What’s On In Auckland This Week, This Month And This Year 2024

It's a new week and there's plenty of fun times ahead. From a magnetic cocktail of absurd comedy and burlesque to a hard-hitting art installation and Peter Pan live in theatre, plus the likes of an epic dumpling masterclass at Huami and Synthony in The Domain to look forward to.

If you're looking for more fun-fuelled events, check out what's on this weekend in Tāmaki Makaurau. Here’s what’s on in Auckland this week, this month, this year, and in 2025. 

What's On In Auckland This Week 

A Slow Burlesque 

4-19 Oct | Basement Theatre

Image credit: Silo Theatre | supplied

Artist Freya Silas Finch, in collaboration with Silo Theatre, brings us the world premiere of A Slow Burlesque—a magnetic cocktail of absurd comedy, physical theatre, and burlesque that delves into the depths of the raw heart of identity and it'll leave you with all the feels. 

And if that sounds like a bit of you (it certaintly sounds like us) you might like to snag a ticket to an extra special offering on 18 October—Beyond The Binary: A Slow Burlesque Bash. Kicking off at 6pm this one's especially for our queer whānau and allies and features a pre-show panel where Moe Laga, Shomudro Das, and Jo Randerson will riff on identity and personal storytelling and then there'll be a bangin' post-show party curated by Paloma Schneideman. 

SOPHIE forEVER Bracelet Personalisation Bar 

'til 13 Oct | Westfield Newmarket

Image credit: SOPHIE | supplied

For the uninitiated, SOPHIE is doing permanent jewellery (watch us get ours) and if you haven't got yours yet—or even if you have—you might just like to skip on down to their pop-up Personalisation Bar at Westfield Newmarket to get amongst. Choose from sterling silver, 14kt gold fill and 9kt solid gold or emboss a notebook or key ring. Bookings essential.

The Trash Species Of Aotearoa New Zealand

7-21 Oct | Sustainable Coastlines Flagship, Wynyard Quarter

Image credit: Sustainable Coastlines | supplied

Fish and chips (or should we say "fush and chups") are an iconic part of Kiwi culture and just as it's essential your fish of the day and scoop of chips materialise bundled in newsprint, it's equally as vital for a fish species poster to be affixed to the shop wall. What else are we going to do while we wait—scroll? We would never.

Fish and chip fans, however, might be at risk of catching a whopper of an uncanny valley vibe this month thanks to a hard-hitting collab by Sustainable Coastlines and local wildlife artist, Erin Forsyth. The "trashy twist" on the species poster sees the Sustainable Coastlines flagship space illustrated with 21 new species of "litter sea life", the watercolors not diluting the message: catch your trash before it fills our oceans.  

Tiffin Box

8-12 Oct | Basement Theatre

In the same way a tiffin box is packed full of delectable treats, Tiffin Box promises 70 minutes of theatrical gems spanning stand-up comedy, dance, poetry and music, all from a South Asian perspective. The latest by Prayas Theatre, a non-profit and Aotearoa's largest South Asian theatre company and community cultural group, the show features 18 artists and sets the scene for the Diwali celebrations which are just around the corner. 

Auckland Theatre Company & Nightsong Peter Pan

8-26 Oct | ASB Waterfront Theatre

Image credit: ATC x Nightsong | supplied

Hang up your adulting pants for a moment and revel in Never land instead (sounds much better than KPIs and packed inboxes, we reckon) in a stunning rendition of J.M. Barrie's classic story of Peter Pan reimagined by Carl Bland. Brought to life by Auckland Theatre Company and Nightsong at the ASB Waterfront Theatre, the stellar cast includes Theo Shakes as Peter Pan, Nova Moala-Knox as Wendy, Junghwi Jo 조정휘 as Tinkerbell, Anika Moa as the Mermaid Queen and Jennifer Ludlam as Captian Hook, to name a few. Round up your fairytale-loving mates, grab your tickets and get ready for magic. 

Domino's Pizza School

'til 9 Oct | Domino's Pizza Pukekohe & Whangaparāoa

Just in time for the school holidays, Domino's Pizza has whipped up a family-friendly Pizza School where pizza-lovin' tots (and adults, alike) will get to don a Domino's apron and chef's hat and make a customised mini pizza and two sides which they'll get to take home in an iconic Domino's Pizza box. Classes are 45 minutes, capped at ten people per session, and are set to take place on Wednesdays. Better still? Pizza School's just ten bucks per person. 

Sugar Rush 

10 Oct | SO/ Gallery

SO/ Gallery is being transformed into a sugary mecca. Part of Heart of The City Art Night 2024, Sugar Rush is an immersive art exhibition where you'll move from room to room devouring whimsical, confectionary-inspired creations by artist-in-residence Rachel Rush, as well as sweet treats paired to amplify the experience. Think: sticky melted resin, toffee-like lacquer and syrupy swirls. Sensational. 

Show Me Shorts Film Festival

10 Oct | Hollywood Avondale

Image credit: Help, I'm Alien Pregnant from Show Me Shorts | supplied

Join in on the Show Me Shorts Auckland launch night festivities with an evening of top tier flicks over a glass of wine and snacks. Hear the filmmakers introduce their films and prepare to laugh, cry and reflect on eight hand-picked shorts. The festival itself includes 126 screenings of 85 short films across 40 cinema venues around the motu from 10-31 October. Check out the full lineup here.

Late Night Latin Dancing

10 Oct | Dance-O-Mat, Aotea Square

Put your best foot forward and salsa into the night, literally, with a free Late Night Latin Dancing session in Aotea Square. The two-hour free dance workshop which is part of Auckland Live Spring in Aotea Square will see you level up your steps with a 30-minute Salsa class (guided by the experts from Viva Dance) chased with 30 minutes of freestyle, and then a 30-minute Bachata class and another 30 minutes of freestyle. All that's left to do after that? Sashay away, obviously.

Āwhina | Sensory Experience With Embodyme

12 Oct | School Of Modern Meditation

With Silly Season quickly approaching, taking moments for self-care are even more essential and luckily this weekend Āwhina Wellness is hosting a stunning Sensory Experience with Embodyme at the School of Modern Meditation (a.k.a. SOMM). During this two-hour event, you'll be guided through sensory activations, mindful movement, reflection, journaling, intention-setting, a sound bath and self-massage using Embodyme Nurturing Body Oils. 

Shark Beauty Pop-Up

'til 20 Oct | Newmarket 

Image credit: Shark Beauty | supplied

If you're anything like us, you've been frothing Shark Beauty ever since the algorithm served it up on your TikTok feed so you'll be beyond stoked to learn a Shark Beauty pop-up is set to materialise in Newmarket later this month, albeit for a limited time. On Friday 27 September you can book into the Shark Beauty Salon for a free 30-minute hair styling session which includes a complimentary blow wave and tips on how to make Shark Beauty's styling tools work for you, plus access to product specials. There'll be a limited number of walk-ins available each day but bookings are recommended. 

BLOOM: A Spring Wellness Day Retreat For Women

12 Oct | Kula Muriwai

Fit and Chat Girls Club is a social club for girlies between 21-35 years old. In October they're running their very first retreat, BLOOM. Taking place in Muriwai, from 9am 'til 5pm, the retreat has been designed to help you step into a new season feeling empowered and refreshed.

Sessions include mat pilates with Personal Trainer Alice Rich (yep, our very own Editor!); breathwork and journaling with Hela Ireland; inner beauty and holistic spring skincare, plus a guided meditation and soundbath with Bonnie Hu; and Icemunity's signature sauna and icebath. Early bird tickets are available for just $120 (20% discounted) until 25 September so if this sounds like a bit of you, grab a ticket here. 

BIG HORNS

12 Oct | The Powerstation

We doubt there's anything much better than a supergroup, especially when said supergroup features kiwi music royalty Che Fu, Ria Hall, Kings & Boh Runga. BIG HORNS is all about 90's and 00's bangers remixed live in concert curated by Dixon Nacey (whose album, The Edge Of Chaos, won the Tui award for Best NZ Jazz Artist back in 2020). 

We've had a sneak peak at the setlist and can confirm it includes Beyoncé's Crazy In Love, Ginuine's Pony, Tupac's California Love, and Warren G's Regulate. There's only one thing left to do—snap up your ticket, stat.

Sakura In Bloom

12 & 13 Oct | The Village

Image credit: Roku Gin X Fankery

To celebrate the release of their limited-edition Sakura Bloom gin, Roku Gin has joined forces with Fankery to create Sakura in Bloom, a collab that's almost too good to eat. Taking place at The Village in Herne Bay on October 12 and 13, punters will get to sink their teeth into a matcha yuzu tart, Sakura cheesecake with mochi, and Sakura tiramisu—all created by Fankery founder, Cathy Fan—while sipping on three top tier Roku cocktail pairings. Gorgeous. 

Pink Ribbon Walk 

 13 Sept | Auckland Domain

Did you know in New Zealand, nine women a day—more than 3,300 a year, are diagnosed with breast cancer? You can do something about this shocking statistic by taking part in the Pink Ribbon Walk this Sunday13 October.  Join thousands of people as they celebrate survivors, remember those who have been lost and help raise awareness and funds to stand up to cancer once and for all. Gather your friends and walk with pride to show cancer who’s boss. 

What's On In Auckland In October 2024

Putt And Pout Drag Bingo

15, 22 & 29 Oct | Holey Moley

Start your engines, drag royalty Anita Wigl'it is hosting a drag bingo at Holey Moley. Taking place from 7 'til 8.30pm for three Tuesdays through October, each night of Putt And Pout involves three rounds of Drag Bingo (to freshly spun beats by their resident DJ, naturally) plus three exclusive cocktail situations: 'Not Today Stan', 'Party City,' and 'Kinky Boots'. All proceeds will be donated to Youthline as part of Funlab's Annual Day of Fun in support of mental health awareness. Entry is free, RSVP essential. 

Like Ice In The Clouds

16 Oct-10 Nov | Sanderson Gallery

Image credit: Like Ice in the Clouds | Simone Rosenabauer & Sanderson Gallery

In internationally acclaimed photographer Simone Rosenabauer's latest exhibition, Like Ice in the Clouds, the phenomenon of ice cream melting represents an interplay between past, present, future and the idea of memory, and it's stunning. Each work features an ice cream on a backdrop of colour or washi paper (traditional Japaense paper made of fibres from the bark of the gampi tree). Stop by and see it for yourself, perhaps contemplating the essence and beauty of impermanence while you do so. And in case it sparks a craving for ice cream, take your pick from Auckland's best. 

Diwali At Cassia

19 Oct | Cassia

In actual fact, the Diwali celebrations at Cassia are two weeks long. Book in between 22 October and 2 November and you'll be able to tuck into a menu created by Sid Sahrawat especially for the Festival of Lights. But on 19 October it's extra special, with street food and drink specials, plus it's the perfect primer for getting amongst the celebrations in Aotea Square. This event is part of Served.

Auckland Plant Market 

20 Oct | Smales Farm

Who doesn’t love a good plant, after all, they not only brighten our rooms but also our mood. For all you crazed plant people out there, you’ll be pleased to hear that Auckland has its very own plant market full of lush green goodness such as indoor plants, palms and cacti. So, whether you want to introduce greenery into your home or add a little sass to your garden, this plant-astic event will fuel your addiction.

80s Silent Disco

26 Oct | Auckland City Cathedral

We all love a good dance at the best of times—throw in some bangin' 80s music and some glow sticks and you've got yourself a party. This interactive 80s-themed silent disco will see you groove and shimmy together in Auckland City Cathedral. So, dust off your lycra suit, prep that perm, and put your newfound moves to the test in the ultimate dance battle.

Travis Scott 

31 Oct | Eden Park

Praise the rap gods as the legend Travis Scott is coming to Auckland this month (cue screams) with his Circus Maximus Tour.  The global sensation is set to shake up Spark Arena, in a showstopping one-night performance, showing off a slew of hits such as 'goosebumps', 'MELTDOWN', 'Skyfall', and heaps more. It’s about to go down.

What's On In Auckland In November 

The Nutcracker 

1 & 2 Nov | Aotea Centre

Step into the world of magic and mystical creatures of The Nutcracker. The much-loved classical ballet is brought to life by international ballet stars at the Aotea Centre. Prepare to be mesmerized as fantasy meets reality and get lost amongst the world's best ballet dancers as they transport you to a magical winter wonderland. 

The Art Of Yum Cha

2 Nov | Huami

Image credit: SkyCity | supplied

If, like us, you're no stranger to obliterating dumplings by the plateful you're going to absolutely froth Huami's dumpling masterclass. Yes siree, part of SkyCity's inaugural restaurant month, Served, The Art of Yum Cha is an opportunity to put your mitts where your mouth is and learn the art of dumpling-making guided by Huami's chefs (with a glass of Perrier-Jouet Champagne for good measure). Morning session (11am-1pm) run in Mandarin and the afternoon session (3-5pm) run in English. Limited spots are available and you know they'll get snapped up. 

City Lights Guy Fawkes Tour

5 Nov | Auckland Harbour 

Image credit: Auckland Sea Kayaks | supplied

If you haven't heard, Auckland Sea Kayaks has just launched inner-city night kayaking tours and, in the spirit of a bangin' good night (literally), there's an extra special edition: City Lights Guy Fawkes Tour. Paddlers will glide along the water revelling in a very special view of the evening's fireworks, the glowing Sky Tower, and Vector Light shows. 

The Lord Of The Rings - A Musical Tale

5-24 Nov | The Civic

Calling all Lord of the Rings fans! Join your fellowship pals as they start to wrap up their Middle Earth business and discover what happens to the ring in The Lord of the Rings Musical. Unleash your inner hobbit at this once-in-a-lifetime theatrical event. Dressing up is encouraged, so whip out that wand and cloak and head to Auckland’s very own Shire, The Civic for a night of pure magic. 

Dean Lewis 

10 Nov | Aotea Centre

Dean Lewis is a total heartthrob who’s got everyone swooning—he’s basically the Aussie Harry Styles! After rocking his debut headline show in New Zealand back in 2019 and coming back for an encore in 2023, Dean’s set to return for an epic celebration of his third album, The Epilogue. Get ready for a slew of his biggest hits like 'Be Alright,' 'Waves,' and 'Stay Awake,' plus a bunch more tunes that’ll keep you hooked. 

An Evening With Stephen Fry

11 Nov | Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre 

Multi-award-winning comedian and actor, Stephen Fry is gracing Auckland with his presence for a fabulous evening of storytelling.  It’s going to be an unforgettable night of witty insights, charming anecdotes, and, of course, his signature humour. If you’re a fan of clever banter and deep thoughts from one of the most entertaining minds out there, this is a must-attend. 

Coldplay 

13, 15 & 16 Nov | Eden Park

Image credit: Coldplay | Anna Lee Media

Coldplay has just confirmed stadium shows in Melbourne, Sydney and Auckland for their record-breaking world tour which has electrified audiences in their sell-out shows in Perth, Tokyo, Kaohsiung and Jakarta. 
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​The band will be performing in Auckland for the first time since 2016 at Eden Park on Wednesday, November 13 and on the newly added dates of November 15 and 16, 2024.
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​Since the first Music Of The Spheres World Tour date in March 2022, the band have sold over 9 million tickets—the most for any tour over the last two years. The tour has also received rave reviews from fans and critics alike, picking up accolades including Favourite Touring Artist at the 2022 AMAs and Tour of The Year at the 2023 iHeartRadio Awards. ​Sound like a bitta you? Register for presale tickets from 10am on Wednesday, 29 November here.

An Evening With Dolly Alderton

20 Nov | Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre

Catch bestselling author and podcast queen, Dolly Alderton, in action as she's in town to celebrate her newest book, 'Good Material'. Known for her much-loved memoir, 'Everything I Know About Love', her Sunday Times advice column, 'Dear Dolly', which was also adapted into a book, and the popular current affairs podcast 'The high Low'. Dolly will be sharing her hilarious and heartfelt stories about love, heartbreak, and everything in between. Thinking caps at the ready as you'll even have a chance to ask your own Dear Dolly questions! 

What's On In Auckland In December 

John Bishop

2 Dec | Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre 

John Bishop is bringing his brand-new comedy show, Back At It, to Auckland this month. The comedy king is hitting the road with a fresh tour after a couple of years TV presenting, stage acting, podcasting, dog walking, and even some home decorating. Now, he’s ready to get back to what he loves most—cracking us up live on stage!

XClusive The Show

7 Dec | SkyCity

If you love high glamour seasoned with a little grit from the gutter, send Xclusive The Show straight to the top of your December must-do list. Dive into a mesmerizing mix of circus, dance, and burlesque as you’re whisked away on a cabaret adventure. This high-energy show is all about keeping you on the edge of your seat with its interactive and classy vibe.

The Holiday In Concert

21 Dec | Kiri Te Kanawa Theatre

Unleash your inner kid at this special screening of The Holiday. Back by popular demand, the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra has done us a solid and is bringing the much-loved Christmas film to life at the Aotea Centre. 

This isn’t any ordinary screening, no siree! In fact, it’s quite magical—as a live orchestra will perform the beloved Xmas tunes alongside the movie. So, grab that popcorn, get cosey, and sing your heart out to some festive bangers. 

Hidden Valley Festival

27 Dec | Matakana  

Matakana is where the party’s at this month as festival fave Hidden Valley is back bigger and better than before. The one-day fest will see drum and bass legends take to the stage. It’s going to be lit—plus it will get you amped up for 2025 with a cheeky pre-nye party. 

ASB Classic 

30 Dec 2024-11 Jan 2025 | ASB Tennis Arena Stadium 

Auckland’s summer social calendar isn’t complete without the ASB Classic—New Zealand’s premier tennis tournament. With some of the biggest names in international tennis set to take centre court, it’s an event not to be missed. As well as kicking back and watching the game, you can indulge in the highest quality cuisine, made by some top-notch chefs. Tennis, sunshine, good grub, flowing drinks and live music—what more could you ask for?

Highlife NYE

31 Dec | Waiheke 

Serving boutique Ibiza-style vibes Highlife Festival is another classic New Year's Eve party that you'll want to experience at least once. Every year the top-notch lineup features world-renowned DJs, entertainers and dancers, along with delicious eats and a strong beverage game. 

What's On In Auckland In 2025

Mānuka Farm Synthony In The Domain 2025

29 Mar | Auckland Domain

 Welcome to the world of Synthony—a worldwide movement that pairs famous orchestras with flat-cap-wearing DJs to host wall-to-wall banger fests. The boutique outdoor festival will transform the Auckland Domain into a full-blown multi-sensory extravaganza experience for summer vibes incarnate. The lineup's a slay with the likes of Auckland Philharmonia, Basement Jaxx, Cyril, Example, Darude (the Finnish producer behind hit techno song, Sandstorm), Kora, Ladi6, Kings, P Digsss, Dick Johnson and Th' Dudes, It's sure to sell out so if this sounds like a bit of you, get on it, stat. 

Not in Auckland? Check out what's on in Christchurch, Wellington and Queenstown this year.

Image credit: Caretaker | Instagram. 

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