August in Taranaki

August is here, and once again there are plenty of things going on around the region. Here are some of our picks, and some of the events you’ll hear Paul talking about on your Taranaki 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, thanks to Collective First National – Real People, Real Results.

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 Mon 10 August

WOMEN’S LIFESTYLE EXPO
Sat 1 & Sun2 Aug, 10a-5p / TSB Stadium / tix from $9
Over 100 of the best lifestyle companies under one roof! Featuring fashion, beauty, health, wellness, artisan goods, eco-products, gourmet food and beverages, and so much more, the expo will have something for everyone. It’s the perfect opportunity for a girls’ day out, or to treat yourself to a leisurely day wandering between exhibitors. Come and say hi to The Hits team from 12 to 2pm and enter to win a $250 voucher to spend at Flutter Lash Extensions!

YARROWS TARANAKI BULLS IN THE HILUX NPC
Fri 7 Aug, 7.10pm / Stadium Taranaki / tix from Ticketek
It’s the first home game of the season, as we take on our neighbours from up the road in Waikato!

YES at THE SEASIDE MARKET
Sun 2 Aug, 10a-2p / Ngamotu Beach / FREE
Meet the next generation of entrepreneurs at The Seaside Market! Discover the creativity and innovation of The Lion Foundation Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) students. These talented Year 12 & 13 students from around the maunga have been busy turning their business ideas into reality — and now’s your chance to see (and shop!) their amazing products and services. Enjoy a day by the sea, support local, and be inspired by the entrepreneurs of tomorrow. Bad weather? No problem - if the market is cancelled, you'll still find these amazing YES businesses at the New Plymouth Club, 55 Gill Street, New Plymouth — same time, same great energy!

MEMBERS RACEDAY
Sat 15 Aug, from 12 / NP Raceway / Free admission
The first race day of the new season, and despite the name, it's not just for members—everyone is welcome!
Looking to make a day of it? Gather your friends and book one of our platter hospitality options, or if you've been thinking about becoming a member, now's the perfect time to enjoy all the exclusive benefits throughout the season. For all the details, visit newplymouthraceway.co.nz

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE COTTONTOP TAMARIN
Sat 15 & Sun 16 Aug / 12p and 2pm / Brooklands Zoo / free
Celebrate the International Day of the Cotton-top Tamarin with a special weekend of talks dedicated to this charismatic species.  Join us for informative sessions at 12pm and 2pm each day, where you’ll learn more about the tamarin’s unique behaviours, habitat, and the conservation efforts helping to protect them.
Perfect for animal lovers of all ages, this is a great opportunity to connect with wildlife and discover how you can make a difference.

2026 WHEELIE AWESOME WHEEL-A-THON FUNDRAISER
Sun 16 Aug, 11.30a-2p / East End Skate Rink / koha,donations
An inclusive and fun-filled event where everyone is welcome to take part. 
"Wheels" can mean anything - a bike, wheelchair, scooter, skateboard, walker, trike, pushchair, or whatever mode of transport works for you! Come along and do some laps, any laps, at any time between 11:30am and 2pm.
Sponsor participants to complete their laps or get people to sponsor you! Big, small, it all makes a difference!
There will be a sausage sizzle, cake stall & coffee available. For more details contact Conductive Education Taranaki

HĀWERA HAVOC
Sat 22 Aug, 6pm / Hawera memorial Community Hall / tix from eventfinda
Experience the hard-hitting, high-flying action of River City Pro Wrestling.  In 2025, Hāwera witnessed Tim Warren fall to Tyler Ernst's cunning, Dusty Bridges triumph over Ray Gunn, and hometown champ Jade Priest prove you can always come home again. Now, one year later, the stakes are higher, the rivalries are deeper, and the battles are more intense than ever. From heavy-hitting collisions to breath-taking aerial displays, RCP delivers championship-caliber entertainment that the whole whānau will love!

THE 2026 ASB NZ ROAD 10KM AND WALKS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Sat 29 Aug, 8am onwards / Lake Rotomanu / entry fees
National titles are on the line for registered club athletes across multiple age groups.  BUT the day also features the Open 5KM, a flat and fun race open to everyone, and a 2.5k Kids Fun Run
Deytails at athleticsevents.co.nz

YARROWS TARANAKI BULLS IN THE HILUX NPC
Sat 29 Aug, 2.05pm / Stadium Taranaki / tix from Ticketek
It’s time to take on the mighty Cantabs – wear you club colours to this one as we celebrate Cleland’s Club Day!

TARANAKI PET EXPO
Sun 30 Aug, 10a-2p / Plymouth International / eventbrite
This expo is for pet and animal lovers of Taranaki with exhibitors showcasing local businesses and organisations. Featuring local animal charities, vets, trainers, feeding, clubs and accessories for your favourite non-human buddy.
Adults $8, kids FREE.  taranakipetexpo.co.nz