CAMBRIDGE AUTUMN FESTIVAL 2024
MORE THAN 25 EVENTS TO ENJOY!

Click on the type of event you are looking for.
Or see the full event list below in date order, or download the brochure as a pdf here.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPECIAL FX MAKEUP WORKSHOP Tues 19th March

Creating casualty special effects with makeup. In this workshop learn how to create realistic-looking injuries such as cuts, abrasions, burns and impalements with makeup using mostly household ingredients. Recipes will be provided so you can practice at home for making your own amateur movies or to take your Halloween costume to a whole new level. For 13 years and over.
Warning: If you don’t like the sight of blood or serious injuries, this is not the workshop for you. (Seriously, we are not kidding!).

WHEN: 7pm-8.30pm Tuesday 19 March
WHERE: St John Hall, 16 Fort Street
ENTRY: $10, limited numbers – bookings essential email karena.rix@stjohn.org.nz

event

THURSDAY NIGHT BLUES WITH GRANT HAUA Thurs 21 March

Arriving back in Aotearoa after extensive touring in Europe and Australia is Grant Haua (Ngāti Pūkenga, Welcome Bay Tauranga). Grant looks forward to bringing his acoustic show of blues, rock, and soul to the festival. His style is complex and detailed, all played at a frenetic pace posing an incipient threat of spontaneous combustion. From acoustic ballads to riff-grinding foot stomping music.

This ‘Salt of the Earth’ humble guy leaves nothing behind on stage after every performance.

WHEN: 7pm Thursday 21 March
WHERE: The Woolshed, Te Awa Lifecare Village, 1866 Cambridge Road
TICKETS: $25 from Paper Plus Cambridge (from 16 Feb) or online at https://events.humanitix.com/thursday-night-blues-with-grant-haua

Snacks and refreshments available for purchase.

With support from: 

event

"CAPTURING CAMBRIDGE": AN EXHIBITION OF REG BUCKINGHAM'S PHOTOGRAPHS Mon 18th - Thur 21st March

Cambridge Museum and the Cambridge Town Hall Community Trust are proud to present an exhibition of Reg Buckingham’s photographs, taken from the late 1960s to the early 1980s. Buckingham’s photos showcase the people and places that have shaped the town over the years. This exhibition is a true visual delight featuring historic photographs of people, events, and streetscapes of the past.

Caption: Lions Market, Cambridge, 1968. (Photos – Cambridge Museum 2917/1968/1)
WHEN: 10am-4pm Mon 18- Wed 20 March
10am-8.30pm Thur 21 March
WHERE: Cambridge Town Hall
ENTRY: Koha/Donation

Proudly sponsored by:

event event

CAMBRIDGE CAN DANCE Friday 22nd March

This popular dance event has returned to our programme for another year. Come along and see this colourful dance showcase. There will be contemporary dance, ballet and dancing from across the globe. Each group will dance for 15-20 minutes. Come and be inspired – you might even be tempted to join in!

 

WHEN: 6pm Friday 22 March
WHERE: Cambridge Town Hall
ENTRY: Koha

event

MIHO’S JAZZ ORCHESTRA Friday 22nd March

J-pop, Cubano, Pacific infused Jazz instrumental ensemble! Miho’s unique style, open storytelling and delightful stage presence draws from a mischievous mix of musical influences, international travel, and everyday life. Miho’s Jazz Orchestra’s exciting exploration of different genres has led to sold out shows, headline spots in festivals and much acclaim.

WHEN: 7pm Friday 22 March
WHERE: The Woolshed, Te Awa Lifecare Village, 1866 Cambridge Road
TICKETS: $25 from Paper Plus Cambridge (from 16 Feb) or online at https://events.humanitix.com/miho-s-jazz-orchestra

Snacks and refreshments available for purchase.

event

TOM LUCAS - VANILLA (STANDUP COMEDY) Friday 22nd March

Get ready for a laughter-packed night as UK Comedian Tom Lucas takes centre stage in his solo stand-up comedy show – Vanilla. In this hilarious one-hour show, Tom transforms the seemingly ordinary into a side-splitting journey through the everyday quirks and absurdities of life.

Tom’s unique comedic style draws inspiration from the familiar, poking fun at the modern world and society in general. Join us for an evening of comedy that proves that there’s nothing Vanilla when Tom Lucas takes the stage.

WHEN: 8pm Fri 22 March
WHERE: Tivoli Cinema, 32 Lake St Cambridge

TICKETS: $10.25 each ($10.00 + $0.25 fees) from Eventfinda
https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2024/tom-lucas-vanilla-standup-comedy/cambridge

Tickets are only available online. To avoid disappointment on the night, please purchase tickets in advance.

event

FINDING THE PHOTOGRAPHS: MICHAEL JEANS PHOTO EXHIBITION Fri 15th - Thur 21st March

‘Explaining my photographic practice of these past six decades sounds boastful and indulgent. But it has been and remains fun. The darkroom. The transition from film to digital. The photograph. I love it. There are traditions, and influences and other stuff going on. It feels big and important and at other times insignificant. But it is mine. Look. Read. Enjoy.’

A refreshed and reinvigorated photographic survey of present-day Cambridge (taken between September 2023 – February 2024) from the perspective of photographer Michael Jeans. In association with Cambridge Museum, The Michael Jeans Archive 1964 – 2024 / 60 years.

WHEN:
9.30am–4.30pm Fri 15 – Sat 16 March
9.30am–4pm Sun 17 March
10am-4pm Mon 18 – Wed 20 March
10am-8.30pm Thur 21 March 

WHERE:
Cambridge Town Hall

event event

PHOTO COMPETITION EXHIBITION Fri 15th - Thur 21st March

Exhibition of the top entries in this year’s Cambridge Autumn Festival Photo Competition themed “Capture your Waipā Adventure”. Visit the exhibition and vote for your favourite in the People’s Choice Award.

WHEN:
9.30am–4.30pm Fri 15 – Sat 16 March
9.30am–4pm Sun 17 March
10am-4pm Mon 18 – Wed 20 March
10am-8.30pm Thur 21 March 

WHERE:
Cambridge Town Hall

With support from:

event event

CAMBRIDGE DISTILLERY TOUR & TASTING Fri 15 or 22 March

Cambridge Distillery has cultivated the idea of making gins that remind us of this town and its people – using botanicals foraged from amongst the many gardens, lakes and woodlands of our community.
Join James and Will in their new tasting room for a distillery tour, distillers talk, and tastings of their award-winning gins.

Licenced event, 18+ years.

WHEN: 5.30pm Friday 15 March or Friday 22 March
WHERE: Cambridge Distillery, 92 Alpha Street
TICKETS: $60 online at

https://events.humanitix.com/cambridge-distillery-tour-and-tasting

event

HARP AND THE LYRE Saturday 23rd March

Book Talk & Musical Event by Holly Christina

Join local author Holly Christina as she talks about publishing her second novel in the Harp and the Lyre series. The event will include musical presentations by Holly from the book. Set over seven days in the town of Novel and beyond, Harp and the Lyre speaks volumes about ambition, identity, and the pursuit of knowledge. A crowned VOL artist, a reforming tennis player, a double-minded goody-good, a deep-thinking Trad, and a sensational Youth Reviver. Who will witness The Extraction?

WHEN: 10am Saturday 23rd March
WHERE: Cambridge Library, 23 Wilson St
REGISTER here (registration appreciated for seating purposes)

event event

CAMBRIDGE OPEN STUDIOS Sat 23rd & Sun 24th March

Discover Cambridge’s Autumn Festival Open Studios

Cambridge is rich in colour, art and galleries. Take a free, self-guided tour of artists’ studios and galleries in and around Cambridge.

Cambridge Open Studios has a raft of colourful potters and artists and two superb galleries. Most will have something special to offer, a draw for a free painting or a draw for a piece of pottery. 

Click here to read more about each of the studios and galleries.
The map will be available mid-February – at Paper Plus Cambridge, Heritage Gallery (85 Victoria Street) & downloadable here.

Any information about the arts trail please phone Carole Hughes 021 401 951

WHEN: 10am-4pm Sat 23-Sun 24 March
WHERE: Artists’ studios and galleries in and around Cambridge

event event

HAMILTON COUNTY BLUEGRASS BAND Saturday 23rd March

New Zealand’s original bluegrass band, the Hamilton County Bluegrass Band has been making bluegrass music since 1966! They began here on the green grass of the Waikato but have their musical roots in the bluegrass of Kentucky.

They’ll present a programme of bright and entertaining songs, smooth harmonies, and dazzling instrumental work that will be enjoyed by all ages.

WHEN: 3pm Saturday 23 March
WHERE: The Woolshed, Te Awa Lifecare Village, 1866 Cambridge Road
TICKETS: $25 from Paper Plus Cambridge (from 16 Feb) or online at https://events.humanitix.com/hamilton-county-bluegrass-band

Snacks and refreshments available for purchase.

 

event event

COMFORTABLE CLASSICAL - A CONCERT WITHOUT RULES! Saturday 23rd March

Enjoy the sounds of an orchestra up close and personal in this relaxed and cosy concert, guided by our fabulous host. Fun for the young and young at heart!

Move to the music, relax on a cushion, or maybe draw what you hear? With familiar tunes and fun new sounds, Comfortable Classical is for first-time concert goers, regular listeners, whānau and anyone who wants to experience classical music in a friendly and relaxed environment. Everyone is welcome in our specially curated environment with breakout rooms, cushions and a warm atmosphere for the ultimate classical chill out.

Music will include lots of relaxing classics and fun upbeat numbers, with a chance to see and hear the instruments of the orchestra up close. Any questions? Please get in touch on support@orchestras.org.nz

WHEN: 4pm-5pm Sat 23 March
WHERE: Cambridge Town Hall
ENTRY:  Entry by Koha. Bookings essential as limited places available- click here 

event event

VIVALDI BY CANDLELIGHT Saturday 23rd March

Cambridge Town Hall comes alive by candlelight as OCT Ensemble* take you on a timeless journey through the music of Antonio Vivaldi, in this special one night only experience.

Featuring some of Aotearoa’s leading classical musicians Andrew Beer (violin), Luca Manghi (flute) and Samuel Brough (bassoon) who will dazzle and delight in what promises to be an intimate evening to remember. Programme to include ‘The Four Seasons’. Limited seating available, book now to avoid disappointment.

OCT Ensemble
Andrew Beer, violin soloist and director
Luca Manghi, flute soloist
Samuel Brough, bassoon soloist

PROGRAMME
Bassoon Concerto in E minor RV484
Concerto for 2 Flutes in C major, RV 533
Concerto in D minor RV104 “La Notte” for flute and bassoon
Concerto No. 3 in F major, Op. 8, RV 293, “Autumn” (L’autunno) from The Four Seasons.
Concerto No. 4 in F minor, Op. 8, RV 297, “Winter” (L’inverno) from The Four Seasons.

WHEN: 7.30-8.30pm, Sat 23 March
WHERE: Cambridge Town Hall
TICKETS: Adult $38 / Senior $28 / Tertiary Student and Child $5 from Paper Plus Cambridge (from 16 Feb) or online at https://events.humanitix.com/vivaldi-by-candlelight

* OCT Ensemble is the professional orchestra managed by Orchestras Central, which aims to reimagine what classical music can be in the 21st Century through combining art forms, pushing boundaries and collaborating with dynamic artists. The ensemble presents thought provoking and out of the box musical experiences, that create connections across Waikato.

event event

CAMBRIDGE BRICKTOPIA 2024 Sun 24th March

Who doesn’t love Lego?
As part of Cy-Co’s Brain Injury Awareness Month fundraising, this event brings together young and old through the creative and rehabilitative power of Lego. Follow instructions, build your own imagination creation or just come and look at what others can do with the humble coloured brick.

WHEN: 10am-1pm Sunday 24 March
WHERE: Resthaven Village Centre, 4 Vogel St
ENTRY: Koha (funds go to Brain Injury Waikato)

Cy-Co will be there brewing coffee as well.

event

MAGICIAN ZERO XIAO & FACE-CHANGING MAGIC Sun 24 March

International magician Zero Xiao will present a fun, interactive magic show for children and the young at heart. The show will also feature Biàn Liǎn or Face-Changing magic, an ancient Chinese dramatic art. Performers wear brightly coloured costumes and move to quick, dramatic music changing from one face to another almost instantly with the swipe of a fan, a movement of the head, or wave of the hand.

WHEN: 11am Sunday 24 March
WHERE: The Woolshed, Te Awa Lifecare Village, 1866 Cambridge Road

Snacks and refreshments available for purchase.

event event

YOUTH ORCHESTRA WAIKATO: FIRE & ROMANCE Sun 24 March

Expect passion and spirit from Youth Orchestra Waikato as they dazzle with orchestral classics, and contemporary favourites perfect for an autumnal afternoon. Romance and passion awaits in a programme of Tchaikovsky, Beethoven, Stravinsky, Dorothy Buchanan (NZ) and more.

Rising young stars Kezia Schuitemaker (violin) and Mathew Colvin (clarinet) from Youth Orchestra Waikato, step to the front of the stage to dazzle as featured soloists.

Youth Orchestra Waikato
Simon Brew & Catherine Polglase, conductors
Kezia Schuitemaker, violin soloist
Mathew Colvin, clarinet soloist

Programme
Tchaikovsky | Sleeping Beauty Waltz
Beethoven | Romance in F for Violin and Orchestra
Gardel arr. M Garetto | Por una cabeza
Mascagni arr. Vinten | Intermezzo from Cavalleria Rusticana
Gareth Farr (NZ) | Waipoua for Clarinet and Strings
Dorothy Buchanan (NZ) | Peace Fanfare
Stravinsky arr. Isaac | Dance Infernal and Berceuse & Finale

WHEN: 3.00-4.15pm, Sunday 24 March
WHERE: Cambridge Town Hall
TICKETS: Adult $15 / Student and Senior $10 / Children 18 and under free. Tickets available from Paper Plus Cambridge (from 16 Feb) and https://events.humanitix.com/youth-orchestra-waikato-fire-and-romance

OCT Ensemble is the professional orchestra managed by Orchestras Central, which aims to reimagine what classical music can be in the 21st Century through combining art forms, pushing boundaries and collaborating with dynamic artists. The ensemble presents thought provoking and out of the box musical experiences, that create connections across Waikato.

event event

ART EXHIBITION + SALE Fri 15th - Sun 17th March

Well Known NZ Artists
Paintings, Pottery and Ceramics.
This wonderful exhibition of NZ artists is brought to you by the Cambridge Art Society. This is your opportunity to invest in quality pieces for your home.

WHEN:
9.30am-4.30pm Fri 15 – Sat 16 March
9.30am-4pm Sun 17 March
WHERE: Cambridge Town Hall
ENTRY: Koha

Image by artist Raewyn Harris

event

AN EVENING OF MUSICALS WITH DANE MOEKE AND FIONA GREAVES FRIDAY 15 MARCH

Together Dane and Fiona have almost 50 years of performance experience. Dane was recently Co-Musical Director for “Footloose” and sang the National Anthem to a sold-out stadium. Fiona’s recent highlights include performing as Donna in “Mamma Mia” and writing and directing a junior production “A Lesson in Time”.

“An Evening of Musicals” blends their passion for musical theatre in an unforgettable showcase featuring Les Misérables, Hairspray, Cats, Chess, Mamma Mia and many more.

WHEN:
7pm Friday 15 March
WHERE: The Woolshed, Te Awa Lifecare Village, 1866 Cambridge Road
TICKETS: $25 from Paper Plus Cambridge (from 16 Feb) or online at 
https://events.humanitix.com/an-evening-of-musicals

Snacks and refreshments available for purchase.

event event

THE NUKES UKULELE WORKSHOP - FOR ADULTS Fri 15th March

This fun, inclusive and engaging workshop will focus on writing and arranging music for a ukulele group – strong lyrical themes, using contrasting styles, alternative chord shapes, strum patterns and harmonies.

Participants will be taking away with them workshop resources to help them apply their new knowledge to their playing.

WHEN: 7pm – 8pm Friday 15th March
WHERE: Union Parish Hall, 43 Queen Street
TICKETS: $20, limited numbers – bookings essential online at https://events.humanitix.com/the-nukes-ukulele-workshop-for-adults

event

CAMBRIDGE COMEDY CLUB Friday 15th March

Looking to laugh your socks off? Then look no further! Not one, not two, but eight of the Waikato and Bay of Plenty’s up and coming comedians are here to tickle your funny bone. R18

WHEN: 8pm Friday 15th March
WHERE: Tivoli Theatre

TICKETS: $10.25 each ($10.00 + $0.25 fees) from Eventfinda https://www.eventfinda.co.nz/2024/cambridge-comedy-club2/cambridge

Tickets are only available online. To avoid disappointment on the night, please purchase tickets in advance.

event event

AUTUMN QUILT EXHIBITION Saturday 16th - Sunday 17th March

Cambridge Patchwork Group presents their Biennial Show to display members’ work to inspire the making of future quilts for Camp Quality and other community groups. Raffle proceeds to Heart Kids Waikato – Cambridge Heart Families. Some of the quilts will be for sale.

WHEN: 10am – 4pm Saturday 16 & Sunday 17 March
WHERE: St Andrew’s Church Hall, 85 Hamilton Road
ENTRY: $5. Pre-school & school children free
Refreshments available.

event

THE NUKES UKULELE WORKSHOP - FOR KIDS Sat 16th March

This workshop is tailored to pre-teen primary aged children (5yrs+) of any level, come along and learn a song or two in a fun, engaging and inspiring session.

If you don’t know how to play ukulele you can start learning today or be one of our singers, percussionists, or dancers!

WHEN: 10.30-11.30am Saturday 16th March
WHERE: Union Parish Hall, 43 Queen Street
TICKETS: Free, limited numbers – bookings essential online at https://events.humanitix.com/the-nukes-ukulele-workshop-for-kids

 

event event

ENCHANTED FROZEN STORYTIME Saturday 16th March

Join us at a winter wonderland, where children can enter an immersive fairytale world.

Our Enchanted Frozen story time includes interactive stories, awesome games and a chance to create magical memories with Elsa.

There will be an opportunity for children to have their photo take with Elsa.

WHEN: 10am Saturday 16th March
WHERE: Cambridge Library, 23 Wilson Street

event event

THE NUKES BIG FAMILY SHOW Saturday 16th March

It’s ukulele folks, but not as we know it. Original, inventive, and very kiwi. This interactive, hands-on, informative, entertaining, and highly engaging show is for pre-teens and those young at heart.

Expect family-friendly entertainment with The Nukes trademark humour, as well as top-flight musicianship, 3-part harmony and great songs.

WHEN: 12noon-12.50pm Saturday 16 March
WHERE: Union Parish Hall, 43 Queen St
TICKETS: $10 from Paper Plus Cambridge (from 16 Feb) or online at https://events.humanitix.com/the-nukes-big-family-show

event

THE NUKES Saturday 16th March

Aotearoa’s original, award-winning ukulele trio bring their mix of humour, musicality and fun.

Now with the addition of Dave’s son Josh to the band The Nukes have added crystal clear high harmony and multi-instrumental skills. This revitalised combination brings exciting new musical possibilities as well as the enhancement of the original Nukes classics, with the harmony and humour that have always made The Nukes crowd favourites.

When: 7pm Saturday 16th March
Where: The Woolshed, Te Awa Lifecare
Tickets: $25 from Paper Plus Cambridge (from 16 Feb) or online at https://events.humanitix.com/the-nukes

Snacks and refreshments available for purchase.

With support from: 

event

TE AWA LIFECARE MAIN STREET CARNIVAL AND ART MARKET Sunday 17th March

Come along to the Te Awa Lifecare Main Street Carnival and Autumn Art Market!

Town comes alive on this huge community day. Bring the whole family and enjoy the vibe as musicians, dancers and entertainers perform. The footpaths are brimming with original art, photography, jewellery, pottery, sculpture, woodwork and more. Watch, learn and chat with working artists, and enjoy the fantastic shopping!

While you are downtown, pop into the Town Hall and see the Art Exhibition + Sale and Photo Exhibitions.

And it’s St Patrick’s Day! Details of the scheduled performances will be in the Cambridge News and Te Awamutu News on 14 March.

Enter the Main Street Carnival Mask Competition – see the details here.

WHEN: 10am–2pm Sunday 17th March
WHERE: Victoria Street & Victoria Square

With support from: 

 

 

 

event event

 

 

Humanitix online ticketing: 
Fees may apply when purchasing tickets from www.humanitix.com.
We use Humanitix, the world’s first non-profit events ticketing platform, which gives event impact then redirects 100% of the profits from booking fees to world-changing education programs. Backed by Google.org and Atlassian, Humanitix is the charity for the tech-generation, where every ticket counts.