Something for each season
Cambridge is a box of all sorts, from the anticipated annual sports events to the family fun gatherings and so much more to mark on your calendar.
Summer
Santa hits the town
Santa and his elves pile onto trucks and trailers each year for the annual Christmas parade. This is one of the busiest community days in Cambridge’s calendar, where the streets come alive with festive flair.
Christmas Festival
The Christmas Festival at Cambridge Town Hall runs for two weeks, raising funds for local charities and spreading holiday cheer. Locals can shop for gifts, enjoy performances by the local choir, and have coffee. Entry is a gold coin donation.
Festival One
Festival One is a Christian festival organised by a team of volunteers, offering four days of activities and music at Hartford Farm during the Auckland Anniversary weekend. Participants can bring caravans, motorhomes, rooftop tents, and vehicles to stay for three nights and join the festival.
Rowing and Waka Ama regattas at Lake Karāpiro
Lake Karāpiro is a popular destination for water sports, known for hosting many noteworthy athletes. Each year, rowing and waka ama teams from across the country travel to the lake to participate in annual regattas, showcasing the results of their training.
Thunder Boats
The thrilling Lucas Oil Hydro Thunder NZ Series showcases some of the fastest powerboats in the country at Lake Karāpiro. With over 100 boats competing each year, alongside an impressive collection of classic and modern cars on display, it is one you won’t want to miss.
Takapoto Classic Showjumping
Riders and their horses come from around the globe to compete at the Takapoto Classic, held at the stunning Takapoto Estate showcasing their skill, precision and grace.
Waterworld
Waterworld’s inflatable waterparks are the best place to play in the summer holidays. Fantastic family fun on Lake Karāpiro for kids and adults of all ages.
Meatstock
Meatstock is a two-day event held at Mystery Creek Events Centre, featuring premium BBQslow cooked meals and music. It brings together BBQ enthusiasts, bands, and food lovers for a day of activities. The event includes live cooking demonstrations, competitions, and a variety of meat samples. It aims to appeal to those interested in smokey flavours and
live entertainment.
Autumn
Autumn Festival
Celebrate the changing season with the Autumn Festival. This week-long event includes art, music, and family-friendly activities. From market stalls to live performances, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this celebration of the upcoming season.
New Zealand Dragon Boat Nationals
The New Zealand Dragon Boat Nationals feature crews from across the country going head to head in a thrilling competition. Teams paddle in sync to cross the finish line first and claim national honours on Lake Karāpiro.
Running and walking for fun
Lace-up your running shoes for the Waipā Fun Run, an event set in the heart of Cambridge,
offering courses for keen runners and walkers, plus families that just want to enjoy the beautiful scenes surrounding Cambridge. There is a course for everyone and every ability, whether you want to cross the finish line as a team or take the victory solo.
Balloons visit Waipā
As an addition to the Balloons over Waikato, this family-friendly event brings the sought-after floating extravangza to Waipā. Families can enjoy a picnic, live music and tasty local treats from the food trucks during a night of fun that is one to remember for everyone.
Karāpiro Marathon
This event is open to runners, walkers, spectators, volunteers, professional athletes and beginners. There are four distances available, as well as a kids’ fun run, to accommodate participants aiming to complete the Karāpiro Marathon.
Night of Champions
Experience the thrill of the Night of Champions at Cambridge Raceway. Enjoy top-class horse racing and a vibrant social scene, featuring New Zealand’s richest races, including the $1m Race by Grins.
Cambridge Cycling Festival
Get your bikes ready and pedals spinning for the Cambridge Cycling Festival. Created by the community, for the community, this celebration of cycling is held annually and allows the whole family from toddlers to professionals to participate.
Bookarama
Book lovers gather at the Bookarama! This annual Rotary event held at the Cambridge Town Hall transforms into the ultimate library of pre-loved books donated by the Cambridge community. Come and look for your newest read and support the community initiatives and organisations, with all proceeds going back into the Cambridge community.
Canoe Racing Nationals
The pinnacle of the canoe sprint domestic season, this event is held at Lake Karāpiro in Cambridge in April. This event will see paddlers from all over New Zealand represent their clubs and competing for national titles.
Winter
Fieldays®
Held at Mystery Creek Events Centre in June, this iconic national four day event is where New Zealand’s primary sector is put on the global stage. Everyone is welcome at Fieldays, and it promises to be a great day out for the young, the young at heart and everyone in between.
Stars align for Matariki
A number of celebrations are held for the Māori New Year, matauranga Matariki. It’s a time to remember the past, celebrate the present, and look forward to the new year with food, kapa haka performances, and markets.
NZ Boat, Fish & Dive Expo
Dive into the NZ Boat, Fish & Dive Expo, also held at Mystery Creek Events Centre. If you’re interested in any water-based sport, from boating to fishing, diving, spearfishing, kayaking, wakeboarding, skiing, jet skiing, seafood or the culinary preparation of it, then this is one event you cannot afford to miss!
Te Awa Light Night River Ride
Stretching 65km along the Waikato River, the Te Awa River Ride is a fantastic attraction for cyclists and walkers. Once a year, a short 2km section is illuminated for all the family to enjoy on two wheels. This evening of fun features a variety of food vendors and delicious hot chocolates available halfway along the ride, making it easy to forget that it’s bedtime – and that it’s winter!
Spring
Great NZ Summer Festival
Kick off the warmer months with the Great NZ Summer Festival! This lively event combines music, food, and outdoor activities for a perfect day of family fun in the sun.
Bridge to Bridge
Each year, the adrenaline junkies and water sport pros hit the water with an action-packed day of events featuring jet boat sprints, wakeboarding, skiing and more on the Waikato River.
Sika Show
Hunt out the best deals and immerse yourself in everything hunting and outdoors at New Zealand’s premier outdoor event, the Sika Show. Grab all the gear and knowledge you need for the next trip in the great outdoors from the event held at the Mystery Creek Events Centre.
NZMCA Motorhome and Caravan Show
Activate your travel bug at the NZMCA Motorhome and Caravan show. As New Zealand’s largest outdoor lifestyle show, there’s plenty to explore before settling on your perfect home on wheels. Held at Mystery Creek Events Centre, this event attracts a large number of attendees from all over the country.
Stragglers Car Show
Car enthusiasts, rev your engines for the Stragglers Car Show. Check out the range of hot rods, classics, customs and unique vehicles at one of the most popular car shows of the year held at Lake Karāpiro.
