Easter weekend is shaping up to be a vibrant celebration of creativity and community in Western Bay of Plenty, with events in Tauranga and Te Puke offering something for all ages.

Book lovers and bargain hunters will have another chance to snap up a good read at a three-day Easter pop-up sale hosted by the Rotary Club of Tauranga.

Running from Saturday, April 4, to Monday, April 6, at 63 Devonport Rd, opposite Devonport Towers, the sale follows the club’s recent annual book fair.

Co-ordinator Jill Best said the pop-up is an opportunity to rehome remaining books, jigsaws and artwork while continuing to support worthy causes.

“Following the successful 39th annual Tauranga Rotary book sale, there were books, art and jigsaws left over,” she said.

About 750 items – including books and puzzles, along with about 20 artworks – will be available, with most books priced between $2 and $8. A selection of more valuable titles from New Zealand and overseas will also be on offer.

Best said proceeds from the sale will go toward a range of charities, many of them local.

“Last year’s recipients included Waipuna Hospice, SPCA and Starship hospital, and ongoing sponsorship of a horse for local Riding for the Disabled,” Best said.

Te Puke will also be buzzing with colour and activity on Easter Saturday, April 4, as Jubilee Park hosts The Great Easter Easel Egg-Scapade – an art scavenger hunt and free family festival from 9am to 1pm.

The event invites visitors to explore the park in search of 12 giant Easter eggs on easels, with each egg-shaped canvas uniquely painted by local artists and community groups. Participants can vote for their favourite design, with voting closing at midday and winners announced at 12.30pm.

Families can also take part in a hands-on collaborative artwork, contributing to the ‘EGG-PIC Community Egg’, or join the scavenger hunt by collecting stamps at each egg for a chance to win prizes, including a children’s mountain bike from MyRide Te Puke.

For those keen to explore further, the Te Ara Kahikatea Pathway will feature hidden painted rocks that can be exchanged for Easter treats at the EPIC Te Puke tent.

“There is one rock per child, so everyone gets a chance,” organiser Sally Benning said.

The festival will also feature a wide range of free activities, including meeting the Easter Bunny, Fun First Football, balloon twisting, face painting, pony rides, the COLAB play trailer, photobooth, spot prizes, and a variety of market stalls and food vendors.

Some of the decorated Easter eggs will be auctioned on Trade Me, offering another way for the community to support local creativity.

Find out about more Easter weekend events at: www.whatsontauranga.co.nz