What’s On in Thames

Thames hosts events all year round, from New Zealand's biggest steampunk festival to weekly markets, live music on Pollen Street and a Santa dash at Christmas. This is a guide to the town's main annual events — check with the Thames i-SITE or follow the Thames Business Association on Facebook for the latest dates.

Upcoming events

NovemberSteampunk The ThamesNew Zealand’s biggest steampunk festival — four days of costume, parades and invention.View event → SpringBest Fest ThamesLive music and buskers turn Pollen Street into an open-air stage.View event → DecemberTwilight Santa Parade & Santa DashChristmas parade and a fun run in Santa suits down Pollen Street.View event → Every SaturdayThames MarketWeekly Grahamstown market — produce, crafts, street food and buskers.View event →

Thames events calendar at a glance

Steampunk The Thames

Held over four days in November, Steampunk The Thames is one of New Zealand's largest steampunk festivals. Enthusiasts from across the country and beyond fill the town for a weekend of costume, invention and Victorian imagination — think a steampunk parade and fashion show, balls and dinners, exhibitions, concerts and family-friendly events, many of them free. Read more about Steampunk The Thames.

Best Fest Thames

Best Fest brings live music and buskers to Pollen Street, turning the main street into an open-air stage for local and visiting performers. It is a relaxed, family-friendly day out that showcases the town's creative side. See more on Best Fest Thames.

Thames Twilight Santa Parade & Santa Dash

Each December, Thames kicks off Christmas with the Twilight Santa Parade and the Santa Dash — a fun run in Santa suits down Pollen Street, followed by a festive parade. It is a highlight of the town's community calendar. See the Twilight Santa Parade and Santa Dash.

Thames Market

Every Saturday morning, local produce, crafts, street food and buskers fill Grahamstown at the northern end of Pollen Street. The Thames Market is the best weekly spot to taste the Coromandel and meet the locals — a reliable fixture whatever the season.

More on the Thames calendar

Beyond the headline festivals, Thames runs a steady program of community events through the year — including the Thames Food & Buskers Festival in March, agricultural and heritage days, gallery openings with the Thames Society of Arts, and club and sporting events. For the current schedule and one-off events, check the Thames i-SITE or the association's Facebook page.

Plan your visit around an event

Timing a trip to an event? Sort out the rest with our guides to where to stay in Thames, where to eat and drink, and the best things to do in Thames. Local businesses and organisers are listed in the Thames business directory.

Frequently asked questions

When is Steampunk The Thames?

Steampunk The Thames is held over four days in November each year. Check the event page or the Thames Business Association for the confirmed dates.

Is the Thames Market on every week?

Yes. The Thames Market runs every Saturday morning in Grahamstown, at the northern end of Pollen Street, year-round.

What festivals does Thames have?

Thames' main annual festivals are Steampunk The Thames in November, the Thames Food & Buskers Festival in March, Best Fest live music, and the Twilight Santa Parade and Santa Dash in December.

How do I find current event dates in Thames?

Check with the Thames i-SITE or follow the Thames Business Association on Facebook for the latest event dates and one-off happenings.