All the fun of the circus and the magic and cleverness of musicians, comedians, actors and writers will be on offer at this year’s Tauranga Arts Festival.

The festival was launched last night, when its vibrant programme was revealed. Tickets are now on sale for the wide range of events that will be part of the October 23-November 2 festival.

Wondering what to do on Labour Weekend? Tauranga Arts Festival general manager Sarah Cotter suggests staying in the city as the festival promises something for everyone. There are numerous free events, and plenty geared at intergenerational enjoyment.

“We have placed a strong focus on ensuring our festival is accessible and appealing to everyone,” Cotter said.

“The region’s own creatives, national treasures and international performers all feature on the festival programme, which is packed with vibrancy and variety.”

New Zealand artists include comedian Te Radar, cookbook queen Chelsea Winter, writer Catherine Chidgey, singer Tami Neilson, Tinā actress Anapela Polata’ivao, musical heavyweight Jason Te Mete, and comedians Hayley Sproull, Nicola Cheeseman and Rhys Mathewson.

There will be an early-morning dance party, a disco night, and all the fun of the circus. Cirque Bon Bon – a sell-out internationally – promises a high-octane fusion of circus, dance and comedy suitable for all ages.

Comedian Rhys Mathewson is appearing in the Tauranga Arts Festival from October 23-November 2.

Free events include Car-A-Oke – fancy the chance to karaoke inside a parked van? Another is Undergrand – a baby grand piano in the wild. This is a roaming, open-air musical event that involves up-and-coming students and seasoned pianists performing wherever the piano takes them, such as Mount Mainbeach at dawn and the festival garden at Tauranga Waterfront at dusk. Also free, and in the festival garden, will be Obelisk Natura, a large-scale installation to treat the eyes and ears.

The festival will see the return of popular items, such as Zinefest and Poetry Slam – and Tami Neilson – plus a new performance, called The Griegol, by Trick of the Light Theatre, which has formed a strong Tauranga following.

For the full programme and to buy tickets, see www.taurangafestival.co.nz or head to Eventfinda.