What's On in Rotorua
Rotorua hosts world-class events year round
Events bring communities together, help our city grow, showcase creativity, and often they celebrate our unique treasures such as geothermal wonders, Māori heritage, and gold-level mountain biking trails.
Sporting events are always fun whether you're competing, supporting a loved one who's competing, or cheering from the sidelines. The same goes for performing arts, festivals, concerts and more.
The next time you're looking for something to do, check this page for what's on and join us here in Rotorua.
Dancing in the Shadows of Motown
5 September
Don’t miss this 11 Piece Powerhouse band featuring internationally acclaimed artists who faithfully recreate the dynamic live performances of: The Temptations, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Martha and The Vandellas, The Four Tops, The Jackson Five, and many more MOTOWN Legends.
Manu Samoa vs Flying Fijians
6 September
Rotorua will come alive this September as Manu Samoa take on the Flying Fijians at Rotorua International Stadium. On 6 September, the two Pacific giants will clash in a powerful celebration of pride, passion and culture – right here in Rotorua, Samoa’s home away from home.
Atua Wahine By Wairea Company ft. NZSO
11-13 September
Wairea Company proudly presents Atua Wahine - a powerful musical activation and installation performance honouring the revitalisation of ancient Māori goddess narratives.
This work brings together female performers of all ages to embody the energy of Atua Wahine through Māori contemporary dance, classical orchestration, and taonga puoro.
Whetūrangihia
1 October
Whetūrangihia returns with a powerful theatrical work tracing a whānau’s journey through loss, memory, and renewal as they prepare for te umu kohukohu whetū, a traditional ritual conducted at the rise of the Matariki star cluster. Reo Māori, performance, music, and storytelling are all woven to create a powerful cultural and artistic experience.
Faulty Towers: The Dining Experience
16 October
Step inside the iconic Fawlty Towers for a night of interactive comedy and chaos all served with a delicious 3-course meal. Highly improvised, highly interactive, and fully immersive, join the action for an unforgettable night where guests are not just audience members, but highly esteemed guests of Basil, Sybil, and Manuel!
Queen: Its A Kinda Magic
26 October
Immerse yourself in the spectacle, grandeur and energy of the world’s greatest Rock band with Queen: It’s a Kinda Magic, celebrating the legacy of Queen and Freddie Mercury. Bringing big sound, big screens, crazy lighting and outlandish costumes, this is the REAL ROCK EXPERIENCE!
TINA The Ultimate Tribute to the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll
9 November
Featuring the powerful, raspy vocals, high-intensity dancing and thrilling stage presence of South African Caroline Borole (as seen on South African Idols) live on stage, complete with her international band, brass section, backing vocalists and dancers to make this SIMPLY THE BEST tribute to the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner.
7 Days Live
15 November
It’s 7 Days Live! Jeremy Corbett, Dai Henwood, Hayley Sproull, Paul Ego, Josh Thomson, Ben Hurley, and Justine Smith break all the rules—no cameras, censors, or lawyers.
This November, they hit the best theatres and stadiums in Aotearoa, delivering quick-fire standup comedy, then unleashing a wild 7 Days game, new for your town. Hold onto your pants!
Luke Kidgell: Good Intentions
18 November
Luke is known for his viral crowd-work interactions that often lead to some fairly unusual, yet hilarious encounters. You’ve seen him on the internet, now it’s time to see him in real life, as Luke tries to prove that he really does have Good Intentions.
A Celtic Christmas
18 November
Direct from its Off-Broadway season, A Taste of Ireland - The Irish Music & Dance Sensation, presents its holiday spectacular, A Celtic Christmas. Prepare to be enchanted with some of the world’s finest Irish dancers and musicians bringing the spirit of Christmas to life, in a show that will make you laugh, cry, and sing into the night.
Bill Bailey: Vaudevillean
21 November
Bill Bailey returns with a show that celebrates this great tradition, as the versatile multi instrumental, multi-lingual, purveyor of humour and musical prowess, who could lay claim to being perhaps the foremost practitioner of this great tradition, an entertainer, a performer, a modern Vaudevillian
Jimmy Carr: Laughs Funny
23 – 24 January 2026
Jimmy Carr returns for two shows at Sir Howard Morrison Centre with his new show full of edgy one-liners.
The Rock Orchestra By Candlelight
3 March 2026
After entertaining 700,000 guests across the UK, USA and Europe, The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight is kicking off the first ever tour of New Zealand. Prepare for a spellbinding 90-minute spectacle that infuses iconic Rock & Metal anthems with a hauntingly beautiful energy.
