Tauranga and Western Bay of Plenty communities will continue to have a wide range of events to enjoy over the coming months, with more than $225,000 granted through the latest round of the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund.
The latest funding decisions will support 24 events across the region, helping maintain a consistent local events calendar that offers something for different ages, interests and communities throughout the year.
From long-standing favourites and large-scale sporting fixtures to Christmas celebrations, cultural festivals, performing arts and community-led activities, this round reflects the breadth of events that help bring people together across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty.
The Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund is supported by Acorn Foundation, BayTrust, TECT Community Trust, Tauranga City Council and Western Bay of Plenty District Council. Together, the partners have been supporting local community event organisers through the fund since 2023.
Acorn Foundation Chief Executive, Lori Luke says the latest round shows the value of keeping a steady mix of events available for local communities.
“Community events play an important role in helping people feel connected to the place they live,” says Lori. “It is great to see this funding support such a broad range of events, from long-running local traditional events to newer options that give people different ways to take part in community life.”
Local events play an important role in bringing communities together, creating shared experiences, celebrating local identity, and giving residents and visitors more opportunities to connect with the places and people around them. The latest funded events reflect that value, with something on offer right across the region.
| Event | Event Date | Location |
| 102nd Katikati A&P Show | 31 January 2026 | Uretara Domain, Katikati |
| 2026 Katikati Community Christmas Lunch | 12 December 2026 | Katikati Baptist Church |
| 2026 Mount Monster | 11 – 12 December 2026 | Mount Maunganui Beach |
| A Caretaker’s Guide to the Orchestra Family Concert | 9 – 11 October 2026 | Baycourt Community & Arts Centre, Tauranga |
| Bay of Plenty Sikh Society Dashmesh Sports Te Puke Kabaddi Tournament | 5 November 2026 | Gurudwara Temple and Centennial Park, Te Puke |
| Bi-annual Migrant Powhiri | 14 November 2026 | Waikari Marae, Mount Maunganui |
| Carols at Haiku 2026 | 12 December 2026 | Haiku Reserve, Katikati |
| Halloween Walk the Walkways | 31 October 2026 | Pāpāmoa Waterways |
| Jandals and Jingles | 27 November 2026 | Ōmokoroa Domain |
| Merivale Christmas FestiVale 2026 | 6 December 2026 | Merivale Primary School, Merivale Action Centre and Merivale Community Centre |
| Morning Rhythm | 15 December 2026 | Tauranga Waterfront |
| MOVE with You, Waihī Beach | 2 October – 1 November 2026 | Various locations around Waihī Beach |
| Ōmokoroa Sirens and Services | 21 November 2026 | 28 Western Avenue, Ōmokoroa |
| Pasifika Festival in the Bay | 31 October 2026 | Tauranga Girls’ College |
| Saravá Fest 2026 | 15 November 2026 | Coronation Park, Mount Maunganui |
| Tauranga Christmas in the Park | 5 December 2026 | Soper Reserve, Mount Maunganui |
| Tauranga Fringe Festival | 24 October 2026 | The Historic Village, Tauranga |
| Tauranga Disc Golf Association Xtreme 26’ | 31 October – 1 November 2026 | McLaren Falls |
| Te Puke Christmas Float Parade | 5 December 2026 | Downtown Te Puke |
| Te Puke Diwali Festival | 8 November 2026 | Gurudwara Temple and Centennial Park, Te Puke |
| Te Puke Sikh Parade | 26 September 2026 | Gurudwara Temple, Te Puke |
| The Barfoot and Thompson’s Season of WICKED | 17 September – 3 October 2026 | Baycourt Community & Arts Centre, Tauranga |
| The EPIC Te Puke Halloween Treat Trail | 30 October 2026 | Downtown Te Puke |
| Waihī Beach Christmas in the Village | 19 December 2026 | Wilson Road, Waihī Beach |
Round three of the Tauranga Western Bay Community Event Fund is now open and closes on 13 October 2026. Event organisers planning upcoming events are encouraged to apply via www.communityeventfund.nz.
Community members are invited to keep an eye out for events happening near them and get involved, whether that is attending, volunteering, or supporting the people bringing these events to life for our region.
