School Holiday Fun
Tamariki Book Festival
Saturday 26 September
Time
11.00AM – 4.00PM
Venue: Great Hall
Free
Magic abounds at the 2026 Tamariki Book Festival.
Join 18 local authors and illustrators as we transform the Great Hall into a magical world of books. Enjoy book-related games, challenges, crafts, readings and more. Come in costume and win spot prizes. Make your own magic wand and do some magical writing and drawing. Feed ideas into the human story vending machine to see what comes out. Find your next favourite book and chat with the author.
From picture books to young adult, there’s something for everyone, ages 3-17.
Admission is free but come prepared to buy books. Buy three or more books, or buy a Supporter ticket for $10 or more, and get a free festival tote bag to take your books home in.
Sensory hour: held from 3 to 4 pm for those who want a quieter, calmer experience.
Also, don't forget to check out the Tamariki Book Festival workshops on Humanitix, being held in conjunction with the festival.
Explore. Create. Learn. Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre is made for memories.
This event is part of The Arts Centre's School Holiday Fun happening between the 26 Sep-11 Oct 2026.
Other Events You Might Like
Sculpture Detectives
Saturday 10 - Monday 26 October North Quad
Find the sculptures hiding at The Arts Centre Sculpture Festival. Design your own sculpture. Complete the tasks to get a mini sculpting pack!
Free
Homemade Instruments Workshop
Friday 9 October School of Art
DIY musical instrument and discover how ordinary objects can be transformed into extraordinary sounds. So good!
Stitching for Beginners
Thursday 8 October First floor, Boys’ High
Learn and have fun using needle and coloured threads to make basic stitches (the backbone of The Art of Embroidery) on hessian.
Sculpture Detectives
Saturday 10 - Monday 26 October North Quad
Find the sculptures hiding at The Arts Centre Sculpture Festival. Design your own sculpture. Complete the tasks to get a mini sculpting pack!
Free
Homemade Instruments Workshop
Friday 9 October School of Art
DIY musical instrument and discover how ordinary objects can be transformed into extraordinary sounds. So good!
Stitching for Beginners
Thursday 8 October First floor, Boys’ High
Learn and have fun using needle and coloured threads to make basic stitches (the backbone of The Art of Embroidery) on hessian.