Cambridge comes alive with arts, entertainment and community events. From concerts to art exhibitions, comedy to movie, dance, workshops, and more.

Highlights include the much-loved Main Street Carnival and Art Market Day, a massive free event in the heart of town. There will be a range of concerts for music lovers, and plenty of free and low-cost activities for all ages. The full programme is available, and tickets are now on sale.

The first night of the festival kicks off with captivating songstress Anna Hawkins bringing a colourful night of song – from pop, folk and theatre, the evening will feature favourites from her four albums as well as theatrical performances and tributes to some of her musical heroes.

Later in the week, The Blues Brothers fans won’t want to miss the Hamilton Big Band’s Fabulous Rhythm and Blues Revue. With a selection of tunes that capture the excitement of car chases and rocket launchers associated with this cult hit, the Big Band plan to make sure the audience has a good time.

The concert experiences continue with boogie pianist Jan Preston bringing her “Boogie Circus” show to the Festival. And The Trenwith’s three-generation family band are looking forward to performing their blend of modern and old-time bluegrass music, sharing their life and experiences through music with a sound inspired by American bluegrass that feels like an old movie soundtrack.

There’s a jazz, swing and blues night at the 1866 Speakeasy Bar in Clements Hotel and a comedy night at the Cambridge Town Hall with guest comedian Charlotte Hansen who is ready to bring the big laughs to Cambridge. In celebration of the Rocky Horror Show’s 50th anniversary, there will be a screening of the Rocky Horror Picture Show Movie at Tivoli Theatre. A fun night with great prizes on offer for best costume and best cake!

Looking to entertain the kids? There’s a variety of free and low-cost events for the young ones. The Main Street Carnival is a fun day out with entertainment, have-a-go activities and photo opportunities with street performers. Returning to the Festival programme are the popular events with youngsters in mind – the Cambridge can Dance showcase, Cambridge Bricktopia, and Dice & Districts. The Cambridge Library is hosting a Pixel Art Animation Workshop and the Windy’s World Tour concert by Orchestras Central is sure to be a delightful concert experience for all ages.

Two other events that Orchestras Central are bringing to the programme this year are their Youth Orchestra Waikato presenting ‘Extravaganza’ a concert that is sure to sell out. Their Rusty Player Orchestra is hosting the Big Play and Sing In where musicians and singers of all levels are welcome to be part of a fun afternoon where they enjoy playing and singing together, with an informal performance at around 4.15pm. Festival-goers are welcome to drop in at any time during the session and see this friendly, social music group in action.

Repair Revolution Waipā returns to the festival with hands-on practical workshops. There are five events, from sewing workshops to learning the art of Kintsugi for restoring broken ceramics with lacquer and gold. There’s Upholstery 101, a workshop to learn the basics of upholstery, and an ‘everyday fixes’ workshop for practical skills on how to tackle a range of household repairs.

If art is your happy place, you will love the Art Exhibition and Sale at the Town Hall featuring well-known New Zealand artists. From there, stroll down to the St Andrew’s Church Hall for the Exhibition of Photos and Quilts and enjoy this celebration of local creativity and craftmanship. Cambridge Open Studios is back for another year – a wonderful opportunity to take a free self-guided tour of artists’ studios and galleries.