What's On Oamaru

01/04/2026

Here are some of the featured events in Ōamaru coming up:

A mix of live music, touring performances, and a film night across town — including shows at the Grainstore Gallery, a screening at the Riviera Cinema, and a live gig at the Penguin Club. A few visiting artists alongside local events over the coming weeks.

A mix of community events, live shows, and things happening locally.

Discover more events at www.whatsonaotearoa.nz

24/03/2026

Here are some of the featured events in Ōamaru coming up:

Swim with Ash — Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th March at Waitaki Aquatic Centre
Great Western Murder — Friday 27th March at the Opera House
Community Barndance — Saturday 28th March, 6:30pm at the Scottish Band Hall
Weston Church Fun Fair — Saturday 28th March, 10:30am–1:30pm
Powder Chutes with Fubar — Saturday 18th April at the Penguin Club

A mix of community events, live shows, and something for all ages happening across town.

The What’s On Ōamaru page is continuing to grow each week as more events are added.

Find more local events here:
https://whatsonaotearoa.nz/pages/whats-on-oamaru

24/03/2026

Coming up very soon!!! Can't wait to see everyone's Art entries!

16/03/2026

The AROHA STRING QUARTET will be performing at the Oamaru Opera House on Thursday 19 March 2026 at 7.30pm.

The programme takes audiences on a musical journey across seven countries and five continents, with works from Europe, Asia, North and South America, and Zealandia.

The Aroha String Quartet is one of New Zealand’s leading chamber music ensembles, known for its expressive and technically accomplished performances.

11/03/2026

What’s On Oamaru — Event Highlights

Here are some of this week’s featured events happening around Oamaru and the wider Waitaki area.

From live music and festivals to sport and community events, there’s plenty happening locally.

Discover more upcoming events anytime at whatsonaotearoa.nz

If you’re hosting an event and would like it featured, feel free to tag us or get in touch.

• Breen Construction Open – Lower Waitaki Golf Club (28–29 March)
• Papakaio 8 hour Mountain Bike Challenge – Willow Park (14 March)
• Powder Chutes with special guests FUBAR – Penguin Entertainers Club Inc Oamaru (18 April)
• Oamaru Harbour Jazz Festival featuring the Bill Martin Jazz Trio – Customs House Gallery (20–22 March)

09/03/2026

On the Plus Side – Pop-Up Shop (One Day Only)

On the Plus Side is returning to Ōamaru for a one-day pop-up on Thursday 12 March 2026 from 9.00am to 6.30pm at the Oamaru Club, 32 Severn Street.

The pop-up features new and preloved women’s clothing in sizes 14+, including labels such as LALA, Jellicoe, Martha Nellie, Cashews, Deeanne Hobbs, Bittermoon and Bee Maddison.

Afterpay and Zip are available.

More information at www.ontheplusside.nz

09/03/2026

Swim With Ash is running a two-day event at the Waitaki Aquatic Centre, Ōamaru on Saturday 28 March and Sunday 29 March.

Two options are available:

Pop-Up Swim Club (adults / confident non-club swimmers)
Saturday 28 March, 2pm–3pm
Sunday 29 March, 9am–10am
$20 for one session or $35 for both sessions

Club Swimmer Stroke Clinic (club swimmers)
Saturday 28 March, 3pm–5pm
Sunday 29 March, 10am–12pm
$50 for one session or $90 for both sessions

The stroke clinic is technique-focused and open to swimmers from all clubs. Coaches are welcome to attend.

To register, complete the form:
https://forms.gle/4mtFW1VVRJfRZKK1A

For more information, contact [email protected]

09/03/2026

The Danseys Pass Trail Ride returns on Saturday 21 March 2026, starting from 9.00am at Bushy Creek Road, Duntroon.

The one-day ride includes multiple trail options across forestry, gorges, river crossings, and high country farmland, with over 165km of riding available across six tracks.

Danseys Pass Trail Ride

05/03/2026

SCOFF is hosting a standing food event at the Makikihi Country Hotel on Saturday 7 March 2026 from 4.30pm to 7.00pm.

The evening includes roaming canapés and the chance to hear from local producers Adam Rivett (Chopped Butchery), Chris Medlicott (Clifton Downs), and Hamish Cottle (Highgrounds Farming Co.), with a focus on local food and the farm-to-plate journey.

Tickets are $59 per person, which includes a cocktail or beer on arrival.
Bookings are available at scoffsc.nz/events

05/03/2026

Maheno Country Tavern is hosting the sensational John McCabe for a relaxed night of live music and good company.

Head along for an easy local evening out, great tunes, and a classic tavern atmosphere.

Friday 6 March
7pm–11pm

03/03/2026