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.
Rotorua Lakefront Ice Rink
18 June – 13 July
From 10am to 10pm daily, head down to the Village Green to experience the REAL magic of winter – on ice skates on 100% frozen ice!
Dracula’s Sanctuary
4-5 July
Dracula’s Sanctuary returns with a carnal cocktail of the undead and criminally insane. From death-defying aerial acrobatics to knockout vocals – get ready for a blockbuster show, set to dazzle, and delight in a way only Dracula’s can.
The Beast of Burden
10-12 July
The Beast of Burden is an original play which has been developed with a brilliant group of actors, directors and creatives from the Rotorua Little Theatre Society over the last year.
Illusionist Anthony Street
15 July
Anthony, renowned as the creator and star of the world-famous Celtic Illusion, brings his unique blend of breathtaking illusions, mind-bending magic, and boundless charisma to the stage.
Prepare to be amazed as he conjures impossible feats before your eyes, blending traditional magic with modern spectacle, creating an experience that’s both heart-pounding and heartwarming.
Te Tangi a Te Tūī
10-11 August
This captivating performance explores love, loss and hope, blending te reo Māori with stunning circus theatre at Sir Howard Morrison Centre.
Best of the Bee Gees: Saturday Night Fever
12 August
Endorsed by members of the Gibb family and original Bee Gees musicians, the Best of the Bee Gees opens with the Greatest Hits followed by a high-energy Saturday Night Fever second act, which have garnered standing ovations and 10 out of 10 reviews.
The Morning Shift: IS THAT US?!
22 August
After humble beginnings in a garage, to a record-breaking rise to the top of the podcast charts, Aotearoa’s favourite trio — Jordan Vaha'akolo, Brook Ruscoe, and Marc Peard — are taking The Morning Shift to the people.
Real people, real talk and now real life. Expect all the stuff you love from the podcast: deep kōrero, big laughs, a few tears, spontaneous/questionable singing, plus whatever Jordan decides to overshare that night.
The live show brings the podcast to life, with that signature Morning Shift energy that turns commutes into therapy sessions and takes gym workouts to another level.
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.
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!
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
24 January 2026
Jimmy Carr returns for two shows at Sir Howard Morrison Centre with his new show full of edgy one-liners.
