August marks the last month of a chilly winter in Hamilton. We’re officially on the home stretch to spring and it’s time to emerge from your hibernation of Netflix and Uber Eats. Luckily for you, there’s an abundance of events worth getting out of bed for. August welcomes the return of the famous New Zealand International Film Festival, an event dedicated to the humble G&T and a glow-in-the-dark paint party (yes, it’s a thing). Here are all the best things to do in Hamilton this August.
The Gourmet Garage
Friday nights
The legends behind summer’s ever-popular Gourmet In The Gardens are at it again. Introducing winter’s hottest new foodie event: The Gourmet Garage. The weekly event sees a mouth-watering selection of food trucks and stalls take over the Claudelands Barn for a festive dining experience. It’s on each and every Friday night this August with live music, gourmet food and good times aplenty.
A Dinner with Nourish & Hayes Common
August 1
Hamilton’s favourite neighbourhood eatery is joining forces with Nourish magazine to host a dinner to remember. Enjoy a glass of bubbles on arrival before feasting on a banquet-style dinner crafted by the talented Hayes Common team. The dishes will showcase fresh local produce it all its glory as well as a sneaky tipple from EightPM to end the night. The event is one night only so don’t miss out on tickets.
SPCA Cupcake Day
August 5
Get your muffin tray out for the return of the annual SPCA Cupcake Day. The event helps to raise money for the 40,000 abused and neglected animals in need of love, care and shelter every year. Make a difference in the lives of animals across New Zealand by registering to bake and sell cupcakes. We can’t wait to see your baking creations.
Craft Gin & Tonic Tasting Night Winter Special
August 8
If your cocktail go-to is a G&T, this event is not to be missed. For one night only, Mavis & Co is teaming with EightPM for a Craft Gin & Tonic Tasting Night Winter Special. Sip your way around the world as you discover five unique G&Ts and a cheeky gin served neat to finish. The interactive event will see you constructing your perfect mixer—so you can use your new-found skills at home. Grab your ticket here.
Growing Your Own Food
August 11
Do you dream of a garden flourishing with leafy greens and fragrant herbs? Dream no more and register for Go Eco’s Growing Your Own Food workshop. The introductory event will cover the basics of starting a food garden including assessing your site, choosing plants, composting and more. The best part? The workshop is free—but you’ll need to register to nab your spot.
Friends Quiz Night
August 18
Calling all Friends fans. Put on your best turkey hat and head to The Quadrant Bar for an epic Friends Quiz Night. Based on the much-loved TV sitcom, the night will be a fun-filled Smelly Cat fest with trivia to test even the most avid of fans. There are prizes for best dressed as well as a themed food and drink menu. More of a Brooklyn Nine-Nine guy/gal? The following night celebrates the best cop show, like, ever with a Brooklyn Nine-Nine Quiz Night.
Paintvine: After Dark
August 21
Paint and wine nights have taken over New Zealand, and now, they’ve reached a whole new level. Introducing Paintvine: After Dark—aka the country’s first glow-in-the-dark paint party. The concept is simple: take a brush in one hand, a drink in the other and use glow-in-the-dark paint to create your very own masterpiece. The tunes will be provided by a DJ as your work your magic under the glow of ultra-violet and neon lights.
New Zealand International Film Festival
August 21 to September 18
Now in its 51st year (woah), the New Zealand International Film Festival returns to Hamilton this August and September. The event welcomes a wide range of international and local flicks to the Lido cinema—and you’ll want to see see them all. From intriguing arthouse films and nail-biting thrillers to fascinating documentaries and award-winning features, there’s literally something for everyone. Check out the line-up here.
Pop-Up Globe NZ Tour
August 27 to August 31
Just because you live in the 07 shouldn’t mean you miss out Auckland’s popular Pop-Up Globe. Stay right where you are because the globe is hitting the road and coming to Hamilton as part of the Pop-Up Globe NZ Tour. Witness Shakespeare’s Hamlet or Measure for Measure come to life at the Clarence St Theatre. The costumes and sets are nothing short of epic.