Welcome to your family weekend guide for Tauranga, April 4th and 5th, 2026! The Port of Tauranga National Jazz Festival is in full swing, offering heaps of free outdoor music across the city. Plus, we've got fun Easter holiday activities lined up for the kids, especially on Saturday.
See our top picks
Uptown Downtown
Tauranga Waterfront
Free street party jazz vibes in the city centre on Saturday afternoon.
The Adrian Cox Trio
Baycourt Community & Arts Centre, X Space
Free, indoor jazz performance at Baycourt on Saturday evening.
The Amazing Dinosaur Discovery
Memorial Park - Jordan Field
Free dinosaur-themed fun at Jordan Field on Saturday.
· April 4
10FREE : Catch the street party vibes at the waterfront with live jazz music, dancing, and a great atmosphere for the whole family. This is part of the larger Jazz Festival.A major, free, family-friendly festival event happening right in the city centre on Saturday.
FREE : A fun, free Easter-themed activity at the library where kids can get creative decorating cupcakes.A structured, free craft activity perfect for Saturday morning entertainment during the holidays.
FREE : If your kids love planes, check out Classic Flyers on Saturday for free holiday entertainment. They are hosting activities specific to the Easter break.A free activity option tied into the Easter School Holidays theme.
FREE : Catch the action at the Speedway with the Demo Der-BAY event. Demolition derby style racing is always a thrilling watch for older kids and teens.An exciting, high-energy event happening Saturday afternoon/evening.
FREE : Take a trip over to The Mount on Saturday for more free jazz festivities happening along the main street.Extends the Jazz Festival fun into Mt Maunganui on Saturday.
: See cool vintage cars drive through Tauranga as part of the Jazz Festival activities starting in the afternoon.A fun, visual event that ties into the main festival running this weekend.
FREE : Catch this free jazz performance inside Baycourt on Saturday evening.A reliable indoor music option if Saturday weather is poor.
NICK GRANVILLE'S FUNK AND DRUM EXTRAVAGANZAFREE : A free, late-night jazz option at Baycourt on Saturday featuring funk and drums—great for teens looking for evening entertainment.A free, high-energy concert option for Saturday night.
APRIL SCHOOL HOLIDAYS : The official school holiday period is running now until April 19th. This isn't a single event, but a collection of family activities across the region, many of which are free!This confirms the context for many of the other weekend holiday listings and highlights the availability of free options.
: If you have older kids interested in music, this competition showcases emerging secondary school jazz talent. Check Baycourt for specific Saturday schedules.A high-calibre cultural event tied to the Jazz Festival happening Saturday.
· April 5
3: A ticketed jazz event on Sunday evening at the Cargo Shed, perfect for rounding out the festival weekend.It's one of the few listed ticketed events happening specifically on Sunday.
FREE : A free late-night music event in Mt Maunganui on Sunday—could be a great wind-down for families with older kids.A free Sunday night music option happening outside the main CBD.
: If you collect vinyl or want to show the kids what music used to look like, check out this fair on Sunday morning in Greerton.A unique, community-focused activity scheduled for Sunday morning.
Also On· anytime this weekend
3FREE : Head down to Memorial Park for this discovery event, likely featuring dinosaur exhibits or interactive activities perfect for primary-aged kids.It's a dedicated kid's activity running on Saturday during the school holidays and it's free.
: A popular market experience in Mt Maunganui on Saturday morning. Great for grabbing food and browsing unique local stalls.Perfect family outing for Saturday morning before the big afternoon jazz events.
FREE : Enjoy a free community evening in Matua Park on Sunday, perfect for a relaxed dinner out with the family.A great, free, relaxed outdoor option for Sunday evening.
Frequently Asked Questions
What free kids events are on in Tauranga this weekend?
This weekend (Apr 04-05) there are 7 confirmed free events: Uptown Downtown (Saturday city centre), The Amazing Dinosaur Discovery (Saturday, Memorial Park), Pocket Sized Play - Easter Cupcake Decorating (Saturday, Library), Easter School Holiday Activities at Classic Flyers (Saturday), Baypark Speedway - Demo Der-BAY (Saturday), Uptown Downtown - Mount Maunganui (Saturday), and Dinner in the Park (Sunday evening).
What is happening on Sunday, April 5th?
Sunday features relaxed options like Dinner in the Park at Matua Park (free, evening), the Tauranga Record Fair in Greerton (morning), and evening jazz performances like Cocktail Swing! and The Hurricane Party.
Are there any family music events this weekend?
Yes, the National Jazz Festival is running. Look out for the Uptown Downtown events on Saturday (city centre and Mt Maunganui), The Adrian Cox Trio, and Nick Granville's Funk and Drum Extravaganza, all offering free entry.
