The Arts Village run a wide range of events throughout the year- from themed art markets, festivals, music performances, and community events.
One of our busiest events is Art in the Park, which is held in early February. This market features local artists, a wide variety of art mediums, crafts, and yummy kai!
During December and January, we offer low-cost workshops that are led by our chosen Open Studios Project resident artists. They are a great way to discover something new at a low cost!
Tūhono Opening night!
Friday 2nd of May
3pm -7pm
The Homemade Collection
First Saturday of every month 3rd of May
Do you enjoy making homemade things? Do you want to share what you make with other like minded people? Join us for our new project “The Homemade Collective” First Saturday of every month starting May 3rd, 11am-12pm at The Arts Village, heres how it works:
– Anyone can join
– It can be anything homemade
– Candles, art, Jams, literally anything homemade
– Bring 5 of your homemade things to swap with others, for example, you arrive with 5 candles, you then leave with 5 products from other people
– Buy tickets here: https://events.humanitix.com/the-homemade-collective
Haututū Day
The Arts Village Open Day
Saturday May 31st. 11am-2pm
How much of our Rotorua community know about what goes on at The Arts Village?
How many people think of The Arts Village when they think of the arts in Rotorua?
Haututū – open day is a free opportunity for the Rotorua community to come together, see and learn about the many opportunities that are available to our Rotorua community. An event for our community to get a taste of what goes on in our whare and share our mahi. Encourage the whole community to come and be a part of the arts, and know that they have a place here and can find well-being, belonging and opportunities here with us.
Artists and organisations: Please email Sheree – connect@artsvillage.org.nz if you are interested in working with us on this kaupapa.
Exhibition of Light
Thursday 19th and Friday 20th June, 5pm-7pm
Te Pō Kitakita – Exhibition of Light
Join us at The Arts Village Rotorua on the 19th and 20th of June 2025 for a spectacular outdoor light exhibition inspired by Matariki, the Māori New Year. Te Pō Kitakita: Exhibition of Light invites our community to gather under the stars for two unforgettable evenings of light-based art, and creative celebration.
This vibrant event honours the rising of the Matariki star cluster — a time of reflection, renewal, and connection to whānau, whenua, and wairua. Through a diverse range of light installations, interactive displays, and performances, we will celebrate the beauty of Māori culture and its rich traditions while creating a welcoming, inclusive space for all.
Featuring works by local artists, kura, and community groups, Te Pō Kitakita will transform The Arts Village green into a radiant hub of creativity and cultural exchange. Visitors of all ages can enjoy interactive light sculptures, live music and hands-on workshops, while exploring the deeper significance of Matariki through art and storytelling.
This year, we aim to deliver an accessible, visually stunning, and culturally rich experience that celebrates this years theme Matariki ki te wai.
Free entry, this event is open to all. Bring your whānau, friends, and tamariki — and be part of this luminous celebration of culture, creativity, and community.