-provoking spoken-word performances, highlighting the power of poetry performed live.
Car-a-oke on October 30 at the Festival Garden is a quirky free event where participants can karaoke inside a parked van. Photo / Supplied.
If you’re after something quirky and fun, Car-a-oke on October 30 at the Festival Garden invites festivalgoers to belt out their favourite tunes inside a parked van. Perfect for families or groups of friends, this unique experience promises plenty of laughs.
For younger audiences, two free 30-minute orchestral concerts designed for children aged 2–6 will be held at Tauranga City Libraries on November 1 and 2. These pocket-sized performances combine storytelling, movement, and song, giving kids a chance to dance, clap, and even get up close to the instruments.
After dark, festivalgoers can explore Obelisk Natura in the Festival Garden — a breathtaking large-scale installation featuring immersive visuals, programmed lighting, and an evocative soundscape that transforms the space into a glowing sensory experience.
Rutene Spooner and Jason Te Mete will be leading a crowd sing-off at the Tauranga Arts Festival. Photo / Supplied.
The festival concludes with Waiata Mai, a free community singalong led by local artist and musical powerhouse Jason Te Mete, alongside the Tuatara Collective and special guest soloists. This hour-long celebration of unity and culture will bring everyone together at 4pm on Sunday, November 2 in the Festival Garden.
“We’ve pulled together a bunch of people, and we’ll perform a set of songs with lyrics on a big screen so the audience can sing along too,” said Te Mete. “Most of the waiata are in te reo Māori, giving people the opportunity to follow the words and join in.”
From timeless favourites like Poi E and Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi to soulful harmonies led by local talent, Waiata Mai promises to be a festival highlight — a joyful finale celebrating Tauranga’s community spirit through song.