Check out Events and Venues for information on performance facilities and coming events. www.eventvenues.co.nz

Rotorua hosts several significant arts and cultural events including Te Ihi Te Wehi, The Rotorua Festival of Arts, Mardi Gras, the Lakeside concert, Opera in the Pa, the New Zealand Aria, Unison Concerto, Kapa haka festivals, a variety of community Matariki celebrations and more.

Te Ihi Te Wehi, the Rotorua Festival of Arts is held every two years, next in March 2011, and brings an exciting diversity of national and international entertainers and artists to the city. Theatre, visual arts, street performances, comedy, opera, dance, music and more! Visit www.rotoruaartsfestival.co.nz

Summertime in Rotorua is a busy and New Years Eve Mardi Gras and Lakeside on Auckland Anniversary weekend at the Lakefront are great occasions for the whole family. Held at the Rotorua Lakefront, these cabaret style events bring together local, national and international performers and entertainers. 

Often held in conjunction with the Arts Festival, Opera in the Pa is a unique event where stunning local and national stars of opera perform in a Marae setting.

Kapa Haka competitions are held several times throughout the year where schools and cultural groups bring highly choreographed movement and contemporary song writing to the traditions of haka, waiata and poi.

Magma Short Film Festival returns in April/May 2010 and showcases NZ and international short films across all genre. Workshops and networking opportunities for filmmakers make this a great experience. For further details or on-line entry forms go to www.magmafilm.org.nz Download an entry form here.

Matariki celebrations recognise the traditional Maori New Year, upon the rise of Pleiades (Matariki) each year in June or July. Nationally this is a growing arts and cultural celebration. For more information on the traditions of Matariki visit www.matariki.net.nz

Bluesfest is set to become a feature in Rotorua. Great Blues, food, beer and wine. Keep an eye on www.blues.co.nz/bop-blues for more information Blues Week and other Blues events.

For information about Children's Day, NZ Music Month and special projects, check out our News section!

Rotorua Wearable Creations'n Colour is an annual event attracted great entries and fantastic audiences! Visit www.rotoruawearable.com

RAVE (Rotorua Arts Village Experience Te Whare Toi) supports a range of local arts and crafts groups, exhibitions and workshops. Check the RAVE pages for further details.