EVENTS
Bay of Plenty Garden and Art Festival
Bay of Plenty Garden and Art Festival

Bay of Plenty Garden and Art Festival

Thu
19 Nov
-
Sun
22 Nov
2026

The Bay of Plenty Garden and Art Festival returns, bringing together an inspiring four-day celebration of gardens, art, creativity and the people behind them.

Explore a diverse trail of beautiful private gardens and outstanding art throughout Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty, with around 85 garden and art stops to discover. From established gardens and contemporary landscapes to working studios, exhibitions and installations, the festival offers something different around every corner.

At the heart of the festival is Bloom in the Bay, the festival hub on Tauranga’s Northern Waterfront. Open throughout the festival, Bloom in the Bay is a vibrant place to meet, relax and enjoy live music, artist displays, workshops, talks, food and drink, wellness experiences and more. The Cargo Shed will also feature a major art exhibition showcasing work from talented artists.

Festival visitors can build their own itinerary and explore at their own pace, meeting garden owners, artists and creatives along the way. A programme of special events, talks, demonstrations and experiences adds even more to the weekend, including appearances from well-known gardening personalities and opportunities to learn, be inspired and discover something new.

Whether you are passionate about gardens, love art, are looking for design inspiration or simply want a great day out exploring the Bay of Plenty, the Garden and Art Festival is one of the region’s signature cultural events.

Gather your friends, plan your trail and enjoy four days celebrating the very best of gardens, art and creativity in the Bay of Plenty.

Location

Tauranga Waterfront

Event Dates

November 19, 2026

at

9:30 am

November 20, 2026

at

9:30 am

November 21, 2026

at

9:30 am

November 22, 2026

at

9:30 am

Programme

Portuguese Language Week: Children's Cultural Morning with Gisela de Castro

Celebrate Brazilian Culture and Portuguese Language Week! Join us for fun workshops and a storytelling session in Portuguese. Children will create their own books and build traditional Brazilian percussion shakers. The activities conclude with a mini-Carnaval performance featuring musicians Ed Rizzi and Paulo Brayner. Timetable as follows:

6 Nov

Exhibition

Tauranga Photographic Society Open Day

TPS is celebrating 70 years of helping photographers in the region with an open day at their club rooms. Come down and see some of their work, or listen to one of the free talks on various photography topics.

16 Oct

Programme

Draw Squad Term 4 Tauranga

Tuesdays in Term 4 in Tauranga Come and have some fun exploring different drawing techniques, a variety of mediums and heaps of new creative ideas. For ages 10–13 years, of all abilities. Draw Squad is a great place to be creative with your friends. All that is needed is a love of drawing and an enthusiasm to learn new skills and make some new cool creative friends too!

3 Nov

-

8 Dec

Activity

Pocket Size Play - Halloween Trail

Pocket size play is back! We’re back and what better way to celebrate than with a mini Halloween Trail! This time, we’re heading to our new home at the brand-new Library & Community Hub at Te Manawataki o Te Papa!

23 Oct

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