The long weekend has arrived thanks to King Charles III – and Tauranga is packed with events to keep the whole whānau entertained.

Indian Ink Theatre Company’s acclaimed production Balloon Dog takes to the Baycourt stage tonight, May 29, with tickets still available for the powerful and deeply human story exploring migration, belonging and connection.

Meanwhile, the Tauranga waterfront will transform into a glowing playground of family-friendly entertainment with POP! Glow, Go! running across four evenings from Friday, May 29, to Monday, June 1. The illuminated festival features everything from Glow Circus skills and roaming luminous performers to fire shows and neon face painting. Find out more about the event on page 23.

Mercury Baypark Arena will also host two major youth sporting and dance events on the weekend. Project 2026 will bring together more than 1300 hip-hop dancers from across New Zealand and overseas from May 30 to June 1, with 140 crews competing across school, novice and elite divisions for more than $20,000 in prize money.

Free public workshops led by industry mentors will be offered throughout the event, with international crews from Australia and Brazil competing for the first time this year. Event director Sarah Martin said the focus of Project is creating a supportive and professional environment where young people can showcase their creativity and passion for dance.

The U16 and U18 regional qualifying tournament will bring more than 40 representative basketball teams to Mercury Baypark Arena, with young athletes competing for places at the national championships. Teams from the Waikato, Thames Valley, King Country and Bay of Plenty regions will take part in the three-day tournament from May 30 to June 1.

The event is considered the premier tournament in the representative pathway for these age groups, with every game carrying high stakes as players compete in a national-level tournament environment. Hundreds of athletes, coaches, officials and supporters are expected to attend, with organisers highlighting the tournament’s focus on skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship and providing meaningful competitive opportunities for emerging basketball talent. Admission is free.

Find details for all events at: whatsontauranga.co.nz/citycentre