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Tauranga Taps Beer Festival
August 8, 2026
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Aug 8
Tauranga Taps Launches Inaugural Craft Beer Festival Celebrating Bay of Plenty Breweries
Local craft beer community Tauranga Taps is proud to announce the launch of the inaugural Tauranga Taps Beer Festival, bringing together some of the Bay of Plenty's finest independent breweries for an afternoon of great beer, food and community.
The festival will be held on Saturday 8 August 2026 and will feature six local breweries, food vendors, live entertainment and the opportunity for beer lovers to discover and sample a wide range of locally crafted beers.
Founded by local beer enthusiast Kevin Downie and friend Brian Jarreau, Tauranga Taps has grown into one of the region's most active beer communities, connecting locals through brewery visits, tasting events and organised bus tours throughout the Bay of Plenty and Waikato.
"We wanted to create an event that celebrates the fantastic breweries we have right here in our own backyard," said Downie. "This festival is about bringing people together, supporting local businesses and showcasing the quality of craft beer being produced in the Bay of Plenty."
The festival will be limited to 250 attendees, creating a relaxed atmosphere where guests can meet brewers, learn about the brewing process and enjoy a curated selection of beers from across the region.
Festival-goers will receive a commemorative tasting glass and have access to a range of beer styles, from hoppy IPAs and refreshing lagers to dark stouts and specialty brews.
The event is expected to attract visitors from throughout the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Auckland regions and is planned as the first of what Tauranga Taps hopes will become an annual celebration of local craft beer.
About Tauranga Taps
Tauranga Taps is a Bay of Plenty-based craft beer community that organises brewery tours, tasting events, social gatherings and beer-related experiences throughout New Zealand. The group focuses on supporting independent breweries and creating memorable experiences for beer enthusiasts of all levels.
Media Contact:
- Kevin Downie
- Founder – Tauranga Taps
- 0223420502
- taurangataps@gmail.com
Event Dates
August 8, 2026
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12:00 pm
Show
Salon Risqué: ReVulva A Burlesque cabaret where glamour meets espionage and the fate of the world rests in the hands of the fabulously fierce Curves O Plenty. With funds running dry and stakes running high, the Curves must go undercover—serving secrets, seduction, and swagger—to save the day. Featuring sensational guest stars from across Aotearoa, this is a high-camp, high-heat adventure is packed with cheeky comedy, sultry tease, and outrageous twists. Funny. Sexy. Slightly unhinged.
8 Aug
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8 Aug
Activity
E tū Ururangi – behold the winds of life, carrying the promise and vitality of Tāwhiri-rangi. Celebrate the rising of Matariki with a vibrant day of connection, creativity, and remembrance at Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga Library. Bring your whānau along for a day filled with hands-on activities and rich cultural experiences. Try your hand at raranga (weaving), create your own contemporary mini tukutuku panel, shape a clay taonga, join our history hunt, and learn the basics of poi. Enjoy the beautiful sounds of taonga pūoro and uplifting waiata shared throughout the day.
3 Jul
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3 Jul
Talk / lecture, Expo
Attending the Tauranga campus Open Day is the best way to see what the University of Waikato - Tauranga has to offer and to start planning your next steps. Visit our beautiful Tauranga campus to learn about study pathways, subjects, degrees and the exciting careers they lead to. We've got information sessions, campus and accommodation tours, interactive activities, food stalls, prizes and live entertainment. We can't wait to see you there!
30 Jun
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30 Jun
