Taupo's Got Talent!

When: Every Saturday, 21st November – late February

Time: 10am – 12pm Kids Acts | 12pm – 3pm Local Bands & Open Mic

Where: Taupo Timebank Community Gardens, 250 Spa Rd, Tauhara (next to Spa Park)

Wet Weather: If the weather cancels us, we move to Rotary House — same time, same vibe, under cover.

Cost: FREE — Koha welcome. Sausage sizzle, wood-fired pizza, drinks available.

How It Works

• Kids Acts: 10am-12pm — 5 acts each Saturday, up to 15 minutes each

• Local Bands & Open Mic: 12pm-3pm — Blues Club and local musicians + open mic sign-up on the day

• Acts can do anything they choose to show off their talents. Solo, duo, group, whānau — all welcome.

• Sign up before the day via our Facebook or just put your name on the board when you arrive.

• All contestants get a certificate on stage, plus spot prizes from local businesses throughout the day.

• Multiple categories: Under 8s, Under 12s, Under 18s, Open, plus spot prizes for Most Courageous, Funniest, Best Dressed, People’s Choice.

We’ll have beanbags, shade, a real stage with an awning, and plenty of room for whānau to sit and cheer.

Why We’re Doing It

Taupo Timebank is a charity built on one simple idea: everyone has something to share.

These gardens at 250 Spa Rd are open every Saturday 9am-3pm for anyone to learn, grow, and connect — from growing kai to building, preserving, and everything in between.

This talent show is an extension of that. It’s about giving kids a safe, supportive stage in their own community, where trying is more important than winning.

Want to Perform?

We’d love to have you.

• Fill in your contact details and we'll put your child/group on a date RSVP

• Or just turn up on the day and put your name on the open mic board

Up to 15 minutes per act — bring your own backing tracks on your phone (Bluetooth speaker provided), instrument, or just yourself.

Is it a competition?

Sort of, but not really. We have categories and spot prizes, but everyone gets a certificate and a cheer. It’s about confidence, not winning.

How old do kids need to be? 

Any age. If they want to get up, they can get up. Under 6s welcome with a parent.

What can they perform? 

Anything! Sing, dance, play guitar, tell jokes, magic tricks, haka, poem, skate trick — if it’s a talent, it counts.

Do we need to book? 

Booking helps us plan, but we always leave open mic slots on the day.

What if it rains? 

We move to Rotary House — check our Facebook page by 9am Saturday if weather looks dodgy.

Is there a cost? 

No. Free to watch, free to perform. Koha is appreciated to help cover toilets, staff, and keep the gardens thriving.