July in Rotorua

The second half of 2026 is here, and in July there are plenty of things going on around Rotorua. Here are some of our picks, and some of the events you’ll hear Paul talking about on your Rotorua Day Show between 10 and 3 weekdays.

And make sure to listen each Thursday at 1.30 and Friday at 10.55 for The Hits List, updated for the weekend.

If you have something to include on The Hits List – email [email protected]

* regular events listed below these one-off dated events
* all information is correct at time of publishing. To be used as a guide only. Check official venue and event pages for additional information and confirmations.

Events Calendar: updated Tue 30 July

RHAPSODY ROTORUA
Wed 1st Jul at 3pm, Thu 2 and Fri 3 Jul at 7pm, SHMC, FREE but ticket required
This is New Zealand’s premier youth music festival. Experience an inspiring showcase of musical talent, with outstanding local and Australian students performing across a vibrant range of styles, including jazz, rock, choirs and classical, from classics to today’s popular hits.

ROTORUA BRICK SHOW
Saturday 4th, 10a-4p, St Johns Church, ranolf St
Lego exhibition with cool displays brought to you by Bricks of Plenty Lego User Group.  There is also a Brick pit play area, Lego for sale, Toyworld popup shop with sets for prize draws.  And you can join the club!  Entry $5 per person, under 3s free. Sponsored by Toyworld Rotorua, Paperplus, St John's Church, A.N. Arborist

SLAM ROCK 2026
Sat 4 Jul, 6pm, Sportsdrome
The Sulphur City Steam Rollers celebrate an incredible 15 years of derby action, with a full blown entertainment experience. Expect hard hits and edge-of-your-seat action as skaters battle it out on the track as Rotorua's Motley Crew take on the mighty Volcanic City Rollers from Auckland, with both teams featuring players from Team New Zealand Roller Derby! Plus free face painting for the kids, a classic lolly scramble, plus food and drink options to keep everyone fueled for the night. 

MAGIC MEN AUSTRALIA
Tue 7 Jul, 7.30pm, SHMC
Magic Men Australia is taking over the world, breaking attendance records across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, U.S.A, South America and Canada! This is global entertainment at its peak.  And for the first time, the show presents TikTok and world-famous Instagram superstar Will Parfitt, with a combined following of over 20 million. Get ready for a night you’ll never forget Magic Men delivers Australia’s most talented performers, high-energy choreography, jaw-dropping acrobatics, and cheeky crowd interaction, all packaged into a world-class touring production.  This event is R18.

NGĀ WHETŪ PĪATA O TE RANGI
Thu 9 Jul, 6pm, SHMC
Presented as part of Hawaikirangi – Reconnecting with the Night Sky, this features the six Te Arawa kapa haka rōpū selected for Te Matatini 2027. In celebration of Matariki, this special showcase brings together the region's leading kapa haka performers for an evening of waiata, haka and Te Arawa identity.

ARONUI MATARIKI DRONE SHOW - MATARIKI HERENGA WAKA: FOR EVERYONE.
Thu9, Fri10, Sat 11 July at 8:00pm (weather permitting), Rotorua Lakefront, FREE
Lighting up the Rotorua skies for a third year in a row with one of Aotearoa’s most breathtaking Matariki celebrations. This free outdoor experience combines 550 synchronised drones, powerful storytelling, sound, narration and stunning visual artistry in honour of Matariki. Bring your whānau, gather by the lake, tune into Te Arawa FM, and experience a night of remembrance, culture, light and connection beneath the stars.

HILARIOUS COMEDY HYPNOSIS SHOW
Sun 12 Jul, 7pm, SHMC, ticketmaster
Chinese hypnotist Haiming blends hypnosis and comedy to entertain the audience while showcasing the power and benefits of hypnosis through live audience participation.     With his unique cultural background and deep understanding of both Western and Oriental cultures, this is a must-see event for anyone curious about hypnosis and keen for a good laugh. Come and discover how this talented Chinese hypnotist uses hypnosis to both entertain crowds and deeply relax participants.
And you could become the star of the night! (Only if you’re keen – no pressure!)

BORDERLINE
Sat 18 Jul, 7.30pm, SHMC
The kiwi band’s debut album dropped on June 26th, and they are touring NZ!  Fans can expect to hear a collection of pop, rock and funk, fusing the quartet’s undeniable chemistry to deliver music you can groove to.