Claire Mabey Art blogger Arts Insight

Events are put on for a number of reasons, but I think that the primary reason is to facilitate fun.

Next week the Tauranga Arts Festival launches with a whole lot of preparation, and excitement to match.

Following months of hard work the programme is now at the printers, the website is morphing and growing ready for its release with speeches written, playlists made, decorations pondered and RSVPs collated.

Festival staff are now beginning to talk about what's been making them tick, waking them up with light-bulb moments in the middle of the night, and what entertainment is on the way for the city.

Once the programme is out (you'll be able to find it in libraries, cafes, Sisters Boutique, Books a Plenty, The Gym and Baycourt, and you can order one from www.taurangafestival.co.nz from 15 August) it's a high-speed, fun-filled journey towards the festival starting on 24 October.

The fun is in the experiences: in the days and nights filled with chances to go to interesting, funny, moving, revealing and absorbing live performances.

Kiss My Arts is another set of events that offers opportunities to have fun, learn something and be inspired.

The University of Waikato and Baycourt have collaborated to bring – and I can't emphasise this enough– a truly inspiring monthly series of talks by creative people: Karen Barbour (Contemporary Dance); Sam Scott (Massive Company | Theatre); Welby Ings (Filmmaking); and Gavin Bishop (Illustration).

The first of the series is with dancer and choreographer Dr Karen Barbour at 5.30pm, Thursday, 22 August at Baycourt. Register at baycourt@tauranga.govt.nz, upon and a gold coin is all you need. Everybody is welcome.

So, August is exciting, September is thrilling, October is even better. The Chiefs made our July by winning on that grassy stage, but there is a lot more action to come.

Events are essential in any definition of a thriving city. Seek them out and have a damn good time.