Dripping With Naughtiness, The Return Of The Auckland Live Cabaret Festival Is Here
Alice Rich
Contributor & Former Editor | Urban List NZ
The mercury might be plunging in Tāmaki Makaurau, but there’s one spot in the city that’s only getting hotter this winter. Certain to entice you off the couch, step through the iconic doors of The Civic and you’ll fall into a wonderland of sugar, spice and all things saucy.
Back for its second year after an extended hiatus, the Auckland Live Cabaret Festival is one of the most magical, transportational events in the annual arts calendar.
Here’s everything you need to know, thanks to the fine folk at Auckland Live.
Jump to:
- When And Where It's All Going Down
- A Sizzling Lineup To Book, Stat
- Free Festival Events To Get Amongst
- Where To Eat Before The Festival
- How To Get There
When And Where It’s All Going Down
The Auckland Live Cabaret Festival will be transforming The Civic into a celebration of the entire spectrum of cabaret–from blush-inducing, awe-inspiring, and gravity-defying to deliciously dirty–from 24 June to 5 July 2026, with all areas of the atmospheric theatre being suitably glammed.
A Sizzling Lineup To Book, Stat
Last year, world-renowned cabaret sensation La Clique exploded into the collective consciousness in a blur of swallowed swords, surprisingly sexy popcorn-making and off-the-chain circus feats and burlesque moments. Never one to rest on their laurels, the creators have whipped up an extra spesh (and hella spicy) lil’ number for this year’s festivities, and it goes by the name of Cheeky Cabaret. And you can bet they mean cheeky in every sense of the word.
Keeping the blood pumping (you know where) is Dangerous Goods by Polytoxic, which is promising “diverse, multi-talented, super-powered femmes ready to blow minds and shift paradigms.” Sign. Us. Up.
As for the rest of the lineup, expect to be totally and utterly ensnared by the diverse, mysterious, twisting and glittering depths of the cabaret genre itself. From musical theatre romps and drag royalty to Mandopop-infused karaoke and impeccable comedic timing.
Peruse the full lineup and curate your hit list here. Top tip: start with All That Glitters: The Gala Night for a taste of what’s to come.
Free Events: Festivities That Won't Break The Bank
The almost 100-year-old theatre is a vibe any time of the year, but the festival takeover is giving a next-level Civic. This isn’t just a show. It’s a whole other sultry universe. And that brings us to one of the most beautiful parts of the festival: there’s a whole lot to get amongst without splashing your cash, although you will, no doubt.
Shimmy into The Civic proper and you might just cross paths with destiny, thanks to the cosmic talents of the festival’s resident tarot and palm readers. Spill the tea in a champagne-soaked lounge backed by a live jazz soundscape, and stumble upon raucous antics hidden deep within a secret subterranean piano bar. We hear if you happen to find yourself in the foyers just before 11pm, something totally unexpected might happen…A witching hour that’s not to be missed.
Where To Score Some Pre-Show Bites That Slap
No hunger will go unsatisfied with cabaret platters, available for pre-order upon ticket purchase, late-night eats at the main Theatre Bar and The Piano Bar, and a charming cocktail and mocktail list.
But if you’ve already swiped the tickets and forgotten to lock in the kai, and know you can’t wait ‘til late, we’ve got you.
Start the evening at Hazy Tiger, a trippy utopia of Korean eats and sip-worthy libations, or pull up a pew at Truth or Dare on Snickel Lane. If energy levels are lagging, stop by Re.union for a late-night matcha, slam a burg at Fat Puku’s Smashed Burgers, or if you’ve got a hankering for a mighty feast, take a stroll up Queen Street to Gojo Ethiopian Eatery.
P.S. Arrive at The Civic between 5 and 6pm on Thursdays and Fridays to wrap your mouth around the festival's happy hour.
How To Get There
The Civic is located a hop, skip and a jump from multiple bus stops. It's a 13-minute walk from Britomart Train Station and a two-minute walk from the Civic car park, where you'll pay no more than $13 a pop.
The Details
When: 24 June–5 July 2026
Where: The Civic, 269-287 Queen Street, Auckland CBD
Cost: Varies
Check out Auckland Live for more.
Editor’s note: This article is sponsored by Auckland Live and proudly endorsed by The Urban List. To find out more about who we work with and why, read our editorial policy here.
Image credit: Supplied